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As both iOS and Android evolve, Apple consistently nails certain aspects of the smartphone experience that leave Android manufacturers playing catch-up. From my years of use, here are the key areas where Apple excels—and what its competitors could learn to up their game.
1Better App Quality Control
One of the biggest differences I noticed when switching to an Android device is the gap in app quality. This applies not only to apps available on both platforms but also to platform-exclusive apps. This disparity is largely due to Apple’s stricter guidelines for developers who wish to publish on the App Store.
Many popular apps feel more polished and refined on iOS compared to their Android counterparts. For example, the camera quality in most social media apps tends to be noticeably worse on Android devices.
While companies like Samsung have tried to address this by working with social media platforms to allow apps to use the camera’s full capabilities, adoption by other manufacturers has been mediocre at best.
Another key distinction lies in the exclusive apps each platform offers.The App Store has some incredible exclusive apps, likeHalide, a must-have for photography enthusiasts, andGarageBand, which is hands down the best digital audio workstation I’ve used on a mobile device. Unfortunately, these apps are not available on Android.
2Privacy and Security
Since Apple controls both the hardware and software on iPhones, iOS tends to be more secure. As I mentioned above, the App Store’s strict review process also makes it unlikely you’ll download an app containing malware, which isn’t always the case with the Play Store.
Additionally, Android allows apps to be downloaded from third-party sources, increasing the risk of accidentally installing malware if you’re not careful.
While sideloading apps on iPhones is only available to EU users, and it’s a feature I’d love to see worldwide, I understand why Apple is so restrictive, as many users wouldn’t know if the app they’re installing outside the App Store is safe.
The same goes for privacy. Apple collects as little data as possible and performs most actions directly on the device. With AI becoming a huge trend in smartphones, Google and Samsung often process these tasks on powerful off-device servers.
In contrast, Apple handles most of itsApple Intelligence featureson-device. Tasks that need extra processing power are sent to Apple’s Private Cloud Compute, which deletes your data after processing the request.
3Ecosystem Integration
If you use other Apple devices alongside your iPhone, you’ve probably experienced how seamlessly everything works together.The Apple ecosystem is packed with amazing featuresthat make life so much easier.
One of my favorite Apple ecosystem features is being able to start working on my Mac and instantly pick up right where I left off on my iPhone—it’s a convenience I just can’t live without.
That said, perhaps the best feature for me isiPhone Mirroring in macOS Sequoia. It lets me mirror and control my iPhone right from my Mac, which is incredibly useful when my iPhone is out of reach, and I need quick access in a pinch.
4Accessibility Features
Accessibility has always been a major focus for Apple across all its devices, and many of those features are useful even if you don’t have a disability. Take AssistiveTouch, for example—it lets you perform actions like taking screenshots, adjusting the volume, and more without needing to fiddle with physical buttons.
While AssistiveTouch is a simple feature, Apple offers other accessibility options that are truly mind-blowing. One standout is Personal Voice, which usesmachine learningto create a synthetic version of your voice. You can use this voice during FaceTime by typing what you want to say. It’s especially beneficial for people with conditions like ALS, who may lose their ability to speak over time.
Another incredible feature is Eye Tracking. For individuals with motor disabilities who can’t interact with the screen using touch, this allows them to control their iPhones just by moving their eyes.
These examples highlight how much Apple prioritizes making its devices accessible to everyone. I’ve yet to see any other Android manufacturer offering the same depth of accessibility options.
5Customer Service
Although Apple’s official repairs aren’t cheap, the process is usually pretty smooth. Simple repairs, like battery or display replacements for iPhones, often take just a few hours, with your device typically ready the same day. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for Samsung phones. Even a screen replacement took a full week before I had my phone back in my hands.
If you havean AppleCare+ warranty, Apple also offers a loaner iPhone while your device is being repaired, which is an underrated perk I wish more Android manufacturers would adopt.
While iPhones have their flaws, there are several areas where Apple clearly excels, and Android manufacturers could learn a thing or two. Android may not always match the level of polish and seamless experience that Apple consistently delivers, but its biggest advantage is the freedom and customization it offers—giving you a level of control that Apple just doesn’t provide.
