Key takeawayAndroid web to app converters produce APK and AAB files, which iPhones can't install. For iPhone you need a separate iOS build (Xcode on a Mac or a cloud service), a paid Apple Developer membership and App Review, which rejects apps that are just a website (guideline 4.2). A sensible order: ship Android first, make your site a PWA so iPhone users can add it to the home screen, then invest in iOS once Android proves demand.
- Android
- APK + AAB, Play review
- iPhone
- Xcode build, App Review
- iOS rule
- Guideline 4.2
- Bridge
- PWA on iPhone
Side by side
| Android | iPhone | |
|---|---|---|
| File format | APK (install) + AAB (Play) | IPA via App Store Connect |
| Build machine | Any — cloud builds from a phone work | macOS with Xcode, or a cloud Mac |
| Store fee | One-time Play registration | Yearly Apple Developer Program |
| Install outside the store | Yes (sideload APK) | Very limited |
| Review strictness for web apps | Moderate — minimum functionality | Strict — guideline 4.2 |
What Apple looks for
Apple's guideline 4.2 rejects apps that are “not sufficiently different from a mobile browsing experience”. Converted apps that pass usually have native navigation (tabs), push notifications, offline handling and features tied to the device. Sign in with Apple is required if you offer other third-party social logins.
The PWA bridge for iPhone
While you decide on iOS, make your website a Progressive Web App: a web manifest with icons, a service worker, and the apple-touch-icon. iPhone users can then tap Share → Add to Home Screen and get a full-screen icon. Since iOS 16.4, home-screen web apps can also receive web push.
A sensible order
- Convert your website to an Android app — fast, cheap, no Mac.
- Add PWA basics to the site so iPhone users get a home-screen app.
- Measure Android installs and engagement for a few months.
- If the numbers justify it, build the iOS version with native extras that satisfy Apple.
Frequently asked
Can one web to app converter make both Android and iPhone apps?
Some paid services build both. A phone-based Android converter like Website to App builds Android only.
Can I install an APK on an iPhone?
No. iOS doesn't run Android packages.