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Android and iOS Comparison

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Introduction

The mobile technology improvement serves as a crucial stage in the technological

advancement. Mobile technology offers individuals and organizations benefits like real-time data

sharing, effective communication, remote collaboration, and enhanced internet usage (Gyorödi et

al., 2017). Android and iOS are currently the most popular and reliable mobile operating

systems. Google released Android OS in 2008 while Apple launched iOS in 2007 to support

mobile applications. In this case, evaluating Android and iOS features from both a user and

developer’s perspective can enable a company to make an informed decision.

Mobile App versus Website

Users can access websites and applications using mobile devices like tablets and

smartphones. A mobile website comprises interconnected browser-based HTML pages that are

accessible on the internet. The website category utilizes designs that promote their compatibility

with touch-screen interfaces and handheld displays. These websites can display data, video,

images, and text content like other websites. On the contrary, mobile applications are

downloadable software that functions within devices instead of browsers (Cunningham, 2023).

For instance, Android and iOS device users can download apps from the Google Play Store and

Apple App Store, respectively.

System Mobile Functionalities

Exclusive features for iOS devices are Breezy setup, AirDrop, App offloading, iMessage,

and WiFi password sharing. Android and iOS provide widgets to improve accessibility to crucial

functionalities and data in tablets and smartphones. The Android OS provides high

customizability to facilitate the development of feasible software based on specific users’ needs.
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Conversely, exclusive features of Android include file management, guest accounts, a

customizable home screen, expandable storage, and a split screen (Cunningham, 2023). Unlike

Android, iOS has limited customizability unless developers implement jailbreaking techniques to

remove particular restrictions (Ahmad et al., 2013). Markedly, file transfer in iOS-powered

smartphones is a difficult procedure that depends on applications like Finder and iTunes.

Additionally, Android utilizes an open-source model while iOS utilizes a closed-source OS

model.

Mobile Interfaces

Android and iOS utilize touch interfaces that support operations like pinch-and-zoom,

tapping, and swiping. User interfaces for both operating systems have a status bar that provides

information like battery life, cell and WiFi signal, and time. Android provides a status bar that

displays additional information like reminders, messages, and new text messages (Wukkadada &

Nambiar, 2015). Nonetheless, these operating systems provide different interface features on

their respective mobile devices. For instance, the iOS interface provides a dock function that

enables users to pin the most regularly utilized applications on their mobile gadgets. Additional

user interface features in the iOS 14 version are pinned chats, exposure lock, picture-in-picture,

custom widget stack, and third-party default apps. On the contrary, Android 11 has interface

features like improved media controls, one-time permissions, native screen recording, and

priority conversations.

Application Development Myths

App development requires developers to debunk application development myths.

Developers should debunk the myth about the inexpensive and ease of mobile application
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development. Existing evidence proves that mobile application development occurs at a similarly

high cost and intricate procedure to the desktop application. Professionals should ignore the

assumption that app development is only limited to coding since additional procedures are

involved. An assumption that a single app is compatible with all platforms is false (McWherter &

Gowell, 2012). Individuals should understand that applications can be customized for specific

operating systems. People should also not assume that mobile applications are developed

exclusively for smartphones. Rather, individuals should understand that mobile applications are

utilized in smart devices (refrigerators and TVs) and tablets.

Adaptive vs. Dedicated Mobile Websites

Today, web designers consider that mobile usage in accessing website content has

increased tremendously. The situation necessitates the design of mobile-friendly websites,

namely adaptive and responsive websites. Responsive mobile websites feature designs that

facilitate their shrinkage and expansion based on the screen size. The fluid design associated with

this website offers benefits like fast development rates, low maintenance, and flexibility

(Moebert et al., 2016). The Responsive design facilitates the development of websites that can be

utilized simultaneously on computers and mobile devices. Conversely, adaptive design facilitates

the design of separate websites for desktops, mobile screens, and tablets. Unfortunately, this

website design has limitations like high maintenance requirements, longer development times,

and user inconveniences.

Conclusion

Security is a crucial factor that developers and users should consider when choosing

between iOS and Android devices. Android device usage exposes users to cyberattack threats due
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to security update challenges related to manufacturers' laxity. Latest Android-powered devices

provide biometric authentication features like face and fingerprint scanners to prevent

unauthorized access. On the other hand, Apple device users rarely face security threats since iOS

offers occasional security updates and highly controlled app downloads. Biometric authentication

features like face and fingerprint scanners are also available on iOS devices like iPhones and

iPads. Therefore, iOS is the most desirable operating system for usage in companies due to its

security aspect.
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References

Ahmad, M. S., Musa, N. E., Nadarajah, R., Hassan, R., & Othman, N. E. (2013, July).

Comparison between android and iOS Operating System in terms of security. In 2013 8th

International Conference on Information Technology in Asia (CITA) (pp. 1-4). IEEE.

https://doi: 10.1109/CITA.2013.6637558

Cunningham, A. (2023). iPhone vs. Android: Which Is Better for You? Wirecutter.

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/ios-vs-android/

Gyorödi, R., Zmaranda, D., Adrian, V. G., & Gyorödi, C. (2017). A comparative study between

applications developed for Android and iOS. International Journal of Advanced

Computer Science and Applications, 8(11).

McWherter, J., & Gowell, S. (2012). Professional mobile application development. Hoboken:

John Wiley & Sons.

Moebert, T., Zender, R., & Lucke, U. (2016). A generalized approach for context-aware

adaptation in mobile e-learning settings. Mobile, Ubiquitous, and Pervasive Learning:

Fundaments, Applications, and Trends, 23-53. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-26518-

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Wukkadada, B., Nambiar, R., & Nair, A. (2015). Mobile operating system: Analysis and

comparison of Android and iOS. International Journal of Computing and Technology,

2(7), 273-276. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?

repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=101f723d06082a6c06d327077607aded1e5c7a56
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