What are the key differences you consider when designing for iOS versus Android platforms?

I will always say, please don't forget the notch, most people don't take into account the notch and there are things getting hidden under it, also another things to consider, on ios back button is really important, as there are only gestures to go back.

When designing a new app for either iOS or Android, the approach reflects each platform’s unique traits and user expectations:

1. Adherence to Guidelines: For iOS, the design should strictly follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines, which prioritize clarity, deference, and depth. These principles foster an intuitive interaction where content takes center stage. For Android, adhering to Material Design principles is crucial. Material Design emphasizes tactile surfaces, bold graphical treatments, and meaningful animations, which can make the app feel more dynamic and fluid.
2. Navigational Paradigms: iOS designs often lean towards a tab bar at the bottom, providing a clear pathway to major sections of the app. This is conducive to one-handed usage, a common scenario among iPhone users. On Android, the navigation drawer (hamburger menu) is more common. This style can support more navigation options without cluttering the interface and is well-suited to devices with larger screens or varying aspect ratios.
3. Interactive Elements: Designing buttons and other interactive elements also requires consideration of the platform norms. iOS tends to favor minimalism with a flat design, while Android might incorporate more shadows and ripples that mimic real-world interactions, providing users with feedback in a more pronounced manner.
4. Back Button Handling: Including a UI element for back navigation in iOS is essential, as iPhones lack a universal back button. In contrast, Android devices typically include a hardware or software back button, so the app design should account for this by ensuring it does not conflict with the system’s default back function.
5. Testing Across Devices: Android’s fragmentation means designing for a broad range of devices, screen sizes, and OS versions, requiring extensive testing to ensure consistency. For iOS, although there are fewer device models, keeping up with the latest technology like notches, aspect ratios, and new gestures introduced in recent models is critical.
6. Market Considerations: iOS users are often seen as more willing to purchase apps or make in-app purchases, which could influence the design of e-commerce elements or premium features. Android’s larger global footprint might require designing for a wider range of economic conditions and supporting more languages.

Designing with these platform-specific considerations in mind will help ensure the app not only fits seamlessly into its intended ecosystem but also meets the high expectations of its users.