Google and Apple have been preparing for the release of Android 15 and iOS 18 this year, almost step by step. Both operating systems have added extensive support for satellite messaging and new ways to hide and lock apps for added privacy. Each also incorporates features that the other has had for many years. iOS 18 got RCS support and Android 15 got App Archive support. As a result, these mobile operating systems are becoming more similar than ever.
Still, there are five changes Google has introduced to its best Android smartphones that give Android 15 an edge over iOS 18. They’re all about security, privacy, and productivity. Check out the new features that will set Android apart in 2024.
Read reviews
My favorite Android 15 feature isn’t flashy
Minor updates including welcome quality of life adjustments
5 New security protections lock down data on your device.
Theft detection locks, remote locks, and offline device locks are important
Apple is typically known for protecting user privacy and security, but Google has challenged Apple on that front in recent years. Google uses AI to fight malware and detect fraud by introducing features that protect your phone from theft. In Android 15, three new tools protect your data from malicious actors: theft detection lock, remote lockand offline device lock.
All three of these are features you hope you never have to use, but are great backup plans if you do. Apple’s Activation Lock and iOS’ Find My can’t compare to the new features Google introduced in Android 15.
Theft Detection Lock uses AI, ML and built-in motion sensors to identify when someone has stolen your phone. If it detects a quick, sharp movement (simulating a snatch), it will lock your device. This is critical because if your unlocked device is stolen, they could gain access to your 2FA codes, password managers, sensitive apps, and personal data.
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Remote Lock locks your Android phone when you move to: android.com/lock Visit the website and enter the verified phone number associated with it. Apple’s similar Find My ecosystem requires users to sign in to iCloud and verify with 2FA before allowing a device to be locked down.
Offline Device Lock locks your phone when you go offline, such as by turning off Wi-Fi or your phone to prevent thieves or hackers from locking or erasing it.
The best part about all three features is that they don’t interfere with the user experience. If you activate them accidentally, you can override them simply by using your device’s PIN or passcode.
4 More options for large screen and foldable devices
App pairs and a pinned taskbar make multitasking easy on tablets and foldable devices
Android has been optimized for the best tablets and top foldable phones, and Android 15 continues that trend. Two big additions this year are a persistent taskbar and a pair of saved apps. If you’re using an Android tablet or foldable tablet, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to display the taskbar. From there, you can add apps to your view and launch new apps instantly. Perfect for multitasking.
On Android 15, you can use the macOS Dock or Windows[スタート]You can now pin the taskbar to the bottom of the screen, similar to how menus work on the desktop. This is a useful addition to tablets and foldable devices. The return of a persistent taskbar makes it easier to launch apps, create split view and app pairs, and activate floating windows.
iPadOS has similar (but not exact) features, but Apple added virtually zero new iPad-specific features in iOS 18, giving Android an advantage.
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3 Pair of apps increases productivity when multitasking
Even if you don’t have a tablet or foldable device, you’ll love this feature.
Android 15 brings major improvements to App Pairing, whether you’re using a tablet, foldable phone, or regular smartphone. Once you create an app pair, you can save the apps together on your home screen. When you tap a pair of apps, both apps open together as if they were one app. This is a game-changer for anyone who frequently uses App Pairs for multitasking projects on Android. iOS doesn’t support split screen or app pairing in any way, but Android 15 is far ahead here.
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2 Record one app and hide the rest
Your privacy is considered in multiple ways
Android 15’s new Private Spaces feature is great, but Apple has completely beaten Google. iOS 18 also added similar locked and hidden apps. However, Google still has one notable privacy-focused Android 15 feature. You can choose specific apps for screen recording to avoid sharing or saving anything you don’t want. This is a genius feature. I’m surprised it wasn’t added to Android or iOS sooner.
1 Android 15 makes Circle to Search even better
I miss Circle to Search every time I use my iPhone
Circle to Search is available on iOS through the Google app, but it’s far from the same experience you get on Android devices. Circle to Search is one of the features I miss the most when switching from an Android smartphone to an iPhone. Android 15 makes it even better, with Circle to Search to help you easily identify songs. This is faster than the Shazam shortcut in iOS Control Center. As a music lover, I love Android 15.
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There are many ways iOS 18 can outperform Android 15
While Android 15 has a lot of small but meaningful changes, iOS 18 feels less exciting. If you ignore the empty promises of customizable home screens and Apple Intelligence, it’s easy to be disappointed with Apple’s updates this year. There are some good things about iOS 18, but these five things can help it beat Android 15, at least in a few important areas.
