iOS 18: Unveiling Android's Influence at WWDC 2024

Apple's recent WWDC 2024 keynote unveiled iOS 18, the latest iteration of its mobile operating system. While iOS has traditionally been known for its distinct features, this release showcased a noticeable shift toward incorporating elements from its Android counterpart. Here are nine prominent features iOS 18 borrowed from the Android ecosystem:

1. Lock Screen Widgets:

One of the most striking changes in iOS 18 is the introduction of lock screen widgets. This feature allows users to customize their lock screens with widgets that display information like weather, calendar events, and notifications. Android devices have had this functionality for years, providing users with greater flexibility and personalization options.

2. Sideloading Apps:

iOS 18 finally introduces the ability to sideload apps, a feature that has long been available on Android. Sideloading allows users to install apps from sources other than the official App Store, potentially giving them access to a wider range of software and customized versions of apps.

3. Always-On Display:

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max now feature an always-on display, a staple feature on Android smartphones for years. This mode keeps essential information like the time, date, and notifications visible even when the device is locked, providing quick access to important data without having to unlock the device.

4. Dynamic Island:

The Dynamic Island is another new feature that combines the notch area with notifications and alerts. Android devices have employed similar approaches, such as the Edge Lighting feature on Samsung phones, which displays notifications around the edges of the screen.

5. Background Refresh for Third-Party Apps:

iOS 18 now allows third-party apps to refresh their content in the background, a feature previously reserved for Apple's own apps. This enables apps like social media platforms to fetch new content periodically, ensuring users stay up-to-date without having to manually open the app.

6. Haptic Feedback for Keyboard:

The iOS keyboard now provides haptic feedback when typing, a feature pioneered on Android devices. This subtle vibration provides tactile feedback, enhancing the user's typing experience and making it more precise.

7. Message Scheduling and Unsending:

iOS 18 introduces the ability to schedule messages and unsend them, features that have been available on Android messaging apps for some time. These options give users more control over their messages, allowing them to prepare messages in advance or retract messages that were sent prematurely.

8. Focus Modes:

Focus modes in iOS 18 allow users to customize their iPhone's settings and notifications based on different activities or situations. This feature draws inspiration from Android's Do Not Disturb and App Grouping features, providing users with greater control over how their devices interact with them.

9. Home Screen Customization:

iOS 18 offers users more freedom to customize their home screens. Android devices have long allowed for extensive home screen customization, including the ability to add widgets, change icon packs, and modify the app grid layout. iOS 18 introduces some of these options, giving users more flexibility to tailor their devices to their preferences.

Conclusion:

The incorporation of these features into iOS 18 highlights Apple's willingness to embrace ideas and innovations from the Android ecosystem. By integrating elements that have proven popular on Android devices, Apple aims to enhance the user experience and provide more flexibility and customization options. While iOS retains its distinct identity, the influence of Android is undeniable, reflecting the growing convergence of mobile operating systems and the shared desire to create a more user-centric mobile experience.