Android OS fragmentation was an issue to developers and became a weakness of the mobile operating system. However, Android fragmentation was also the greatest strength why it is now the most dominant mobile platform in the world. Was it something Apple should imitate to win back market share?

Android's Weakness: Fragmentation

Android OS has several versions, devices running Android comes in many shapes and sizes, available in different screen sizes and rated in vast numbers of different performance levels. All these factors contributed to the growing fragmentation of Android OS which burden developers to optimise apps according to each category. It was extremely challenging and time consuming.

Greatness of Fragmentation

Even with all those issues, Android's fragmentation have several advantages which made it successful. Android devices with different hardware and sizes reach consumers in each economic level, permitting them to choose which phone or tablet do they exactly want - big or small, cheap or expensive, simple or premium.

Benefits to App Developers

Consumers weren't the only ones benefiting from the fragmentation, even developers as well. Although challenging and time consuming for optimising applications, developers have a wider range of audience compared to a less-fragmented mobile platform. Optimised applications can reach devices with lower Android versions which are mostly owned by users in the low economic level.

Local Players Can Join

Android devices were manufactured by several tech companies, and most of them have signature brands. The open-source concept of Android allowed any manufacturer to join even if they are going to add into the fragmentation issue. It widened the price range available for consumers by preferring local brands than international ones - the more, the merrier.

Should Other Mobile OS Imitate?

iOS was currently losing hold over dominance in the market share including the battle against Android tablets with iPads. iOS was a less-fragmented ecosystem which defines how secure the platform is compared to Android; however, there was a downside - smaller audience. Apple devices were expensive compared with Android units, and consumers were growing practical these days. Why would someone buy an iPhone 5 with wallet-slashing price if there was a cheaper alternative?

It was true that some call Android as a "second-rate" trying hard OS, but no one can deny that lots of people are using Android gadgets. Apple was now currently working on a lower-end device to increase fragmentation of their ecosystem which means Android is not doing something wrong but rather doing something worthy of envy by others.