10 Best iOS Features That Android Still Doesn't Have

Even today, Apple's iOS still maintains several exclusive features that Android has yet to match. Thanks to the tight integration between iPhone, iPad, Mac and the Apple ecosystem, iOS enables streamlined experiences and capabilities not found on Android devices. From slick messaging apps like iMessage to seamless AirDrop content sharing between devices, iOS leverages its closed ecosystem to provide key advantages. For iPhone users invested in Apple services, the best iOS features create a tighter, more integrated experience than what Android can offer. This article highlights the 10 most impactful iOS exclusives that keep the platform a step above Android.

1. iMessage

iMessage is the slick messaging app built into iOS that allows iPhone users to message each other seamlessly over WiFi. Beyond just texting, iMessage comes loaded with additional features that enhance the messaging experience. These include read receipts so you can see when your message is viewed, typing indicators so you know the other person is responding.

One major advantage of iMessage is its tight integration with other iOS services. You can easily share your location with other users via iMessage. It also allows you to set up person-to-person Apple Pay transactions through the app. While Android has third party messaging apps, none provide the tight ecosystem integration of iMessage.

2. FaceTime

FaceTime is Apple's popular video calling app. Thanks to its tight integration with iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, FaceTime makes it easy to start a video call with family, friends, or colleagues.

Android has apps like Google Meet for video calling, but they aren't as widely used. Since FaceTime is proprietary to Apple, Android users can only join FaceTime calls, not initiate them. Having FaceTime built into Android would make video calling more seamless across iPhone and Android users.

3. AirDrop

AirDrop is the killer iOS feature that allows instant sharing of photos, links, documents and more between Apple devices over WiFi and Bluetooth. Tap the share button, select the person's name and the file sends straight to their device - no SMS fees, no file size limits. AirDrop works seamlessly between iPhones, iPads and Macs making file transfers a breeze within the Apple ecosystem.

Android has no native equivalent for quickly and easily sharing files and content with nearby Android users. While there are some third party Android apps that mimic AirDrop functionality, the user experience isn't as smooth.

4. Continuity

Continuity is the sweet integration that allows seamless transitions between iOS devices and Macs. You can take calls and receive messages directly on your Mac that are sent to your iPhone. When you're working on an email or document on your Mac, you can instantly grab your iPhone and pick up right where you left off.

There's no similar Android-to-Windows integration that allows that level of seamless transition between mobile and desktop devices. iOS-Mac integration makes Apple devices work together beautifully in ways that Android and Windows can't match.

5. Apple Pay

Apple Pay is the contactless mobile payment system that allows for secure, on-the-go purchases using your iPhone or Apple Watch. Thanks to Apple's implementation of near field communication (NFC) technology and its Touch ID fingerprint authorization, Apple Pay is seamless, convenient and very secure. While Google Pay is catching up, Apple Pay still enjoys wider adoption by retailers and banks.

Setting up Apple Pay takes seconds and paying is as easy as holding your iPhone near the payment terminal. Transactions are secure with one-time dynamic security codes and fingerprint verification. Overall, Apple Pay provides the smoothest mobile payment experience compared to alternatives on Android.

6. NameDrop

NameDrop is a new iOS 17 contact sharing feature that works between nearby iPhones. It provides an easy way to share your info with other Apple users you meet.

Android actually had a similar contact sharing system called Android Beam, but Google has since deprecated it. Bringing back contact sharing would make it easier for Android users to connect in person.

7. Default Apps

A small but important differentiator between iOS and Android is customization of default apps. On iOS, you can change the default web browser and email apps to third-party alternatives like Chrome and Outlook. Android does not allow changing the default browser or email apps outside of pre-installed options.

While a minor point, the ability to customize your defaults to match the apps you use most often provides a better overall user experience on iOS versus being stuck with Samsung's or Google's default apps.

8. iOS Gaming

iOS remains the king when it comes to mobile gaming, with many hot new titles launching first on iOS before eventually coming to Android. iOS gaming benefits from tighter hardware-software integration and the fact that many game developers choose to target iOS first.

The result is iOS users get exclusive or early access to premium mobile games relative to Android gamers. While Android gaming is catching up, iOS still enjoys an advantage when it comes to the gaming ecosystem and library of exclusive titles.

9. Consistent Updates

One subtle advantage of iOS is how consistent it receives major software updates versus the fragmentation seen on Android. Due to Apple's tight control of hardware and software, iOS consistently pushes major OS updates to devices old and new each year.

With Android, updates must pass through manufacturers and carriers which leads to inconsistencies. Newer Android devices may receive updates quickly while older devices can lag months behind on outdated software. Overall, iOS provides a more seamless update process to keep users current.

10. Hide My Email

Hide My Email is an iCloud+ feature that generates random email addresses to use when signing up for accounts online. It forwards messages to your personal inbox while keeping your real email private.

Android doesn't offer an integrated alias system to enhance privacy. Implementing something similar to Hide My Email would make it simple for Android users to mask their real email addresses.

Conclusion

Apple has leveraged its tight integration of hardware and software to imbue iOS with several standout features that Android still lacks. For consumers invested in the Apple ecosystem, exclusives like iMessage, FaceTime, and AirDrop add tremendous value and convenience. While Android offers more flexibility, iOS provides better messaging, content sharing, and seamless transitions between devices. These key advantages keep iOS as the superior mobile operating system for Apple users seeking the best integration and user experience. Despite Android's growth, the top iOS features highlighted here showcase why the platform remains a step ahead.

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