Android vs. Apple — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 14, 2023
Android is an open-source operating system mainly for smartphones and tablets, primarily developed by Google. Apple refers to the technology company that produces its own hardware and software, including the iPhone, which runs on the iOS operating system.
Difference Between Android and Apple
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Android is an operating system developed by Google that's designed for touchscreen devices, including smartphones and tablets. Apple, in contrast, is a company that produces hardware and software, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers, which operate on systems like iOS and macOS. Android's open-source nature allows for greater customization and variety of devices.
In the case of Android, its open-source nature means that various manufacturers can produce devices that run Android. Apple, on the other hand, controls the entire ecosystem surrounding its products, including both hardware and software. This results in a more uniform but less customizable experience for Apple users.
Android devices often offer more features like additional ports and expandable storage, things that are generally not available on Apple products. Apple prioritizes a streamlined, simplified user experience, often restricting more complex configurations to maintain this ethos.
When it comes to app stores, Android users download apps from Google Play, whereas Apple users go to the Apple App Store. Android's app submission process is less stringent, leading to a broader variety of apps, but potentially less quality control. Apple's App Store has stricter guidelines, ensuring a more controlled but often higher-quality selection of apps.
Lastly, Android devices tend to be less expensive than Apple products. This is because Android's open-source model allows for a wide range of devices at various price points. Apple devices are typically premium products with a price tag to match, reflecting their integrated hardware-software approach.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Open-source operating system
Integrated hardware and software
Customization
High
Low
App Store
Google Play
Apple App Store
Price Range
Broad, from budget to premium
Generally premium
Manufacturer
Multiple vendors
Only Apple
Compare with Definitions
Android
Android's open-source nature allows for extensive customization.
Android's open-source code enables developers to create custom ROMs.
Apple
An apple is an edible fruit produced by an apple tree (Malus domestica). Apple trees are cultivated worldwide and are the most widely grown species in the genus Malus.
Android
Android is a mobile operating system primarily used in smartphones and tablets.
I downloaded the latest version of Android on my smartphone.
Apple
The round fruit of a tree of the rose family, which typically has thin green or red skin and crisp flesh.
Android
Android is used by various device manufacturers.
Samsung, OnePlus, and many other companies use Android as their operating system.
Apple
The tree bearing apples, with hard pale timber that is used in carpentry and to smoke food.
Android
Apple's mobile devices run on the iOS operating system.
My iPhone just updated to the latest version of iOS.
Apple
A cultivated deciduous tree (Malus domestica or M. pumila) in the rose family, native to Eurasia and having alternate simple leaves and white or pink flowers.
Android
Apple controls both the hardware and software for its products.
The seamless integration between my iPhone and MacBook is due to Apple's unified ecosystem.
Apple
The firm, edible, usually rounded fruit of this tree.
Android
Android is developed by Google.
Google releases periodic updates to improve Android performance.
Apple
Any of several other plants, especially those with fruits suggestive of the apple, such as the crabapple or custard apple.
Android
Android apps can be downloaded from Google Play.
I found this awesome game on the Google Play Store for my Android phone.
Apple
The fruit of any of these plants.
Android
Apple is a technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California.
Apple announced a new product lineup last week.
Apple
A common, round fruit produced by the tree Malus domestica, cultivated in temperate climates.
Android
(in science fiction) a robot with a human appearance
A space station inhabited only by androids
There were no android security guards to stop him
Apple
Any fruit or vegetable, or any other thing produced by a plant such as a gall or cone, especially if produced by a tree and similar to the fruit of Malus domestica; also (with qualifying words) used to form the names of specific fruits such as custard apple, rose apple, thorn apple etc.
Android
An open-source operating system used for smartphones and tablet computers
I have an Android phone and I like it a lot
Apple
Something which resembles the fruit of Malus domestica, such as a globe, ball, or breast.
Android
Possessing human features.
Apple
The ball in baseball.
Android
A mobile robot or automaton, especially one that resembles a human.
Apple
(informal) When smiling, the round, fleshy part of the cheeks between the eyes and the corners of the mouth.
Android
A robot that is designed to look and act like a human being (not necessarily a male one).
Apple
The Adam's apple.
Android
Possessing human qualities.
Apple
(Christianity) The fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, eaten by Adam and Eve according to post-Biblical Christian tradition; the forbidden fruit.
Android
Of the pelvis, having a narrow anterior segment and a heart-shaped brim, typically found in the male.
Apple
A tree of the genus Malus, especially one cultivated for its edible fruit; the apple tree.
Android
A machine or automaton in the form of a human being.
Apple
The wood of the apple tree.
Android
Resembling a man.
Apple
Short for apples and pears, slang for stairs.
Android
An automaton that resembles a human being
Apple
A Native American or red-skinned person who acts and/or thinks like a white (Caucasian) person.
Android
Apple products are generally considered premium.
I saved up for months to afford the latest Apple laptop.
Apple
An assist.
Android
Apple users download apps from the Apple App Store.
I found a great productivity app on the Apple App Store.
Apple
(slang) A CB radio enthusiast.
Apple
(ambitransitive) To make or become apple-like.
Apple
(obsolete) To form buds, bulbs, or fruit.
Apple
The fleshy pome or fruit of a rosaceous tree (Pyrus malus) cultivated in numberless varieties in the temperate zones.
Apple
Any tree genus Pyrus which has the stalk sunken into the base of the fruit; an apple tree.
Apple
Any fruit or other vegetable production resembling, or supposed to resemble, the apple; as, apple of love, or love apple (a tomato), balsam apple, egg apple, oak apple.
Apple
Anything round like an apple; as, an apple of gold.
Apple
To grow like an apple; to bear apples.
Apple
Fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh
Apple
Native Eurasian tree widely cultivated in many varieties for its firm rounded edible fruits
Common Curiosities
What is Apple?
Apple is a technology company that produces hardware and software, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Are Android and Apple compatible?
Generally not directly, but third-party apps often offer cross-platform functionality.
Which is more expensive, Android or Apple?
Apple, as it mainly offers premium products.
What is Android?
Android is an open-source mobile operating system developed by Google.
Where do Android users download apps?
From the Google Play Store.
Can I run Android on an Apple device?
Generally no, as Apple's ecosystem is closed.
Where do Apple users download apps?
From the Apple App Store.
Who founded Apple?
Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne founded Apple.
Which is more customizable, Android or Apple?
Android, due to its open-source nature.
Do all Android phones have the same interface?
No, manufacturers often add their own skin on top of Android.
Can I run iOS on an Android device?
No, iOS is exclusive to Apple hardware.
Which has a wider range of available apps, Android or Apple?
Android has a broader variety, but Apple often has more curated, higher-quality apps.
Is Android safer than Apple?
Apple's closed ecosystem is generally considered more secure.
Who owns Android?
Google owns and develops the Android operating system.
Do all Apple products have the same interface?
Generally yes, although iPads and Macs have variations suited to larger screens.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
