Switching mobile phone platforms for a week didn’t seem like a good idea at first — it had the potential to tank my productivity. I am by no means a power user, but I knew from the outset that the experience of moving between Android and iOS would be defined by small details: the user interface and controls more so than the greater Apple “lifestyle,” as many might put it.
That’s not meant to be derogatory, by the way. Though I may be a lifelong Android user, I hold no ill will towards what is, if we’re being honest, the greatest consumer technology ecosystem in existence. No competitor comes close to the level of integration and uniformity that Apple products offer. At a minimum, switching from my older Samsung to an iPhone would give me first-hand insight into that ecosystem. So, for those who may be curious, here’s what stood out the most during my experience.
Unity leads to uniformity
Following a very convenient data transfer process from my Samsung S22+ to a brand-new iPhone 16 Plus, the first thing that became clear — fully in line with Steve Jobs’ advocacy for closed systems — was that the user onboarding process is completely end-to-end. Though every manufacturer these days requires you to create a digital profile when using their product, the Apple ID proves to be the most encompassing of the lot. This makes sense given the scope of the Apple ecosystem (movies, music, money, and the cloud), but it also highlights the underlying lock-in effect. Long-term, climbing back over these high garden walls could prove difficult if one chooses to switch back.
Apple also makes full use of its ecosystem’s potential by encouraging users to utilise its many services. I regularly received notifications prompting me to enjoy my three-month trial on Apple TV and to link my card to Apple Wallet. Other manufacturers throw their equivalents at users as well, but the lack of uniformity in Android-based offerings and third-party partnerships means these prompts vary significantly. In my many years as a Samsung user, I never once received regular prompts to input my details for Samsung Pay.
Old habits die screaming
The biggest adjustment when moving to iOS — one that I declare with absolute sincerity — is the lack of a dedicated return button. This was the most disorientating change, and while swiping up to exit an application is intuitive, the routine positioning of a return button in the top left corner of the display proved to be the biggest hurdle to overcome.
The absence of a general return button reflects Apple’s greater emphasis on gesture-based navigation. Whereas Android clearly lays out a standard set of navigational controls that function across an app library, iOS relies heavily on movement-based interactions that are not immediately obvious to a new user — swiping from the bottom left to see running apps, swiping downwards from the right-hand side to open the Control Centre, and swiping from the middle or left-hand side to access device and web search functions. After a week, I strongly suspect there were still many controls I remained unaware of. The conclusion I draw from this is that a new user will eventually grasp them all, but it will take significantly longer than expected (it also makes me appreciate all those ‘Tech Hacks’ articles, even if most of them are tedious to read).
A wholesale experience
If I had to summarise the key difference between Apple and Android, it’s that Apple’s hardware feels like it delivers an always-on service. While I take issue with the level of uniformity that iOS instils in its user base (on that note, the long-held view that Apple products are not as customisable as Android ones is no longer valid — I had no problem making my iPhone 16 Plus look and feel distinct and personal), that uniformity ensures Apple provides a more cohesive and seamless service than its competitors.
That also means every functionality, design, and feature decision Apple makes feels significantly more thought-out and intentional. I maintain that the most ingenious idea Apple has had in recent years is Dynamic Island, which leverages the camera cut-out on the display to its full advantage. My time with the iPhone 16 Plus happened just before the mass rollout of Apple Intelligence (I see what you did with that name, Apple — very clever), but I would confidently wager that the integration of AI-powered features will feel more polished than what other brands are rolling out, both in terms of hardware and software.
Should Android users jump ship?
Can I recommend fellow Android users switch to iOS? The short answer is: sure. The learning curve is not as steep as one might expect, despite a few omissions and reworks that can make the initial weeks a tad frustrating. However, I would advise that if you do make the switch, be prepared to reconsider and realign your digital ecosystem in favour of Apple’s suite of apps and services. Additionally, remember that iOS and the iPhone you use do not exist in a hardware vacuum. As much as Apple claims to guarantee interoperability, it will always prefer you use its headphones, smartwatches, and other devices that make up its broader lifestyle. That’s simply part of the package.
For a full, in-depth review of the hardware that this Android user got his first taste of iOS, check out Reframed’s review of the iPhone 16 Plus by clicking here.