What Are the Real Differences Between iOS and Android in 2024?

The rivalry between iOS and Android continues unabated in 2024. With iOS 18 and Android 15 as the latest versions, it’s worth examining the key differences between these two operating systems today. Apple’s iOS is becoming increasingly customizable, while Google’s Android is focusing on stability and consistency.

Is iOS still as restrictive and less customizable as it once was? Is Android still the more flexible and option-rich choice? At Xataka On, we aim to explore the current landscape of both systems to provide a detailed comparison of their differences today.

First, Let’s Discuss Technical Data

To understand the differences between iOS and Android, it’s important to examine how they’re built first. iOS is an operating system based on the XNU kernel from Darwin. While you don’t need to memorize the technical names, you should know that its architecture is closed and controlled by Apple. This creates a tighter ecosystem with a strong focus on hardware and software integration, resulting in greater stability but less flexibility.

In contrast, Android is based on the Linux kernel, which is further adapted with several additional layers. Android offers a more modular and open system, allowing for greater customization and adaptability. However, this can also lead to increased ecosystem fragmentation.

When developing apps for iOS, developers typically use Swift, along with Objective-C and React. For Android, app development can utilize Java, Kotlin, C++, JavaScript, and other languages. As a result, iOS apps tend to exhibit more consistency than Android apps.

Apple designs both the hardware and software for its devices, which typically allows for better optimization compared to Android phones. While devices like the Google Pixel use their own processors, these chipsets are usually developed in collaboration with other manufacturers, such as Samsung, rather than being entirely in-house like Apple’s chips.

The file systems also differ. Android uses ext4 or F2FS, while Apple employs its own proprietary system. Apple’s file system is generally more robust in terms of security, although it restricts access to system folders. In contrast, Android provides access to nearly all system folders, even without root access.

One main advantage of Android is the ability to install apps in .APK format from any repository without the need to go through app stores and complicated processes.

In conclusion, the two operating systems are fundamentally different at a technical level. iOS prioritizes security and impenetrability, whereas Android offers greater freedom and flexibility.

Is There Really No Multitasking on iOS?

One of the main differences between iOS and Android is how they manage background processes, with their approaches being practically opposite. iOS is much more restrictive in this area, primarily to save energy, enhance privacy, and optimize system efficiency.

While iOS does allow certain apps, like Spotify, to play music in the background, it can make it challenging for other apps, such as Google Photos and Amazon Photos, to upload pictures when the screen is off. This doesn’t mean that iOS prohibits background processes. It simply means that Apple’s OS simply imposes significant restrictions to prevent excessive resource consumption and maintain control over which tasks can continue running.

In contrast, one of Android’s advantages (which some will see as a disadvantage) is that it allows apps to run in the background with minimal restrictions. While certain system elements can hibernate processes that haven’t been used for a while, having many apps installed can lead to somewhat chaotic management.

This can be viewed in two ways. On the one hand, Android enables users to run many tasks in the background, allowing the system to continue functioning even when the screen is turned off. On the other hand, if many apps and processes are running in the background, it can negatively impact battery life and overall performance.

Now, Let’s Talk About Customization

A few years ago, customizing iOS was considered almost taboo. Today, iPhone users can modify the interface to levels they never thought possible. However, Android remains a much more customizable system, allowing changes to the system launcher itself.

The system launcher launches and displays apps on the home screen, a feature that can’t be altered on iOS. On Android, however, users have greater freedom to create widgets, apply themes, and modify almost the entire interface, not to mention the availability of Custom ROMs.

One extreme way to customize Android is by changing the operating system entirely. Users can root their devices to gain access to the root folders and unlock the bootloader (responsible for starting the system) to load new ROMs. Popular alternatives include LineageOS, GrapheneOS, and numerous third-party ROMs available for a wide range of devices.

In contrast, the alternative for iOS is jailbreaking, a process that allows for deeper system modifications. In any case, it doesn’t reach the same level of customization as replacing the Android ROM.

Upgrades and Long-Term Support

Until recently, purchasing an Android phone typically meant expecting system updates for a couple of years at most. However, Google and processor manufacturers have improved their offerings, and several manufacturers now provide system updates for five to seven years.

Apple doesn’t specify exactly how many years its phones will receive updates. However, on average, it’s around six years. In this regard, both operating systems are relatively similar.

The main distinction is that when Apple releases a new version of its operating system, all compatible devices receive the update simultaneously. Regardless of whether you own an iPhone 16 Pro or an iPhone 12, they’ll all receive the latest iOS version on the same day it’s launched.

In contrast, with Android, it usually takes at least six months for manufacturers to optimize and deliver the update after Google releases a new version. While users can be quite certain that their devices will get the update, it’s harder for them to know exactly when they’ll receive it.

Artificial Intelligence

According to Apple, one area where Android is currently two years ahead is AI. The Gemini Nano models are integrated into many of the latest mobile devices. Meanwhile, those who don’t have it can replace Google Assistant with the Gemini APK.

In addition to Google’s AI offerings, manufacturers like Samsung have implemented features such as Magic Eraser, intelligent voice recording summaries, and call translation. While you might choose not to use these functions, they’re available and can be quite useful.

On the other hand, iOS is just beginning to explore Apple Intelligence. Apple’s own AI system promises to bring software features with utility in mind that can be used to summarize emails and communicate with Siri in a more natural way.

Neither iOS nor Android Can Be Strictly Defined as Such

Over time, both operating systems have begun to converge. While they still have distinct differences, their similarities are becoming more pronounced. Android has evolved into a more polished system, shedding the instabilities and bugs of the past, and it now offers support that is on par with iOS.

On the other hand, iOS continues to be a reliable choice, and it’s known for its stability. At the same time, it offers slightly more customization options, which prevents it from being entirely impenetrable. Ultimately, the decision between the two remains a matter of personal preference.

Image | Xataka

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