There was a time when Android and iOS were two completely different worlds, each with completely different target audiences and experiences. But with both operating systems becoming more mature, the divide between them is less evident. The latest iterations, Android 13 and iOS 16, are now more similar than ever. We list some of the newest features that are really helping to bridge the gap between the two beasts.
Android 13 vs iOS 16: Customization
When you think of Android, you think of unlimited customization across the entire interface, and iOS looked like the complete opposite. With iOS 16, the home screen and lock screen can be customized. Apple also added widget support to the lock screen, which is no longer an option on Android.
In iOS 16, users can choose from multiple widgets, customize colors, and use depth effects with wallpapers for a truly unique look. When it comes to customizing the lock screen, Apple’s iOS 16 really beats Android in this regard.
With Android 13, the ‘Material You’ theme actually goes a little further and will customize even app icons in tune with the overall system color theme. That’s not yet an option in iOS 16, but it’s safe to say that both operating systems now offer plenty of customization features for users.
Android 13 vs iOS 16: language options per app
While iOS supports per-app language switching since iOS 13, Android only got it with its latest version. The feature makes apps on both operating systems more friendly for multilingual users who may prefer to access certain apps in languages other than the system’s default. Once set up, the feature works very similarly on both, although setting it up is a completely different experience on either.
On Android phones running Android 13 (still a very limited number given the fragmentation of the ecosystem), you can do this directly from the app’s information page. This can be accessed through the menu that appears when you long-press any app icon. Meanwhile, on Apple, you need to launch the system settings and search for the app within the apps list. Tap on that and only then you will find the option. Please note that not all apps on iOS and Android have additional support for multiple languages.
Android 13 vs iOS 16: Focus Mode
Focus mode can be a lifesaver when you want to focus solely on the task at hand. The feature actually has the same name on Android and iOS, although the implementation is a little different on both. In fact, Apple’s version recently received a big update with iOS 16. For iPhone users, Focus has dedicated modes like Do Not Disturb, Drive, Personal, Sleep, or Work.
You can customize these modes to ensure that only certain apps can show notifications and only certain people can call you. Apple’s implementation even goes as far as allowing you to hide certain parts of apps and show only the parts that belong to your Focus, such as a specific Mail or Calendar account.
Meanwhile, Android Focus Mode will change the icon of selected apps to gray and put them on “pause.” It also ensures that your notifications are hidden. If you tap on the app, you’ll notice that focus mode is on, although you’ll be given the option to use it for five minutes. Therefore, this will activate at a selected time each day based on your preference.
Android 13 vs iOS 16: Dictation
The Pixel 6 series introduced some pretty powerful dictation features with Android 12 last year, but Apple caught on this year with iOS 16.
With Android 13 and iOS 16, you can now speak and type seamlessly on both platforms, and punctuation is handled automatically. Another common feature is emoji support, which you can add to your texts using nothing more than speech. The steps required to start voice dictation are also the same: on iOS, you simply tap the microphone icon in the bottom right corner of your keyboard, while in Gboard on Android, that icon is in the top right corner.
Interactive Widgets
Google included some other details to create a better Android 13 interface. Among these details we can see an image in the media control center so you can see the image of the song.
But, no matter how many functions are created and added, it is most likely that no one will remember them when they see the Interactive Widgets that will arrive in iOS 16.
This function will allow you to navigate between application features without leaving the widget itself . For example, the Apple Music widget shows the image of the album or song that is playing, along with the name of the artist, but does not give the option to navigate between tracks, but this will change with the new interactive widgets, where you can use various functions from that little box on the home screen.
Crash detector in iOS 16
It is true that Google has developed a complex alarm and security system in its operating system and its devices, but at this point Apple also has a great advantage. Everything indicates that finally the function to report traffic accidents will reach all iPhones compatible with iOS 16. And you may be thinking that Google has had this feature since Android 10, but this feature is not related to Android’s emergency location service.
This system would be completely intelligent, very similar to the fall detection system that the Apple Watch has. These will have different movement patterns that will activate an alarm. This alarm will be automatically sent to the authorities responsible for the location where you are, without the need to make an emergency call. Finally, remember that the iPhone has a function that recognizes when you are driving your car, or when you are on a route, this is detected by the distance you travel.
The bad thing about iOS 16
Everything has a positive side, everything has a negative side, and this is no exception. Just as iOS 16 has beneficial features that position it above Android 13, it also has some weaknesses that can backfire over time.
FAQ’s
How secure is Android 13 compared to iOS 16?
Both Android 13 and iOS 16 prioritize security, although their methodologies differ. Regular security upgrades and features like Play Protect, which detects applications for viruses, are included with Android 13. However, iOS 16 is noted for its robust security, thanks to features including Apple App Store review procedures and hardware integration, such as the Secure Enclave.
What are the main customizing changes between Android 13 and iOS 16?
Customization possibilities have been increased in both Android 13 and iOS 16. Android 13 continues to shine in terms of overall interface customization, including system color theming and customisable app icons. In contrast, iOS 16 now allows for home screen and lock screen customisation, as well as widget support. While iOS 16 has made tremendous progress, Android 13 still has a reputation for offering more customization options.
What is the difference between Focus Mode on Android 13 and iOS 16?
Focus Mode is a useful tool for handling alerts and being productive. It now has many settings with sophisticated customization in iOS 16, enabling you to filter alerts and even conceal important areas of apps. Focus Mode in Android 13 momentarily “pauses” chosen apps and conceals alerts. It also has a scheduling feature. The Focus Mode in iOS 16 offers greater granular control, making it an effective tool for sustaining attention.
What is the “Crash Detector” function in iOS 16, and how does it vary from the safety measures in Android 13?
iOS 16 adds a “Crash Detector” function that differs from Android’s emergency location services. It can identify various movement patterns automatically, comparable to the Apple Watch’s fall detection, and transmit notifications to authorities in the event of an accident. Android has its own safety capabilities, however this feature in iOS 16 is aimed to improve user safety in unusual scenarios, distinguishing it from Android’s safety offerings.
Conclusion
Android 13 and iOS 16 provide a variety of features and functions in an ever-changing mobile operating system environment, each with its own set of strengths and limitations. While both systems have made significant progress in areas like customization, language support, Focus Mode, dictation, and interactive widgets, their methodologies and depth of these features differ. IOS 16 has a potentially game-changing “Crash Detector” feature that distinguishes it from Android in terms of safety. However, it should be noted that iOS 16 lacks substantial design and visual enhancements, and it may fall short of Android’s multitasking features. Your preferences and interests in a mobile operating system will impact your choice between Android 13 and iOS 16.
