The evolution of mobile operating systems has led them, in certain circumstances and moments, to take inspiration from each other. Android and iOS achieved excellent results degree of maturityfruit of many years of development, and is reflected in the new features of the new Android 15, which may seem rare compared to other updates.
Let them tell Apple and its iOS 18, a platform radically different from the past and which increasingly resembles our favorite system. And with the iPhone 16, it has taken a definitive step: getting closer than ever to Android. Whether this is the objective of the Apple company or not, they have in their OS and in their latest mobile the perfect claim for those who are looking for an alternative and who have been with Google for years. There are compelling reasons to think so..
Personalization is the first approach
Apple has always been very secretive about everything related to its devices and platforms: the customization of the iPhone system was much more limited than that of Android. In our favorite OS, we have been able to change every aspect, even with launchers that modify the interface more aggressively.
Not to mention the introduction of Material You in Android 12, a design language that has reinterpreted the way we use our devices. Now, with iPhone 16 and iOS 18 (iOS 18.1 on the way), Apple sneaks up on its rival.
The customization options of iOS 18 sparked controversy when the betas of this new version began to be deployed publicly. Implementation of these options is another matter, which certainly seemed green in its early stages. Now that they’re installed, we can say that this is the most Android iOS we’ve seen: order of application icons at will, accent colors with themed icons…
All this without taking into account the Revolution of control centers, Which, personally, I would say goes way beyond what we’ve seen on Android. My Pixel doesn’t allow me to have multiple pages of quick settings, for example Google sticks to editing the buttons available in this area.
The wallpaper switcher and the lock screen itself add many possibilities. In fact, I would say that the first item is very similar to the namesake in Android. And regarding the lock screen, again, I think it has a head start thanks to the introduction of small widgets. The watch design also offers customization.
Are we really attracted to the Android app drawer? iOS 18 now lets you hide apps on the Home screen and make them all go to the Home screen. “Application Library”. Sound familiar? I would say yes. Android users are left with no excuses, in fact, on a personal level I can say that I haven’t missed much from Android during
Some very “pro” cameras
The “Pro” controls that Apple is now boasting with its new “Camera Control” have been in Google’s system for some time. Samsung and others like Sony have added the possibility, yes, from the screen and not from a dedicated control physically.
The fact is that we were even able to control the photographic settings from our wrist, Motorola has already done it. When manufacturers start releasing devices with this “new” Camera Control, they will say that Android copied them even though there was a Sony Xperia with something similar.
The same thing happens with the capture in RAWa setting for those looking to get the most out of their cameras. On Android, it debuted with Android 5.0 in 2014, while Apple users had to wait for ProRAW to arrive in 2020.
The EU almost combines the two systems
The latest policies imposed on Apple by European regulations have forever changed the iPhone system: opening to the installation of parallel applications, alternative stores, installation from websites… There are many changes that make it similar to Android and therefore surely we will feel comfortable using it.
It won’t have F-Droid or Aurora Store but iOS already offers alternative stores to the Apple App Store
At least in the European Union, of course, which remains as tight as ever to the entry of software through unofficial channels. And from the rest of the sections of the operating system to which we are accustomed, we have mirror on iOS: the new Apple Passwords application as an authenticator, battery protection during charging, blocking of applications with FaceID which imitates the functionality of the new “Private Space”…
And there are no more price differences
Not to mention the price. Do you want the latest Galaxy in service? Or do you opt for the top Xiaomi? We are used to paying as much for a premium Android mobile as for an iPhone. We lost the excuse of money a long time ago.that very good phones are also made under Android, with advanced features.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra had a starting price of 1,479 dollars, more expensive than some iPhones
And if you’re considering switching to the iPhone, you might also not miss Gemini or the different AIs we have access to: the news of Siri, and Apple Intelligence in general, doesn’t seem like a bad start , although we will have to wait until next year to taste them here.
Anyway, these are the reasons why Apple has phones in its iPhone 16 that will meet the expectations of any Android user. As refined as they are, iPhones remain authentic gems of telephony. And Google will not be absent if we think about a change in ecosystem.
Cover image | Pepu Ricca for Xataka Android
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