Why Do Android Manufacturers Constantly Compare Their Phones to Apple?

You might think that Apple is aloof towards Android manufacturers, but that's far from the truth. In reality, Apple dedicates a significant portion of its efforts to making Android phones struggle, rather than improving its own products. This article explores why Android manufacturers constantly compare and strike at Apple, and the underlying reasons behind their actions.

Apple's Focus on Android

There is a persistent myth that Apple doesn't care about Android. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Apple spends the majority of its time developing strategies to make Android phones work poorly in an iOS environment. Free from this obsession, Apple can actually focus on making its own products better. Here are some examples of interoperability issues that highlight this stark reality:

iPhone cannot connect to WearOS watches. iPhone cannot sync to Google Drive. iPhone cannot share files with Android phones or Windows laptops. iPhone cannot connect to Android devices via Bluetooth. iPhone doesn't support open standards such as Bluetooth multi-point RCS.

These limitations serve to exacerbate the challenges Android users face within an iOS environment. Apple's approach may not seem fair, but it clearly reflects the company's focus and efforts.

Igneous Belief vs. Reality

The belief that Apple is indifferent to Android is a common misconception. In contrast to this notion, let's explore the truth behind Apple's endeavors. Apple has spent considerable resources to enhance and improve the overall Android experience. This includes efforts such as:

Partnering with Acorn to develop ARM processors, providing a crucial foundation for the majority of Android smartphones. Integrating ARM-based processors into its own product lines, such as the Apple Newton MessagePad in 1993.

As a result, all Android manufacturers essentially share the same operating system and hardware components, fostering a somewhat homogenous market. This lack of innovation and differentiation among Android manufacturers is quite telling.

Why Android Manufacturers Compete with Apple

It is a common misconception that Google, as the behind-the-scenes force, drives innovation in Android. However, the reality is quite different. Android manufacturers, although they use the same operating system, have not significantly innovated. Instead, they rely on imitating the reigning standard set by Apple.

Before the advent of the 2007 iPhone, Android devices were feature phones with tiny screens and limited functionality. They were primarily used for slow SMS messaging, where tapping out text was akin to Morse code. Once the iPhone revolutionized the market, Android manufacturers quickly followed suit, copying the iPhone's user experience wholesale.

This dependence on copying Apple's innovations stems from the fact that Android manufacturers primarily sell their devices as a promotional tool. By making their products look and feel similar to Apple's, they can attract users who favor the qualities of an iPhone. As a result, innovation is secondary to mimicking Apple's success.

American Ingenuity vs. Copycats

The 2007 iPhone marked a turning point in the smartphone industry. It showcased a level of innovation and user experience that was unprecedented. Consequently, all subsequent Android devices have drawn heavily from Apple's blueprint. These devices are often inferior in terms of performance due to their reliance on generic ARM processors and lack of additional investment.

iPhone users, on the other hand, enjoy a more seamless and user-friendly experience. The iPhone's iMessage, while sometimes criticized, remains a proprietary and sealed ecosystem that Apple has refined over the years. Conversely, Android manufacturers often avoid interoperability issues, such as not supporting RCS, because Apple's system is more integrated and efficient.

The Bottom Line

In essence, the constant comparison and criticism by Android manufacturers against Apple stem from a lack of genuine innovation and differentiation in the market. Apple's focus on user experience and performance is unmatched, and this drives competitors to imitate rather than innovate.