Ios Finally Catching Up What Android Features Made It Into The Iphone

For years, Android has been praised for its flexibility, customization, and forward-thinking functionality—features that iOS either ignored or implemented years later. But with recent updates to iPhone software, Apple is quietly closing the gap. From customizable home screens to improved multitasking, longtime Android loyalists may now see reasons to consider switching—or at least feel validated. The latest versions of iOS are not just iterative improvements; they represent a strategic shift toward embracing capabilities Android pioneered over a decade ago.

This evolution isn’t about copying—it’s about responding to user demand and competitive pressure. As mobile usage becomes more complex, consumers expect seamless control over their devices. Apple’s gradual adoption of these features signals a recognition that innovation doesn’t always come from within. Let’s explore the key Android-originated functionalities that have finally arrived on the iPhone, how they enhance the user experience, and what this means for the future of mobile operating systems.

Customizable Home Screens and Widgets

One of the most celebrated aspects of Android since its early days has been the ability to personalize the home screen. Users could resize widgets, place apps freely, and even use third-party launchers to completely transform the interface. For years, iOS offered only rigid grid layouts and minimal widget integration. That changed significantly with iOS 14, which introduced resizable widgets and the App Library—a system-level folder that automatically organizes apps.

Now, iPhone users can create dynamic home screens with live information at a glance: weather forecasts, calendar events, fitness stats, and music controls. While still not as flexible as Android’s drag-and-drop freedom, the improvement is undeniable. You can stack widgets, prioritize frequently used ones, and hide less-used apps in the App Library.

Tip: Use medium and large widgets to display actionable content like upcoming meetings or step count—this reduces the need to open apps repeatedly.

Improved Multitasking and Split-Screen Potential

Android has long supported split-screen mode and floating windows, especially on larger devices like tablets and foldables. iPhones, constrained by smaller screens and Apple’s design philosophy, lacked true multitasking until recently. With iPadOS leading the charge, similar capabilities are trickling down to iPhone through enhanced app switching and picture-in-picture video.

Picture-in-picture (PiP), available first on iPads and now on iPhones with FaceTime and Safari video, allows users to watch videos or take calls while navigating other apps. This feature was standard on Android phones for years. Although iOS still doesn’t support full split-screen app usage on phones, PiP represents a major leap in usability—especially for productivity and media consumption.

“Multitasking isn’t just a power-user feature anymore—it’s an expectation. Apple’s slow embrace reflects changing user behavior.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Analyst at TechFlow Insights

Default App Options and Browser Freedom

Until iOS 14, Apple forced users to rely exclusively on Safari for web browsing and Mail for email. No matter how much someone preferred Chrome or Firefox, Gmail or Outlook, switching wasn't possible at the system level. Regulatory pressure and antitrust scrutiny pushed Apple to allow default app changes starting in 2021.

Now, users can set third-party browsers and email clients as defaults. This change enhances privacy options (e.g., using Brave or ProtonMail) and gives developers a fairer platform to compete. It also aligns iOS with Android’s long-standing openness in default app selection.

Feature	Introduced on Android	Introduced on iOS	Impact
Default Browser Choice	2008 (original release)	iOS 14 (2020)	Greater user control over privacy and experience
Default Email App	Available via settings since 2010s	iOS 14 (2020)	Enables better integration with non-iCloud accounts
Third-Party Wallets	N/A	iOS 18 (rumored)	Potential NFC access beyond Apple Pay

Copy-Paste and Universal Clipboard Enhancements

Cross-device copy-paste might seem minor, but its absence was a persistent pain point. Android users have enjoyed easy text and file sharing across phones, tablets, and desktops for years through Google’s ecosystem sync. Apple introduced Universal Clipboard with macOS Sierra and iOS 10, allowing users to copy on one Apple device and paste on another—but only if they’re nearby and logged into the same iCloud account.

The limitation? It doesn’t work across non-Apple devices. Meanwhile, Android’s “Nearby Share” and Chrome integration let users transfer content seamlessly between Android phones, Windows PCs, and Macs. Still, Apple’s implementation is reliable within its walled garden and continues to improve with Continuity features in newer iOS versions.

Always-On Display and Battery Optimization

With the iPhone 14 Pro models, Apple introduced an Always-On Display (AOD)—a feature common on high-end Android phones since the Samsung Galaxy S7 era. AOD shows time, date, notifications, and widgets even when the screen appears off, thanks to OLED efficiency and adaptive refresh rates.

Paired with iOS 16’s Lock Screen customization, this brings iPhone closer to Android’s rich lock screen experience. Users can now modify fonts, add complications (like weather or battery levels), and view live activity updates—all without unlocking the phone.

Tip: Disable Always-On Display in Settings > Display & Brightness if you notice faster battery drain overnight.

Real Example: Sarah’s Workflow Upgrade

Sarah, a freelance designer, switched back to iPhone after five years on Android. She was skeptical about losing her highly customized Pixel setup. But upon setting up her iPhone 15 Pro, she discovered she could replicate much of her workflow: placing large widgets for Trello deadlines, using Chrome as her default browser for cross-platform tab syncing, and keeping FaceTime active in PiP while editing designs in Procreate.

“I thought I’d miss Android’s flexibility,” she said. “But iOS 17 gave me enough room to breathe. It’s not as deep, but it’s surprisingly capable now.” Her experience reflects a growing trend: iOS no longer feels restrictive to former Android users.

Actionable Checklist: Maximize New iOS Features

• Set your preferred browser and email app as default in Settings.
• Customize your Lock Screen with widgets and color themes.
• Enable Picture-in-Picture for videos and FaceTime calls.
• Create widget stacks to reduce home screen clutter.
• Use Handoff and Universal Clipboard between your Mac and iPhone.
• Review battery usage to optimize Always-On Display settings.

What Took So Long?

Apple’s approach to feature development is often described as \"refined rather than rushed.\" The company prioritizes security, consistency, and user experience over rapid experimentation. While this leads to polished implementations, it also results in delays compared to Android’s more open, fragmented ecosystem.

However, external forces accelerated change. EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) mandated interoperability and choice, forcing Apple to open up core functionalities. In response, Apple began rolling out changes globally—not just in Europe—suggesting that regulatory influence played a pivotal role in bringing Android-like features to iOS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install third-party app stores on my iPhone?

Not yet widely, but iOS 17.4 introduced limited support for alternative app stores in the European Union due to DMA regulations. These stores must meet strict security requirements and pay Apple a per-download fee. Outside the EU, the App Store remains the sole official source.

Does iOS support sideloading like Android?

No, not in the traditional sense. While enterprise and developer-signed apps can be installed manually, regular users cannot download APK-style files from websites. Any expansion of sideloading will likely remain region-locked and heavily regulated.

Will iPhones ever get true split-screen multitasking?

On iPads, yes—Stage Manager offers advanced window management. On iPhones, screen size limits make full split-screen impractical. However, expanded PiP and drag-and-drop between apps suggest Apple is moving toward hybrid solutions tailored to smaller displays.

Conclusion: A More Balanced Mobile Landscape

The line between iOS and Android is blurring. What was once a clear divide—open vs. closed, customizable vs. curated—is evolving into a shared vision of utility, personalization, and ecosystem cohesion. Apple’s adoption of long-standing Android features isn’t surrender; it’s adaptation. And for users, that means better tools, more choice, and a more responsive platform.

Whether you’ve stayed loyal to iPhone or considered switching ecosystems, now is the time to explore what iOS can truly do. These aren’t just new bells and whistles—they’re signs of a more user-centric Apple, listening to feedback and finally delivering features people have wanted for years.

🚀 Ready to rethink your iPhone experience? Dive into Settings, customize your home screen, switch your default apps, and see how much more capable your device has become. Share your favorite new feature with others—chances are, they didn’t know it was there.