What is Android fragmentation? A complete guide

As an app developer publishing in the Android ecosystem, you want to provide a consistent, secure, and fully-optimized experience for your user base. This can be uniquely challenging due to Android fragmentation, the proliferation of different devices running different versions of the Android OS.

Key takeaways

• Android Fragmentation describes how the Android ecosystem is divided into a wide variety of devices and operating system versions.

• Fragmentation is caused by delayed OS updates and customization. This can lead to security risks, inconsistent user experiences, and compatibility problems.

• Developers can overcome fragmentation with prioritization, responsive design, and thorough testing.

What is Android fragmentation (AF)

Android fragmentation refers to the wide variety of Android devices, each running different operating system versions with different hardware specifications. This makes it challenging for developers to create apps that work the same across all devices and creates inconsistent user experiences and security problems.

The market share of Android OS devices

Android fragmentation is a serious issue due to the operating system's dominant market share. Today, around 71.42% of global smartphone users have an Android device, while 27.93% use iOS.

But while Apple is the only manufacturer of devices for iOS, Android phones are built by hundreds of manufacturers, each selling their own models. Android’s prevalence means that the effects of fragmentation can impact billions of users and devices worldwide.

Tip: If you’re trying to decide which Android devices to choose when beta testing for Google Marketplace apps, be sure to include both flagship models and slower, mid-to-low-tier models.

What causes Android fragmentation?

So why are there so many different Android versions in the first place? There are a few reasons behind fragmentation:

• Open-source model: Android is an open-source operating system, which means manufacturers have the ability to modify it to meet the hardware requirements of their devices. For example, the Nothing Phone (1)'s unique LED backlights for notifications required OS customization.

• Diverse ecosystem: With customization comes a wider range of devices with varying specifications. Both the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with a 6.9” main display and the credit-card sized Jelly Star with its 3” display, run on Android.

• Irregular update schedules: While Apple centrally manages all iOS releases, Android devices are updated by the individual manufacturers or carriers. The result is that users receive updates at different times, and older phones may not receive updates at all if the manufacturer no longer supports the device.

Wondering what Android OS version you have? You can check in the Settings app under About Phone > Android Version

Disadvantages of Android fragmentation

What are the real risks of Android fragmentation? The biggest issue is security, with many devices running outdated, unpatched software. This means that even if a vulnerability has been detected and fixed, your device may not be running the version with that fix.

Different Android OS versions also provide different experiences across devices. While this allows for more customization, apps may not work the same on all devices. It’s nearly impossible for developers to test their apps on every potential version-device combination, which can lead to compatibility issues and poor user experiences.

Advantages of Android’s open-source OS

With all the challenges associated with Android fragmentation, there are still many advantages to an open-source OS:

• Hardware customization: Android allows manufacturers to modify the OS to match their hardware requirements, providing users with more options when selecting a device.

• More price options: Android phones are available in a greater range of prices compared to Apple, from under $200 to well over $1000.

• Increased user control: Android users have greater ability to customize their phones compared to iOS users. This includes setting default apps, uploading widgets to the home page, and sideloading apps that don’t fit the Google Play Store requirements.

• Android apps dig deeper into the OS: Android apps can interact more extensively with the operating system then iOS apps, modifying core functionalities like the file management system or UI.

How does Android fragmentation affect your app?

Android fragmentation creates challenges for app developers, particularly when an app depends on specific versions or device features to function. This inconsistency limits the app's reach, as users with incompatible devices are excluded, and testing across many device-version combinations becomes resource-intensive and costly.

Fragmentation also creates obstacles in BYOD (bring your own device) environments, where employees use personal devices for work. Organizations must address the security risks and data management challenges from multiple Android versions, placing a heavier burden on IT resources.

How to avoid issues when building Android apps

For developers working in the Android ecosystem, there are several unique challenges compared to iOS, which require specific solutions:

Absence of standard user interface (UI) for Android

Designing an app that works well on a variety of screen sizes, resolutions and custom UI layers can be a challenge. It requires the use of responsive design principles, and developers will also want to be familiar with Android’s Material Design guidelines.

Another alternative solution is to try a web-to-app builder. This approach not only simplifies development and maintenance but also provides consistent functionality across devices.

The problem of device fragmentation

Each year new phone models and operating system versions are released, while older models remain in circulation. This leads to an ever greater number of possible device-OS combinations.

Testing across multiple physical devices, and using cloud-based testing services like Firebase Test Lab can ensure that your app is compatible with as many of these combinations as possible.

Security issue in Android apps

When Android devices are not updated regularly, they can be left exposed to unpatched vulnerabilities, and the operating system’s greater customizability risks granting attackers heightened permissions to core system files.

For developers, ensuring the security of your users and avoiding app store rejection is a major concern. These risks can be addressed with security measures like encryption, secure API integration, and regular vulnerability assessments.

Monetization issues

While Android has a massive lead in market share, Android users tend to spend less on apps than iOS users. As of 2024, App Store revenue was at $103.4 billion, compared to Google Play Store’s $46.7 billion.

To get a share of the market, your app needs to use appropriate monetization strategies for your target audience. This includes models like freemium, in-app purchases, and ads.

Enhancing app visibility

With over 3 million apps in the Google Play Store, competition is high. To stand out, your app needs to be fully compatible with Google Play Store requirements and employ App Store Optimization (ASO) techniques like keyword choice, positive user reviews, and strong visuals.

Choosing the correct programming language

The language(s) you choose for your app development projects will likely be determined by your existing expertise and the specific needs of your project. Another important consideration is whether your app is native or hybrid.

The two most commonly used programming languages for Android app development are Kotlin and Java. Kotlin has been endorsed by Google since 2017 and is known for its concise syntax, while Java is a widely-used language with an extensive collection of libraries and tools.

For cross-platform or hybrid development, Flutter (using Dart) or React Native (using JavaScript) are popular choices.

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How does Android fragmentation affect Median.co apps?

Median.co completes extensive testing across the Android ecosystem so that apps built using our platform perform well on all devices.

For developers, creating an app with Median.co will provide a consistent experience for users, no matter which version they run. As an example, we ensure camera and file system access will work consistently across the entire Android ecosystem.

The Median App Studio allows you to rebuild your app multiple times, with each new build using the most recent Median.co core code. This means that your new build will be compatible with the latest Android OS versions and devices.

Our app studio also lets you test your Android app directly within your browser using Android virtual simulators.

Summary

While Android’s flexibility and customization are often seen as strengths, the huge spectrum of devices and OS versions, known as Android fragmentation, can lead to security issues, inconsistent user experiences, and development challenges.

One practical solution is to use Median’ App Studio to convert your website to an app, allowing Median to take on the burden of testing and compatibility challenges. Median makes it easier to create apps that work across various Android versions and ensure that they remain updated as the platform evolves.

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Frequently asked questions

How are Android webview apps affected by fragmentation?

Android fragmentation also impacts webview apps. Since different Android versions may run different webview implementations, developers will have to test for consistent behavior and functionality across multiple devices.

Is it easier to develop and publish your app to the Apple App Store?

While Apple simplifies compatibility by keeping a controlled ecosystem, Apple App Store requirements are generally stricter, making the submission process more demanding.

How do I speed up Google Play Store and App Store approval?

To speed up approval for the Google Play Store and App Store, make sure your app fully complies with submission guidelines, including technical and content requirements. Test thoroughly to eliminate bugs and provide clear and accurate app descriptions and visuals.