Android or iOS? The choice between the two operating systems has been one of the most critical questions for phone owners for a long time. Now, with the release of Android 16 and iOS 19, Google and Apple are preparing to introduce major updates packed with new features, enhanced artificial intelligence, improved security, and smoother performance.
Apple's upcoming updates – iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 will be among the most significant updates in years, surpassing even iOS 7, which debuted in 2013, according to Bloomberg. That suggests not only a new look but a complete redesign of how the devices work.
In the meantime, Android 16 is also improving: new phone customization options, more innovative tools thanks to artificial intelligence, and a greater focus on enhancing interaction between devices.
In this blog, we'll discuss the most notable features of both operating systems, compare each company's strategy, and ultimately attempt to provide an answer to the following question: which OS is the best choice for next year?
When can we expect the update?
Android 16 is the next major update to Google's mobile operating system, featuring more innovative features and deeper integration of artificial intelligence. The first preview version for developers was released on November 19, 2024, giving developers an early opportunity to test and optimize their apps. Then, on January 23, 2025, the first public beta was released, making Android 16 available to a broader range of testers. Google is expected to officially release the final stable version of Android 16 in early June 2025 if the release schedule is the same as in previous years.
Apple will officially unveil iOS 19 during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, which will take place on June 9. As always, Apple will showcase the most significant new features for the iPhone and provide developers with access to the first beta version of iOS 19 shortly after the announcement.
Although the beta and release process begins in June, the complete stable version of iOS 19 will arrive in September 2025, coinciding with the launch of the highly anticipated iPhone 17 series. Apple has followed a yearly tradition of releasing new hardware and software in the fall.
It’s rumoured that Apple is planning to carry out the most extensive renaming of all its operating systems, introducing iOS 26 instead of the expected iOS 19, making the OS for each device be identified by the upcoming year, rather than by version number. MacOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 will be named accordingly.
What’s new?
With major updates to Android 16 and iOS 19 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to take a closer look at all the new features they have to offer. From enhanced privacy tools to updated designs, both platforms aim to reimagine the user experience. Before the stable versions are released, it's worth checking out all the new features and improvements to the OS that Apple and Google have in store:
Privacy and security
Apple and Google again lead the way in terms of privacy and security but in different ways. Apple has long earned a reputation for protecting user data, and Android 16 is taking significant steps forward with more innovative AI-powered security tools.
iOS 19:
Stealth Mode
Apple is committed to privacy, putting the user first, and iOS 19 reinforces this commitment even further. This year's launch introduces solid new features such as Stealth Mode, which allows users to conceal apps completely behind Face ID or a passcode. These hidden apps disappear not only from the Home screen but also from Spotlight, Siri suggestions, and the App Library. This is ideal for keeping sensitive apps such as banking or dating apps private. For example, if you want to hide a dating app or banking app, you can now hide it from the screen until your identity is verified by your phone. It's like putting the app in a locked drawer where no one can access it, and it's completely secure.
Secure Folders
In addition, iOS 19 enhances data protection with Secure Folders, allowing users to lock individual photos and notes, ensuring that confidential files remain secure even if someone gains access to your device. You can move sensitive material into a special "Safe Folder" that is fully encrypted. Even if someone gains access to your phone, they won't be able to use this folder without your authentication.
Hide Notifications
There's also a Hide Notifications feature that masks the content of messages behind generic labels such as "1 new notification," helping to protect your privacy at a glance. On-device artificial intelligence processing and more intuitive permission requests reinforce Apple's commitment to transparency and control, keeping your data secure and giving you complete control over your information.
Android 16
Real-time fraud detection
Android 16 raises the bar for privacy and security with a particular focus on AI-powered protection against scams and fraud. Real-time fraud detection in Google Messages and the Phone app is among the highlights. Android will warn users in real time if suspicious behavior is observed, including messages that mimic scam patterns or attempts to manipulate device settings.
Updated Privacy Sandbox
As privacy remains one of the most pressing issues in today's digital world, Android 16 continues to address it through ongoing improvements to Google's Privacy Sandbox. This initiative entails a set of technologies designed to protect user information but still support customized app experiences.
With Android 16, Privacy Sandbox is improved, highlighting Google's efforts to curb tracking, get rid of third-party cookies, and minimize over-reliance on intrusive data collection for advertising and recommendations. It makes use of device processing and anonymized signals instead, giving users more control over their data usage.
Key Verifier
Another essential release is Key Verifier, a new function that allows users to verify whether their contacts are authentic or not by cross-checking the public encryption keys. Checking your contacts' keys through Google Contacts (either by scanning a QR code or cross-checking digits) provides you with an additional layer of confidence that the person on the other end of the conversation is authentic and that your conversation with them is not being intercepted. This prevents identity spoofing attacks, such as SIM card swapping, and ensures that you are communicating with whom you think you are. This is especially important for the protection of end-to-end encrypted chats.
This occurs on the phone, so your data remains local and private. Customers can now easily turn off spam and fraud protection whenever they want.
Camera improvements
The recent updates to Android 16 and iOS 19 enhance camera technology for improved photo and video capabilities. What new surprises do these giants have in store for us this time around?
iOS 19:
According to preliminary data, iOS 19 will receive a revised Camera application with new exclusive features for photo editing and shooting. The app's design adheres to the vision aesthetic: settings are hidden unless you scroll down the viewfinder, allowing you to focus on the camera preview. This reveals options such as depth control for portraits, panoramic shooting with spatial capture, photo styles, aspect ratios, exposure, and a timer. For video, there is slow motion, frame rate, action mode, and exposure control.
iOS 19 is expected to introduce a long-awaited feature: the ability to record video simultaneously with the front and rear cameras directly in Apple's native Camera app. This is the first time Apple has integrated multi-camera recording, which has previously only been available in third-party apps. This was reported by renowned insider Jon Prosser, who has a long track record of accurate Apple leaks. He demonstrated the new feature in a recent video showing the updated iOS 19 camera interface.
Android 16:
Android 16, meanwhile, aims to reimagine computational photography. Android’s Pixel phones are expected to feature enhanced scene recognition capabilities utilizing real-time artificial intelligence, as well as improved low-light video quality. Android 16 Beta 2(preview version) introduces new hybrid auto exposure modes via the Camera2 API, allowing third-party apps to manually control specific exposure settings while the auto exposure (AE) algorithm handles the rest. This gives users more flexibility in adjusting ISO and exposure time, as opposed to the previous choice between fully manual control and fully automatic mode.
The update also adds precise color temperature and tint adjustment for better support of professional video apps. Additionally, a new night mode indicator API enables apps to automatically adapt to low-light conditions, resulting in improved photo and video capture.
Design and Interface
iOS 19:
The new update to iOS 19 is centered on refinement, consistency, and understated elegance, bringing features long requested by users while maintaining Apple's visual identity.
Glass aesthetics
At the heart of the visual update to iOS 19 is a rumored glass user interface. This semi-transparent, blurred aesthetic is inspired by Vision OS and is expected to be applied throughout the system, from menus and buttons to notification panels. Subtle lighting effects, such as flickering lock screen controls, are designed to add depth and interactivity without compromising clarity. This new design approach is a testament to Apple's commitment to unifying form and function as never before, producing a system that is lighter, more alive, and more interactive.
A philosophy of rounded design throughout the system
iOS 19 will also dispense with the traditional "squircle" design, instead preferring more rounded app icons. The more rounded design is consistent with the overall aesthetic direction of iOS 19 and affords a feeling of warmth and friendliness. Animated transitions further enhance user engagement as icons smoothly transition from one state to another, creating a smoother and more fluid interaction.
Some users, especially longtime Apple fans, have expressed skepticism about these changes. However, the new icons, which are currently hidden in internal versions, may be gradually revealed to ease the transition and surprise users when the official release is made available.
In addition to icons, rounded motifs are spread throughout the system. The volume and brightness sliders, menu, and interactive controls are rumored to be getting softer and more ergonomic shapes. Apple is striving to create a visually and functionally unified ecosystem that combines minimalism with modern visual elements.
Optimized navigation with a floating tab bar
Another interesting addition is the inclusion of a pill-shaped floating tab bar, which will simplify navigation for core apps such as Messages, Apple Music, and the App Store. The floating bar keeps key features within thumb distance, making it more convenient on larger screens. It is accompanied by an extended search bar and a round action button, giving a more straightforward and more natural interface.
Android 16:
New Material You themes and AI-powered personalization
Android 16 refines Material You, giving users even more control over the visual style of their devices. A notable new feature is the AI-powered theme, which intelligently adapts the system theme to your wallpaper. This means that everything from accent colors to button tones can dynamically change to maintain visual harmony.
Lock screen widgets and gesture controls
Android 16 brings back a beloved feature: lock screen widgets. Now, users can pin weather, calendar, music, or health information directly to the lock screen, turning it into a convenient information hub. Along with this, new control gestures simplify everyday actions such as opening apps, switching settings, or interacting with notifications, creating a more fluid and intuitive interface.
Expressive design for settings
The Settings app has undergone one of the most significant redesigns in recent years. The new "Expressive Design" layout offers:
Card-based sections for each category of settings.
Material You features icons, such as check marks and crosses, for greater clarity.
Indicator arrows for submenus.
Colored icons for quick visual identification.
The redesigned layout also features top-level headings on main pages, helping users quickly grasp the information. While this expressive design may not be present in the initial version of Android 16, it's already available in beta versions and could be introduced in QPR (Quarterly Platform Releases) updates or Android 17.
Volume slider and system-level interface settings
The newly redesigned volume slider replaces the old pill-shaped controls with thin, flat sliders featuring rectangular handles. The icons have been relocated to the bottom of the slider for a cleaner layout, and the three-dot menu has been condensed for a more compact appearance. These subtle changes align with Google's ongoing efforts to enhance the ergonomics and aesthetics of the user interface.
Dynamic icons in the status bar
Small but essential updates are coming to the status bar. The Wi-Fi signal icon now shows three bars instead of five, simplifying the visual language. More noticeably, the battery icon changes color depending on the charge level:
White when charged
Red when low
Green when charging
A bold battery percentage and inverted icon style are also displayed for better readability. These visual changes improve information delivery without overwhelming the user.
Force dark mode
Although Android has supported dark mode for years, many third-party apps still don't offer a built-in dark theme. Android 16 Beta 1 continues the development of the "make more apps dark" feature, which automatically applies a dark overlay to apps that don't have built-in support.
Artificial Intelligence & Smart Features
iOS 19:
Siri 2.0
Apple is completely redesigning Siri using a large language model (LLM), which will make Siri more context-aware, proactive, and free-flowing in natural conversation.
Imagine asking: "When is my call scheduled?"
Siri will pull data from Mail, Calendar, iMessage, and Contacts to provide a personalized response that spans multiple apps. However, according to previous reports, this significant update to Siri may not arrive until iOS 19.4 or later.
App Intents
Apple is expanding its App Intents system, a feature that allows Siri and AI to perform tasks across different apps. Although initially limited to Apple's apps, this system lays the foundation for deep integration. Each new supported API will feel like the discovery of new possibilities.
For example, you could ask Siri: "Show me the file John sent last Friday about our budget meeting," and it will be found in Notes or Files using semantic understanding.
Smarter system apps
Artificial intelligence is also being woven seamlessly into core apps such as Photos, Safari, and Notes:
In Photos, Apple Intelligence can group memories or more accurately identify visual elements.
In Safari, artificial intelligence can offer web page summaries or highlight key points.
In Notes, the voice-to-text feature is expected to become more intelligent, and context-based auto-formatting will be introduced.
Apple Health powered by artificial intelligence
Perhaps the most personal update: rumors suggest an AI health assistant is coming to the Apple Health app. Instead of diagnosing, it will act as a coach analyzing trends in your data, alerting you to changes, and offering personalized lifestyle advice. This so-called virtual health coach will help you see patterns in your activity, nutrition, and sleep. All of this will work on your device, in line with Apple's commitment to privacy.
Android 16:
Gemini replaces Google Assistant
In Android 16, Google's Gemini artificial intelligence officially takes center stage, replacing the outdated Google Assistant. But Gemini isn't just a more intelligent voice interface; it's a full-fledged digital agent capable of handling complex conversational queries.
This natural language flexibility is especially useful in cars, smartwatches, and wearables such as Android XR. Gemini is being rolled out as the default voice assistant in Wear OS 6, Google TV, and even cars with built-in Google.
Another new feature is Gemini Live, Google's AI-powered interface that supports real-time, real-life conversations, similar to talking to a live assistant. It can refer to your emails, calendar events, and tasks across different platforms — perfect for multitasking users who want AI to do more than answer questions.
Contextual app actions
Android 16 also introduces AI-powered app actions — clever, predictable shortcuts based on user behavior, location, and preferences. Imagine your phone automatically offering to resume your podcast when you plug in your headphones or helping you change your lunch order around noon. These actions are powered by on-device machine learning, which keeps users' privacy secure and improves their daily workflow.
Ecosystem integration
iOS 19:
Apple continues to lead the way in ecosystem integration, and with iOS 19, this concept becomes even more refined. Expect closer interaction between iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro. Whether it's using the universal clipboard to copy text on your Mac and paste it on your iPhone or instantly picking up where you left off with Handoff, it's all seamless.
New updates to Universal Control also provide a smoother transition between devices, allowing users to drag and drop files or use a single keyboard and mouse across different Apple products with virtually no setup. The result? A productive environment where devices work seamlessly as extensions of one another.
Android:
Android 16, meanwhile, is quietly but steadily improving its ecosystem. Integration between Android phones, Chromebooks, Wear OS, Google TV, and smart home devices is even more seamless. Nearby Share is more versatile, and cross-platform features, such as app continuity and media transfer, are becoming smarter. Developers also benefit from server tools that support this concept:
Adaptive refresh rate API for smooth animation on different screen types
HDR screenshot support to preserve color integrity
Large screen readiness for foldable devices and tablets
Customizable photo selection for a more personalized experience
In short, Android 16 is evolving better to serve the fragmented yet diverse world of hardware in which it exists, striving for flexibility, while Apple is betting on harmony.
Final thoughts
In the battle between Android 16 and iOS 19, the right choice ultimately depends on your personal needs and priorities. Android 16 stands out with its deep customization options and powerful AI features thanks to Gemini, a wider selection of hardware, and improved performance for gaming and multitasking. On the other hand, iOS 19 stands out with its robust privacy protection, seamless integration between Apple devices, stable long-term performance, and the introduction of Apple Intelligence, which enables more intelligent features on the device. If you value flexibility and cutting-edge features, Android 16 is an excellent choice; if security, ecosystem harmony, and a smooth user experience are your top priorities, then iOS 19 is for you.
FAQ:
Which OS has better AI features?
Android 16 integrates Google Gemini AI more deeply into system functions, while iOS 19 introduces Apple Intelligence with a focus on privacy-friendly, on-device AI.
Is iOS 19 more secure than Android 16?
Yes. iOS 19 offers stronger privacy with on-device processing, App Tracking Transparency, and regular updates across all devices. Android 16 has stepped up security with Private Space and better spam controls, but update reliability depends on the device maker.
Which OS is better for gaming?
Android 16 is better for high-end gaming thanks to powerful hardware options, Game Dashboard, and more control over performance. iOS 19 is smooth and stable, especially with Apple Arcade, but offers fewer gaming-specific tools.
What camera improvements are coming in Android 16 and iOS 19?
iOS 19 revamps the Camera app with simultaneous front and rear recording and new editing options. Android 16 enhances computational photography with hybrid auto exposure, precise color adjustments, and night mode APIs.
When will Android 16 and iOS 19 be released?
Android 16’s stable version is expected in early June 2025, following its first public beta on January 23, 2025. iOS 19 will be unveiled at WWDC on June 9, 2025, with a stable release in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 series.
