Android and iOS are two competing mobile operating systems. They are owned by Google and Apple, two of the most well-known companies in the technology sector. There are benefits and drawbacks to using either of these mobile operating systems. Let’s dig deeper into the Android vs. iOS argument so you can make an informed decision.
There are smartphone operating systems besides Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. However, the likelihood of you doing so is vanishingly small.
This two-sided competition has resulted in software that can only be characterized as polished, feature-rich, and technologically potent.
Your smartphone’s operating system choice is often influenced by your familial connections rather than the software’s technical capabilities or user features.
You prefer to use the operating system as those around you. For instance, if all your friends and family use Apple’s FaceTime for video calls, you wouldn’t want to miss out on joining or have your message bubbles appear green instead of the standard blue.
While platform alternatives are available for most functions, such as Google Hangouts or Skype, that can be installed on Android and iPhone devices, the built-in functionality and consistency usually outweigh third-party options.
Let’s understand a little more about the origins of Android and iOS:
Android
- Android is Google LLC’s mobile operating system.
- It uses a customized version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software as its foundation.
- It was developed solely for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets and is optimized for their use.
- It was created with various programming languages, including C, Java, and C++.
- Google presented the very first version of Android to the public in 2008.
- Android 10 is the most recent version of Android that is considered stable. It is offered without any charge of any kind.
iOS
- Apple Inc. is behind iOS, an operating system designed specifically for Apple devices like the iPhone and iPod Touch.
- It used to be called iPhone OS and is built on a foundation of Unix, drawing inspiration from Darwin’s (BSD) operating system.
- iOS ranks second in user base among operating systems, right after Android.
- The primary programming languages for iOS development include C, C++, Swift, assembly language, and Objective C. The initial public release of iOS was in 2007.
Below are some key pointers that settle the Android vs. iOS debate:
| Aspect | Android | iOS |
| Operating System | Developed by Google | Developed by Apple |
| Customization | A high degree of customization and flexibility | Limited customization, more uniform interface |
| App Ecosystem | A larger variety of apps, including third-party app stores | Strictly controlled App Store |
| Device Diversity | Available on a wide range of devices | Limited to Apple devices |
| User Interface | Variable user interfaces based on device and manufacturer | Consistent, uniform design |
| Updates | OS updates may vary in timing and availability across devices | Consistent and timely updates for all devices |
| Hardware Control | Greater control over device hardware | Limited access to hardware by third-party apps |
| Voice Assistants | Google Assistant | Siri |
| Default Apps | Can set default apps for various functions | Limited ability to change default apps |
| File Management | More open file system, easier file management | More restricted file system |
| Security | More susceptible to malware and security risks | Less susceptible to malware, tightly controlled |
| Privacy Controls | Extensive privacy settings and controls | Privacy controls with limited granularity |
| Cloud Ecosystem | Tied to Google services | Tied to Apple services |
| Price Range | Wide range of price options | Generally more expensive |
| Cross-Platform Compatibility | It may have limited compatibility with other ecosystems | Seamless integration with other Apple devices |
Now comes the most important question –
Why Android?
Android was first created in 2003 by Android Inc., a Palo Alto-based startup. The company was purchased by Google in 2005.
The first version of Android was released in 2008, and it included integration with core Google services like Maps, Gmail, and others. Android 13 is the newest iteration, launched only recently.
1. User Experience:
- Android lets you customize the home screen and add widgets. It also lets other programs administer the home screen.
- Most Android phones have expandable storage. The phone may contain 32 or 64GB of storage, but a microSD card can add 1 TB.
- iOS only supports iPad split-screen. This feature works on Android phones, too.
- Android lets users choose a file manager and access the file system. Plugging an Android device into a PC makes its file system appear as a drive, allowing drag-and-drop file transfers.
2. Payment methods
- Android uses the mobile payment software Google Wallet.
- Android phones with NFC chips can make wireless payments at checkout by tapping the phone. This service works with Google Wallet but not all Android phones or wireless carriers.
- Samsung’s Galaxy S4 and S5 with NFC chips support mobile payments running Android 4.4 KitKat or later.
3. Security
- Android apps remain isolated unless a user permits an application access to other system resources.
- Developer misunderstanding causes many apps to request unnecessary permissions, although this reduces system issues.
- The most common Android malware sends text messages to premium rate lines without the user’s knowledge and sends personal information to unauthorized third parties.
- As the most common smartphone OS, it is particularly vulnerable to assaults.
4. Software updates
- Google updates Android frequently, but some customers may not receive upgrades or buy phones with outdated software.
- Phone manufacturers select when to change software. They may only update some of their phones and tablets to the latest Android.
- Even after Android releases a new version, an upgrade is generally given months later.
Why iOS?
iOS is the operating system that powers all mobile devices produced by Apple. Previously, this software was referred to as iPhone OS. Apple’s iOS is a proprietary operating system that cannot be utilized with products made by any other company.
In addition, the iPhone and the iPod Touch use an operating system called iOS. In 2019, Apple developed a unique operating system for its iPads called iPadOS. In case you want to collaborate with a company for iOS App Development, make sure you understand the basics.
1. User Experience:
- Sharing WiFi passwords between iOS devices is easy. Hold them close; a pop-up will ask you to disclose your password.
- A popular iOS app, iMessage manages SMS communications (when the other party is on a non-Apple platform) and Apple-supported chat. Its Apple Pay connection simplifies iMessage money transfers.
- iOS automatically deletes unused apps. App data is saved and restored as needed.
- Apple makes upgrading iPhones easy. Importing apps, data, passwords, and settings on a new iPhone is easy.
2. Payment methods
- The iOS mobile payment system is Apple Pay.
- Apple Pay was launched nearly a year after tap-to-pay on select Android phones, but fingerprint recognition makes it easier to use.
- Apple Pay usage has increased. Apple Pay has sparked interest in mobile payments and spurred Android users to find the capability on their phones, growing Google Wallet use over NFC.
- Passbook is a built-in iOS app that serves as a central repository for tickets, loyalty cards, and credit/debit cards.
3. Security
- Apple reviews all apps and verifies app publishers’ identities, discouraging malware makers from writing iOS apps.
- An iOS device jailbroken and running apps outside Apple’s store can be subject to assaults and malware.
- The security of an Android or iOS smartphone depends on its software updates. iOS shines here. Software updates are released simultaneously for all iOS devices by Apple.
4. Software updates
- iOS users have a significant benefit here. Any iOS device can receive the latest updates.
- In the fall of 2020, Apple released iOS 14, compatible with iPhones as far back as the iPhone 6S, which had been introduced in September 2015.
- Apple has stated that some older devices may only receive new capabilities in an update due to hardware capability.
Wrapping up
The end, then.
We can conclude from this Android vs. iOS discussion that both platforms can provide users with a satisfying experience. Both operating systems are quite useful provided you partner with the right mobile app development company to help you find the best based on your requirements.
Your decision will ultimately be influenced less by the operating system’s capabilities and more by your social and professional networks.
