Exploring the Fresh iOS 16 Functionalities Previously Present in Android
Placing a crown of flattery on imitation, Apple's iOS and Google's Android dance a delicate tango, each trying to outshine the other by replicating features. Though they share a similar vibe with their offerings, the differences between the two can leave you questioning whether you've got the right handheld companion.
This week, Apple unveiled the next installment in their dance, iOS 16. Armed with a plethora of new features like a fresh Lock screen and widgets, it was hard not to notice the echoes of Android. Let's dive into some of those supposed " copied " features in iOS 16 and why Apple might have aced them just a bit more than Android.
Enrichment Insights
Although they employ contrasting design philosophies, iOS and Android are inextricably linked by shared features, shaping the competitive arena that drives advancements in both platforms.
- Privacy Enhancements
The digital landscape has prompted both iOS and Android to beef up their privacy features, addressing users' concerns.
Apple's commitment to privacy is clearly reflected in its "Private Compute Core" introduction in iOS 15. This feature keeps audio and language processing isolated from networks, maintaining user data privacy. iOS 15 further offers users control over local network access, giving them the power to choose whether to give apps permission to access Bluetooth or Wi-Fi devices.
Android, in response, added a "Privacy Dashboard" with Android 12. This dashboard displays all the apps and their access permissions, including camera, microphone, and location. Android includes indicators in the status bar to alert users whenever an app utilizes the camera or microphone and offers a "Toast Notification" for clipboard data access.
- Customization Options
Both iOS and Android strive to tailor their platforms to suit their users' preferences.
IOS 18 offers unique customization options, such as personalizing Home Screen icons with your favorite colors or exploring redesigned functionalities within the Photos app.
Android's extensive customization options allow users to fine-tune their software to their liking. Features like Material You, which adapts to various screen sizes and input modalities, or the ability to change wallpaper colors to carry that color theme across the entire mobile experience outshine iOS in the customization department.
- App Library and Organization
Organization is key when dealing with the chaos of juggling apps.
In iOS 15, the introduction of a new Home Screen with the App Library groups all apps into one location. This eliminates the need for multiple home screens and includes a search bar for quick app access.
Android, having always offered widgets, eventually introduced features like picture-in-picture and live translation, which iOS eventually adopted.
- Nearby Sharing and AirDrop
Both platforms aim to facilitate easy sharing between devices.
Apple's AirDrop permits users to share files between devices effortlessly.
Android's Nearby Share feature enables users to share Wi-Fi passwords and other data with nearby devices.
Why is Apple's Implementation Often Considered Superior?
- Integration and Security
Apple's closed ecosystem ensures that all apps undergo thorough vetting before entering the App Store. This heightened security reduces the risk of malware and provides a seamless user experience.
- User Experience
Apple's prioritization of design and user experience frequently results in a more polished and intuitive interface. Features like Apple Intelligence, which anticipate user needs and supply personalized assistance, up the user experience ante.
- Performance and Innovation
The A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Pro delivers exceptional performance and power efficiency, making it ideal for tasks like video editing and gaming. Apple's innovative features, such as the Always-On Display and ProMotion technology, further distinguish the iPhone in the market.
- Despite Android's efforts to match iOS in the customization department with features like Material You, the level of personalization offered by iOS 18 might still be considered less extensive compared to Android.
- The 'copycat' accusations levied against iOS 16 over its new features might be viewed as flattery by some, as Apple seems to be incorporating popular features from Android to keep up with the competition.
- iOS 16's debut of the fresh Lock screen and widgets, which bear a striking resemblance to Android's functionality, might spark a debate among tech enthusiasts about whether iOS has finally caught up with Android in terms of offering customizable user interfaces.
