The war between Google and its OEMs (Samsung, LG, Sony, HTC, Motorola, Huawei, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Asus, etc.) and Apple is one that has been a major discussion of tech fanatics and one that\u2019ll remain for years to come. Google\u2019s and Apple\u2019s operating systems are the two top platforms, with Google\u2019s Android being the dominant platform worldwide.<\/p>\n
Even in times like as of late, where Apple has made some gains in platform usage, it still doesn\u2019t hold a candle to Google\u2019s Android. Consumers want choice, and that choice is best provided on Android \u2013 where consumers can choose between manufacturers with different hardware designs and operating system \u201cskins\u201d or overlays. If a person wants the functionality of Android without all the manufacturer additions, he or she can simply buy into Google\u2019s Nexus line and get access to fast, quick updates with the latest operating system changes.<\/p>\n
Apple is the only manufacturer that uses its operating system, and Apple prefers it that way because it strives to control the hardware and the software (per the company\u2019s latest ads that attack the Android platform). Unfortunately, Apple\u2019s control over its platform has led to one significant piece of misinformation across tech blogs (yes, those who cover tech daily) and the average consumer: that is, that \u201ciPhone\u201d is an operating system, and “Android vs. iPhone” is a valid comparison (which it’s not).<\/p>\n
Now, I realize that some will say, \u201cduh, of course it\u2019s not,\u201d but don\u2019t disregard the misinformation or inaccuracy so quickly. The truth of the matter is that most people are only familiar with Apple\u2019s platform because of the iPhone. No matter what iPhone you purchase, all iPhones (whether the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 6, or 6 Plus) will all have the same iOS 8.x update or iOS 9 update. And so, since there\u2019s really no need to distinguish between these devices, except for hardware alone, most consumers just refer to Apple\u2019s platform as \u201ciPhone.\u201d Whenever they discuss the dominant platforms, you\u2019ll hear them say or read the phrase \u201cAndroid vs. iPhone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, this statement is inaccurate because \u201ciPhone\u201d is not an operating system, any more than Samsung\u2019s Z1 is an operating system (FYI, it isn\u2019t). Yes, Samsung\u2019s Z1 is a smartphone, but the smartphone name (Z1) and the operating system on which it runs (Tizen) are two different things. Likewise, Apple\u2019s platform is called \u201ciOS,\u201d short for \u201cinternet operating system.\u201d The iPhone is Apple\u2019s smartphone that runs iOS software, but \u201ciOS\u201d and \u201ciPhone\u201d are not synonymous.<\/p>\n
When you compare \u201cAndroid vs. iPhone,\u201d you are making a nonsensical comparison. In order for \u201cAndroid vs. iPhone\u201d to make sense, you would have to 1) assume that \u201ciPhone\u201d is an operating system (which it isn\u2019t), or 2) assume that Android is a smartphone (which it\u2019s not; it\u2019s Google\u2019s mobile operating system). If you want to compare Google\u2019s OS to Apple\u2019s OS, the only appropriate phrase is \u201cAndroid vs. iOS<\/em>.\u201d iOS<\/em> is Apple\u2019s mobile operating system, not iPhone<\/em>. Android runs on any phone that features Google\u2019s Play Store, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Keep, and other Google software. There are a number of Android smartphones that don\u2019t access Google\u2019s Play Store (such as Amazon\u2019s Fire Phone), but these rebel Android phones are few and far between.<\/p>\n iOS is Apple\u2019s mobile operating system that runs on more than just the iPhone (hence, why \u201ciPhone\u201d is not an operating system.) iOS also runs on the iPad (Apple\u2019s tablet) as well as its iPod lineup (iPod Touch). Android, Google\u2019s operating system, runs on a number of devices as well, including smartphones and tablets. These are mobile devices, and both Android and iOS are mobile platforms.<\/p>\n The iPhone is Apple\u2019s name for a smartphone that runs iOS software. In the future, Apple could add a new smartphone to its lineup that doesn\u2019t begin with the letter \u201ci.\u201d It seems impossible that Apple would do this, but, if the company ever does so in the future, the need to know the mobile OS (iOS, not iPhone) will become even more pronounced.<\/p>\n Therefore, comparing \u201cAndroid vs. iPhone\u201d is a mixing of categories: Android (mobile platform) and iPhone (a specific smartphone brand). Comparing \u201cAndroid vs. iOS\u201d or \u201cGalaxy S6 vs. iPhone 6\u201d makes sense, but not \u201cAndroid vs. iPhone.\u201d To compare a mobile platform versus one Apple smartphone is to stack the deck against either Android as a whole or Apple\u2019s one smartphone, in the same way that comparing \u201cGalaxy S6 vs. iOS\u201d would. Comparing apples to oranges, you may discover that both are fruits, but have few similarities between them. Sadly, \u201cAndroid\u201d and \u201ciPhone\u201d are even further apart.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The war between Google and its OEMs (Samsung, LG, Sony, HTC, Motorola, Huawei, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Asus, etc.) and Apple is one that has been a major discussion of tech fanatics and one that\u2019ll remain for years to come. Google\u2019s and Apple\u2019s operating systems are the two top platforms, with Google\u2019s Android being the dominant platform …<\/p>","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":3331,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[876],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3328","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-editorial"],"yoast_head":"\n