Operating System: Android was developed by Google and is a mobile operating system which is Linux based. While iOS, previously called iPhone is also a mobile operating system by Apple Inc. exclusively for Apple hardware.
Open Source: Android is an open source operating system,
which means that developers have the freedom of using it to create, customize
and distribute their own versions of Android based applications. iOS on the
other hand is a proprietary software created and owned by Apple.
Only Apple can change
or release new versions of the software.
In the
mobile application development world, while Android supporters would see the
open source model and positive trend, their Apple counterparts would point as the
many number of Android flavors as being confusing to users.
Development and
Customization: Because Android is open source, it used by many phone
and device manufacturers like LG, Asus, Sony, HTC, Samsung, Tecno, Dell, Motorola
etc. In contrast, iOS is limited to Apple devices since the OS is not easily available
to everyone for customizations. They are very much locked down, and operate in
only the way Apple intends
On this point, Apple supporters
would argue that allowing many customizations compromises simplicity and stability,
while Android supporters maintain that flexibility is key.
App Stores: Google maintains and operates the ‘Play’ store, which
is their official destination to find and download apps, however Android apps
can also be installed through other websites, file downloads, and memory cards.
Apple has its own app store and is
the sole proprietor of apps that can be downloaded for their platform. Any app
not listed on will never appear on any apple supported phones.
In conclusion, one would ask, which
one is better? iOS or Android? The choice is truly yours. You should choose
your smartphone and tablet systems carefully, as switching from iOS to Android
or vice versa will require you to buy apps again in the Google Play or Apple
App Store.
It is worthy of note though that Android
is now the world’s most commonly used smartphone platform and is used by many