What Android copied from iOS and vice versa?

When it comes to the rivalry between Android and iOS, the debate of copying features is an inevitable one. Both the operating systems have been in the market for more than a decade and have a massive following. While Android has taken over the market share with its vast availability on various devices, iOS has been successful in maintaining its brand image. In this article, we will discuss the features that Android copied from iOS and vice versa.

Android copied from iOS

1. App Store

One of the most significant features that Android copied from iOS is the App Store. Apple introduced its App Store in 2008, and it was an instant hit. Google soon followed and launched the Android Market (now known as Google Play) in 2009. The concept of an app store was taken from iOS, and Android replicated it with its own spin.

2. Folders

iOS introduced the concept of folders in 2010, and it was a game-changer. Android took note of this and soon introduced its own version of folders. Today, both OS offer folders as a way to organize apps and keep the home screen clean.

3. Voice Assistants

Apple’s Siri was launched in 2011, and it was the first voice assistant to be integrated into a smartphone. Google Assistant was launched in 2016, five years later. However, Android users could use Google Voice Search before that. While not exactly the same, the concept of a voice assistant was taken from iOS.

4. Gestures

Apple introduced gestures with the iPhone X in 2017. Android soon followed with its own version of gestures. Today, both OS offer gestures as an alternative to the traditional navigation buttons.

iOS copied from Android

1. Widgets

Widgets have been a part of Android since the beginning. They allow users to view app information and perform quick actions on the home screen without opening the app. Apple introduced widgets with iOS 8 in 2014, seven years after Android. However, Apple’s implementation of widgets was more refined, and it quickly became a popular feature among iOS users.

2. Control Center

Android has had a quick settings panel since the beginning, but Apple introduced its own version with iOS 7 in 2013. The Control Center allows users to access quick settings such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and brightness without having to open the Settings app. It has become an essential feature of iOS and has been refined with each new version.

3. Notifications

Notifications have been a part of both OS since the beginning, but Apple introduced a new way of handling notifications with iOS 12 in 2018. Android quickly followed suit and introduced its own version with Android 9 Pie. Both OS now offer a more streamlined way of handling notifications with features such as grouping and snoozing.

4. Dark Mode

Android introduced a dark mode in 2019 with Android 10. Apple soon followed with its own version in iOS 13. While not exactly the same, the concept of a system-wide dark mode was taken from Android.

In conclusion, both Android and iOS have borrowed features from each other over the years. While some features were taken directly, others were refined and improved upon. The competition between the two OS has resulted in a better experience for users. As for who copied who, it’s hard to say. Both OS have contributed to each other’s success, and it’s unlikely that this will change anytime soon.