Edible Apple

There’s no disputing the fact that there are more Android users out there than iOS users. That notwithstanding, developers by and large tend to focus their efforts first (and sometimes exclusively) on Apple’s iOS before turning their attention to Android.

But if you ask Google chairman Eric Schmidt, who spoke yesterday at the LeWeb conference, this dynamic won’t last for long. Schmidt, addressing an Android user frustrated that iOS routinely beat Android apps to market, boldy exclaimed:

“My prediction is that six months from now you’ll say the opposite.”

Now the Android Marketplace is certainly thriving, with Google announcing that Android recently surpassed 10 billion downloads, but given that iOS users are more prone to actually spending money on apps, we don’t see developers shifting their focus away from the iOS platform in favor of Android anytime soon.

Schmidt, however, views things differently.

“Ultimately, application vendors are driven by volume, and volume is favored by the open approach Google is taking. There are so many manufacturers working to deliver Android phones globally.” Schmidt explained. “Whether you like Android or not, you will support that platform, and maybe you’ll even deliver it first.”

Further, Schmidt was quick to exclaim that Android is now ahead of the iPhone on nearly every important metric. Whether it be features, unit volume, better prices or the number of vendors, the Android vs. iPhone battle, in the eyes of Schmidt, clearly falls in Android’s favor. And always quick to brush off the obvious, Schmidt also dismissed claims that Android is nothing more than a cheap copy of the iPhone, explaining that Android came out sooner than the iPhone.

Somewhat comically, Schmidt believes Andriod, in the eyes of developers, will prove more appealing thanks in large part to Ice Cream Sandwich, the most recent iteration of the Android OS. Never mind the fact that it’s currently only available on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus which still isn’t available in the US and other parts of the world