With iOS 9 having been recently updated by Apple, the two dominant mobile operating systems are now ready to face up against one another. In one corner is the Android 6 system, which is the most commonly used mobile OS in the world. Google, of course, licenses its software to smartphone manufacturers all over the planet, while Apple keeps its proprietary software very much to itself and the iPhone range.
But which one of Android 6 and iOS 9 will particularly suit your needs, and how do the two operating systems compare to one another? Here is a rundown of the merits of the two pieces of software.
iOS 9 vs Android 6 – Design
Both Android 6 and iOS 9 must be viewed as updates to a certain extent, but neither has made significant changes to the design of the operating system appearance. Android 6 is still based around Google’s Material Design, which can be reasonably described as a colorful and striking option. Apple has always attempted to cultivate a sophisticated image, and iOS 9 certainly lives up to this reputation. It is difficult to give a definitive answer regarding which of the two operating systems is more attractive. Considering that the two approaches are so different, it will be very much down to personal preference in this department.
One possible advantage for the iOS 9 system is with regard to tablet screens, with the split-view and slide over aspect of the operating system considered particularly convenient for this platform. Some reviewers have suggested that Android looks somewhat stretched on larger devices, and this perhaps reflects the fact that the iPad is such a dominant tablet in the existing marketplace.
Contrasts
When considering the differences between iOS 9 and Android 6, it is important to assess the contrast between the two operating systems. Undoubtedly, Android 6 still offers considerably more customization options than iOS 9. Although Apple has tried to tweak the way that iOS 9 operates in order to provide users with more options, it is extremely hard to see this ever changing completely simply due to the overarching ethos of the two pieces of software
Thus, elements of the software such as the default applications are central to the Android experience, while iOS 9 quite simply offers no such options. Android 6 developers get much more privileged access to the mobile operating system, and this can translate into an improved experience for users of the system.
However, iOS is often considered to be slicker than Android, and this process continues to a certain extent with iOS 9, although Android 6 has unquestionably responded to this perception. iOS 9 updates are extremely effective, and Apple has particularly highlighted its approach to privacy. Unquestionably, iOS 9 is a more secure system than Android 6, not least because the majority of malware in the world is still targeted at the more commonly used Google operating system.
Google Now vs. Proactive Siri
Personal assistants are becoming increasingly important in the technology landscape, and both Android 6 and iOS 9 feature their own particular offerings. Google Now on Tap provides access to applications for users, although the consensus is that this particular feature still needs some work in order to consolidate its functions.
But Google has certainly upgraded Google Now with the release of Android 6, with the software continually working behind the scenes to learn as much about you as possible. In particular, the software mines data from apps in order to understand the individual user as much as possible. This just contributes to the overall impression of Android 6 being more personalized than iOS 9.
One of the interesting aspects of Google Now is that it is updated independently of the Android operating system, ensuring that it is not necessary to continually update Android in order to get the latest version of this assistant. It is also worth mentioning that this software is available on iOS as well, although Apple unquestionably wants users to utilize its Siri software.
Apple has attempted to match Google Now by producing a contextually aware update iOS 9 system, ensuring that Siri can recognize what’s on screen and interpret your requests accordingly. The new Proactive update that has been rolled out by Apple in iOS 9 will also enable Siri to access apps and information at certain appropriate junctures without request. This is a useful and effective feature of the software, but it must be said that Google Now brings a little more to the table at present than Siri.
Native Apps
Google and Apple continue to work on their native applications, such a primary aspect of any mobile operating system and ultimately smartphone platform. iOS differs significantly from Android in the sense that stock apps are updated at the same time as the operating system itself. This is always an issue for people who may wish to jailbreak the iOS 9 system, which is an extremely popular approach for experienced iOS users.
It is notable with IOS 9 that Apple Maps has been considerably improved, with public transport information now included. Although it is yet to be the equal of Google Maps, it now shows potential of reaching this point in the foreseeable future.
On the Android 6 side of the fence, the revamped Photos is considered to be superior by many to Apple’s iCloud Photo Library. Again, it is worth noting that this app is available on both platforms.
App choice is strong on both platforms, but iOS 9 can be considered more suitable for those utilizing Apple hardware. It has always been the combination of propriety Apple hardware and software that has made iPhone so popular, and this continues to be the case. To cement this position, Apple continues to offer none of its applications on Android, although Apple Music will be arriving on Android 6 soon.
Conclusion
Android 6 remains the more open and customizable of the two operating systems, while iOS 9 offers a more unified, slick and private experience. Both Google and Apple have worked hard to ensure that the particular weaknesses of the two operating systems have been negated significantly.
