The Intense Rivalry of Apple's iOS vs Google's Android: 20 Lesser-known Facts

Apple's iOS and Google's Android are the two most popular mobile operating systems in the world. They are used by millions of people every day and are found on a wide variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets. The two systems have a number of similarities and differences, but they are often considered to be rivals in the market.

One of the main differences between iOS and Android is that iOS is only used on Apple devices, such as the iPhone and iPad, while Android is used on a wide range of devices from different manufacturers, including Samsung, LG, and Google's own Pixel line.

Another difference is that iOS is a closed system, meaning that it is tightly controlled by Apple and is only available on Apple devices. Android, on the other hand, is an open-source system, meaning that it is available to be modified and used by other manufacturers.

In terms of design, iOS is known for its clean, minimalist aesthetic, while Android tends to be more customizable, with users able to change the look and feel of the operating system to a greater degree.

In terms of features, both iOS and Android have similar capabilities, such as the ability to make phone calls, send text messages, and access the internet. However, iOS tends to be more tightly integrated with other Apple products and services, such as iCloud and Apple Music, while Android is more open to third-party apps and services.

Overall, the rivalry between iOS and Android is intense and it's a long term one, with both companies constantly trying to outdo each other in terms of features, design, and performance. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference and which ecosystem of devices, apps and services one is more invested in.

Here are 20 lesser-known facts about the age-old rivalry between Apple's iOS and Google's Android:

1. The iOS and Android rivalry can be traced back to the early days of smartphones, when Apple's iPhone and Google's Android were first introduced.
2. The first Android phone, the T-Mobile G1 (also known as the HTC Dream) was released in 2008, a year after the iPhone.
3. Apple's iOS and Google's Android have been involved in a number of legal disputes over the years, mainly related to patent infringement.
4. Android was originally developed by Android Inc., a company that was later acquired by Google in 2005.
5. Google originally developed Android as a response to the closed nature of Apple's iOS and to give consumers more choice in the mobile market.
6. Apple's App Store for iOS has always been more profitable for developers, as iOS users tend to spend more money on apps and in-app purchases than Android users.
7. Android has a larger global market share compared to iOS, but in developed countries like the United States, the market share is more evenly split between the two.
8. In terms of hardware, the iOS and Android rivalry has also extended to smartwatches and smart speakers, with both companies offering competing products such as the Apple Watch and the Google Wear OS watches and the HomePod and Google Nest smart speakers.
9. Google's Android OS has been used by several major mobile manufacturers, such as Samsung, OnePlus, Huawei, and LG. The use of Android OS by these manufacturers has helped to increase the market share of Android OS.
10. Apple's iOS updates are usually released to all compatible devices at the same time, while Android updates are released by manufacturers on different schedules, which can sometimes lead to delays in receiving updates for certain devices.
11. In terms of security, iOS is generally considered to be more secure than Android due to Apple's strict control over the operating system and its closed ecosystem.
12. Google's Android OS has been criticized for its fragmentation issues, with many different versions of the OS being used on different devices, leading to compatibility problems for some apps and services.
13. In terms of privacy, both iOS and Android have been criticized for their data collection practices, but iOS has been considered more private as Apple has made privacy a key part of its marketing strategy.
14. Google's Android OS has been used to power a variety of non-phone devices, such as tablets, smart TVs, and in-car entertainment systems.
15. Apple's iOS is known for its tight integration with other Apple products and services, such as iCloud, iMessage, and Apple Music, while Android is more open to third-party apps and services.
16. In terms of updates, Apple releases major updates to iOS on an annual basis, while Google releases updates to Android on a more frequent basis.
17. In terms of app availability, both iOS and Android have a large number of apps available, but iOS tends to have more exclusive apps that are only available on Apple devices.
18. The iOS and Android rivalry has also extended to the field of augmented reality, with both companies developing their own AR platforms, ARKit for iOS and ARCore for Android.
19. Google's Android OS has been used in developing countries to create low-cost smartphones, making smartphones more accessible to a larger population.
20. In terms of market share, Android is currently the most popular mobile operating system in the world, with a market share of around 85%, while iOS has a market share of around 15%.

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