7 Major Differences Between Android and iOS

Android and iOS are both operating systems primarily used in mobile phones. Google and the latter by Apple developed the former. There are a lot of differences and also similarities between both. They are both designed to work on swiping, tapping, pinch, and zoom. The basic functions are also similar to a phone call, maps, messaging etc. Both of them support 4G networks.

The programming language used and Operating System family

Android is written in C, C++ and Java, while iOS is in C, C++, Objective -C and swift. The first android was released in 2018 and iOS in 2017. For android, the OS family is Unix-like, a modified version of the Linux kernel. The iOS family is also Unix-like based on Darwin(BSD) and OS (X). 

The latest Android version is Android 11, while that of iOS is 14.0.1, both of them were released in 2020.

The openness of the system

Another major difference is in the openness of the system. Android is an open-source system, while that of Apple is closed-source.

Android OS is based on Android Open Source Project (AOSP), which means people can access that source code and make customized operating systems. At the same time, Apple OS is closed-source with some open-source bits. But it is not possible to build an OS from it.

Security and Updates

When it comes to security, people always prefer iOS. Apple's strict policies about security and updates had helped it a lot. Apple had the approach of doing whatever it takes to make their system secure. While in the case of android, it's openness has made it prone to security issues. But the good part is that they are working towards making android a more secure device. If we take the case of updates, Google provides updates for a maximum of 2 to 3 years. While in the case of iOS, Apple gives the updates for around 5 to 6 years. So clearly, iOS is better in terms of updates.

Apps

Android users have a play store, while iOS has an app store. If you take the number of apps available, the playstore is the winner. iOS has fewer apps. Android also gives the option to download apps from sources other than the play store. But Apple is strict here; they allow to download apps only from the app store. Apple's app store has stricter policies. They have a long review process to check if the app is of Apple's standard.

Android app development companies will have to spend more because it is a more expensive affair since the range of android products are wide. Simultaneously, the issue for iOS app development services is that it is tough to get the app store's approval to include new apps.

User Interface and User-friendliness

Android is more customizable compared to iOS. But the UI of iOS is more clean and beautiful. Android is more user-friendly compared to iOS, but in the case of UI, iOS is better.

Pricing

Here android has a high hand. Android has a range of models in different price ranges. But for iOS, affordability is quite difficult. Apple phones have always been at the high end of the market. And also, the number of free apps available is in favour of android. The iOS operating system is very efficient, and also, when it comes to design, apple phones are more beautiful and compact. Android phones are more affordable compared to iOS. So here, android is the winner.

Performance and Flexibility

iOS is faster and smoother compared to android. The performance of iOS remains constant for a long time, while it slows down over some time in the case of android. The iOS system is more optimized, so it doesn't need more RAM compared to android.

In terms of flexibility, android has the high hand. Android is more flexible compared to iOS. When it comes to gadgets, also android is more flexible. 

When it comes to the number of users, android users are higher compared to iOS. Well, this depends on a lot of factors like affordability. Android is currently more popular, and iOS still is in the high end. It remains unaffordable to many. But this is prone to rapid changes. Within a few years, it can all turn upside down.