Google and Apple almost walked step-for-step this yr as the businesses geared as much as launch Android 15 and iOS 18. Each working methods added broad help for satellite tv for pc messaging and new methods to cover and lock apps for enhanced privateness. Every additionally picked up a characteristic the opposite had for years: iOS 18 gained RCS help, and Android 15 gained app archival help. That is why these cellular working methods are extra alike than ever.
Nonetheless, there are 5 modifications Google dropped at the very best Android telephones that give Android 15 an edge over iOS 18. They’re all about safety, privateness, and productiveness. Let’s evaluate the brand new options that make Android stand out in 2024.
Learn our evaluate
My favourite Android 15 options are removed from flashy
A minor replace with welcome quality-of-life tweaks
5 New safety safeguards preserve your system knowledge locked down
Theft Detection Lock, Distant Lock, and Offline Gadget Lock are essential
Apple is often recognized for safeguarding customers’ privateness and safety, however Google has challenged Apple on that entrance lately. Google makes use of AI to detect scams by preventing in opposition to malware and introducing options that defend your cellphone from thieves. With Android 15, three new instruments defend your knowledge from dangerous actors: Theft Detection Lock, Distant Lock, and Offline Gadget Lock.
All three are options you hope you by no means have to make use of, however they’re an superior backup plan when wanted. Apple’s Activation Lock and Discover My on iOS do not evaluate to the brand new options Google launched with Android 15.
Theft Detection Lock makes use of AI, ML, and built-in movement sensors to determine when somebody snatches your cellphone. It locks your system when it detects a swift and sharp motion (mimicking a snatch-and-grab). That is essential as a result of a stolen unlocked system may give a thief entry to 2FA codes, your password supervisor, delicate apps, and private knowledge.
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Distant Lock locks down your Android cellphone whenever you go to the Android.com/lock web site and enter the verified cellphone quantity related to it. Apple’s comparable Discover My ecosystem requires customers to sign up to iCloud and confirm with 2FA earlier than permitting them to lock down a tool.
Offline Gadget Lock locks your cellphone when it goes offline, reminiscent of when a thief or hacker turns off Wi-Fi or mobile to stop you from locking or erasing it.
One of the best a part of all three options is that they do not inhibit the person expertise. If any are activated by accident, it solely takes your system PIN or passcode to override them.
4 Extra choices for big-screen gadgets and foldables
App pairs and pinned taskbars make multitasking on tablets and foldables simpler
Android is turning into higher optimized for the very best tablets and prime foldable telephones, and Android 15 continues that pattern. This yr’s two huge additions are a pinned taskbar and saved app pairs. If you happen to use an Android pill or foldable, you may swipe up from the underside of the display screen to disclose a taskbar. From there, you may add apps to your view and shortly launch new ones. It is nice for multitasking.
Now you can pin the taskbar in Android 15 to the underside of the display screen, much like how the macOS Dock or Home windows Begin menu works on the desktop. It is a helpful addition to tablets and foldables. The return of the persistent taskbar makes it simpler to launch apps, create cut up views and app pairs, and activate floating home windows.
Whereas iPadOS has comparable (however not precise) performance, Apple added just about zero new iPad-specific options with iOS 18, which provides Android the benefit.
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3 App pairs improve productiveness whereas multitasking
You may love this characteristic even when you do not have a pill or foldable
App pairs are supercharged on Android 15, whether or not you utilize a pill, foldable, or common smartphone. After creating an app pair, it can save you the apps to your own home display screen collectively. If you faucet the app pair, each apps open collectively like a single app. It is a game-changer for individuals who often use app pairs for multitasking initiatives on Android. iOS does not help split-screen or app pairs in any capability, and Android 15 is miles forward right here.
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2 File one app and conceal the remainder
Your privateness is taken into account in additional methods than one
Whereas the brand new Non-public House characteristic on Android 15 is superb, Apple beat Google to the punch. It added comparable locked and hidden apps with iOS 18. Nonetheless, Google nonetheless has one privacy-focused Android 15 characteristic price noting. You’ll be able to select a particular app for display screen recordings, making certain nothing undesirable is shared or saved. It is a genius characteristic. I am shocked it wasn’t added to Android or iOS sooner.
1 Circle to Search is even higher with Android 15
I miss Circle to Search each time I exploit my iPhone
Circle to Search is offered on iOS via the Google app, but it surely’s removed from the identical expertise you get on Android gadgets. Circle to Search is likely one of the options I miss most after I change from an Android cellphone to an iPhone. It is even higher with Android 15, as now you can determine songs with Circle to Search in a snap. That is faster than the Shazam shortcut within the iOS Management Heart. As a music lover, it is one thing I like about Android 15.
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There are many methods iOS 18 tops Android 15
Android 15 is stuffed with small however significant modifications, whereas iOS 18 does not really feel as thrilling. If you look previous the customizable dwelling screens and the empty guarantees of Apple Intelligence, it is simple to be disenchanted with Apple’s replace this yr. There are some issues to love about iOS 18, however these 5 issues assist Android 15 beat it, at the least in a number of areas that matter.
