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Android N vs iOS 9 comparison

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While many of us are still waiting for Android Marshmallow, Google’s engineers aren’t taking a break: the next version of Android, Android N, is nearly here. How does it compare to Apple’s iOS, which has reached version 9.3? There’s only one way to find out: read our Android N vs iOS 9 comparison.

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Android N won't be out for ages, but it's already really impressive. / © ANDROIDPIT

Android N vs iOS 9: release date

Android N is currently available as a Developer Preview, which was made available on March 17. It’s a long way from a finished system and only contains a few new bits; the final version is due in the Fall.

iOS 9 has been around since 2015, with the third version (iOS 9.3) made available to all compatible devices in March 2016.

Both Apple and Android offer beta programs that enable you to test the next versions of their software before they are officially released, although they warn that you shouldn’t use betas on any devices you depend upon: by their very nature betas are unstable and buggy.

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Guess what sweet-themed name we think Google's chosen for Android N. / © ANDROIDPIT

Android N vs iOS 9: interface

Android N is likely to undergo a lot of interface changes between now and Fall, but we’re already seeing some key differences between it and Android Marshmallow. The notifications area has been completely redesigned and now enables you to respond to messages from within notifications, and there’s a new multi-window mode, which didn’t quite make the cut for Android M. Google also says it’s been working on Project Svelte to make Android feel smooth on older devices, but details of that haven’t been announced yet.

The last major redesign of iOS was years ago, with the controversial iOS 7. It’s not quite as garish as iOS 7 was and the new 3D touch adds extra functionality to (some) app icons, but there are still some shockingly bad interface elements such as the horrible, horrible Music app. iOS 9.3 does get one key new UI feature, though: Night Shift, which can automatically chance the color balance to minimize bright screens’ effects on your sleep.

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Both Android and iOS have beta programs that give you early access to early builds. / © ANDROIDPIT

Android N vs iOS 9: Google Now vs Siri

We’ve yet to see any significant changes in Google Now on Android N, but even if Google only tweaks the edges it’s still ahead of Apple’s Siri for us. Maybe it’s our accent but we find Google’s voice recognition much more accurate than Apple’s, so Siri’s usefulness suffers as a result. Being able to shout “hey Siri!” and issue commands is something we’re glad Apple copied; it’s just a shame that Siri seems to think everything else we say is “blargle argle garble”. Siri also remains far behind Google Now in the usefulness stakes.

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Android N looks quite Marshmallow-y, but that may change by the final release. / © ANDROIDPIT

Android N vs iOS 9: security and privacy

As ever, Apple and Google are coming at this from different directions. Apple goes for the Father Knows Best model, where apps are only allowed from the Apple app store and even the FBI doesn’t get to decrypt users’ iPhones. Google, on the other hand, wants to be open, so there are always security risks from malicious apps and third-party app stores. One thing we’re hoping to see in Android N is the Smart Lock for Passwords feature, which actually debuted in Marshmallow: that version doesn’t work with many apps yet, so we’re hoping Google promotes it more for Android N app developers.

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Multi-window mode didn't make it to Marshmallow, but it's coming in N. / © ANDROIDPIT

Android N vs iOS 9: battery

Android’s kicking Apple’s backside in the battery stakes: only the enormous iPhone 6s really delivers the goods battery-wise for power users, whereas the Doze mode introduced in Android Marshmallow massively increased battery life in Android devices of all sizes. Android N doubles down on Doze, with an improved energy saving mode that kicks in any time the screen is off. That should make Android last even longer - hopefully without impairing notifications and usability.

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Android Pay: definitely, definitely happening this time. / © Google

Android N vs iOS 9: mobile payments

Apple’s way ahead here, with Apple Pay embraced by banks all over the world. Google’s payment system has been revamped and rebranded - it’s Android Pay now - but at the time of writing it hasn’t launched in markets such as the UK. When it does, we’d expect the same retailers that support Apple Pay to support Android Pay too.

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Android N: in your face, Apple! / © ANDROIDPIT

Android N vs iOS 9: early verdict

We’re not just comparing apples and oranges here; Android N is so far away that we’re comparing ripe apples with orange trees that haven’t borne fruit yet. Android N is already looking interesting, but we haven’t seen its best bits yet.

As with iOS 8 and Android M, both Android N and iOS 9 are improved versions of existing OSes: they’re better than their predecessors but in an evolutionary sense, not an “OMG they’ve changed everything!” sense. We think Android has the edge in some key areas - battery life and voice recognition in particular - and that Apple offers a more elegant but also more strictly controlled experience. As ever the choice between the rival OSes will largely come down to personal preference, so Android users are likely to gravitate to Android N while iOS users will tend to stick to iOS kit.

What do you think? Is there anything Google should learn from Apple or vice-versa? Let us know in the comments below.

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Gary Marshall

Gary Marshall
Freelance writer

Former lion tamer, Girls Aloud backing dancer and habitual liar Gary Marshall has been writing about technology since Google was two guys in a garage. He's written for many fine magazines, newspapers and websites, written a range of how-to-books and a novel, co-written a BBC documentary series and dishes out weekly tech advice on BBC Radio Scotland.

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  • 3
    Errol Mathams Apr 29, 2016 Link to comment

    I wish people like Gary Marshall would realise there are other followers of AndroidPit that don't live in the United States or even in the northern hemisphere. Talking about releases in the "Fall" is meaningless to people in the Southern hemisphere (half the world) and probably to Europe where it is still called Autumn. "Fall" is a term used by Americans only.


  • Indika Nalinda 1
    Indika Nalinda Mar 28, 2016 Link to comment

    jkbihgyikkk


    • 14
      Nickname303 Mar 29, 2016 Link to comment

      Thanks for your interesting input


  • gorav singh 1
    gorav singh Mar 27, 2016 Link to comment

    i am new blogger i have just started my carrier as a blogger being as a student there is a lot of things which i can learn from your website .my web site is www.Exclusivetimez.com give me tips how i improve myself


    • Parvind Chahal 21
      Parvind Chahal Mar 27, 2016 Link to comment

      u need a lot of eng classes......jao n padho uske baad aana


  • 21
    Peter Harwood Mar 26, 2016 Link to comment

    Wouldn't know about marshmallow update on my Z5 seen as though ee are slower than a snail 🐌 at releasing it


  • 14
    Nickname303 Mar 26, 2016 Link to comment

    "Doze mode massively increased battery life"

    Really? It's had no positive effect whatsoever on my battery life. If anything my battery performance is worse since the Marshmallow update

    Tom S


  • 14
    Davin Peterson Mar 26, 2016 Link to comment

    some of iOS9's new features are already in Android. As usual, Apple "steals" features from Android and adds them to iOS


  • 11
    Phil Ferrar Mar 26, 2016 Link to comment

    My last two phones gave been the Nexus 5 and more recently the Nexus 6P and I have to say I'm really happy with performance and battery life. I have a wide circle of friends with many different phones and would say only 1 or 2% own Apple phones (and seem satisfied, if not enthused with them) wheras the Android guys are all happy even when they are not running the latest flavour on Android - guess it's all down to customisation. From what I've read about Google's plans to stop fragmentation and maybe merging Android and ChromeOS, I think it's bad news for iOS and will boost Android's popularity over the next couple of years as users naturally upgrade their old phones and start to reap the benefit of a more controlled Android core with added value from those suppliers that want to do there own thing to distinguish their products. Having said all that I've recently been playing with RemixOS and am impressed by what they are bringing to the table - long live competition and inspiration !!

    Dean L.


    • Greg1100 24
      Greg1100 Mar 27, 2016 Link to comment

      Yes- Resurrection Remix is good. Got it on both of my old S3 Galaxies running 6.0,1 MM, with Nova Launcher. And Samsung couldn't get S3 past 4.3 because of all the junk they install.


  • Parvind Chahal 21
    Parvind Chahal Mar 26, 2016 Link to comment

    every year same story with android new version.....i know ios does nt give us freedom but look at the core system of apple ios. ios is 200% more stable thn android....apple phone uses only 1800 mah battery but they r far superior thn android.....in past they uses 512 mb ram but still they were more stable n fast thn android.......when we will able to see an android version with stability and good ram management.........new android version is only for nexus devices n other companies flagship phones......wat is fault of peoples who spend 400 or 300 doller n their phones always remain on same android version which they bought at that time.......i m using android ph for 6 year n i love android but before camparision android should raise his standrd.......all phone maker companies just see their profit....only money matter for thm nt customer

    Deactivated AccountAfrine Suffi


    • 8
      Tom S Mar 26, 2016 Link to comment

      Its like comparing Windows XP and Windows 8/10, iOS being XP and android being the latter. they both get the job done, but they differ in aesthetics, potential (expandable, upgradable features), user interface, etc. iOS uses low specs and gets the job done, android does its job with higher specs because of its power/advantages (better camera, higher resolution, beta features, etc). This is my biased opinion, I've had very little interaction with iOS. Getting on topic, I have an HTC M9 with Marshmallow and I feel the battery dies faster than lollipop. =(

      Andreas H

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