Recently, Google shipped an array of mobile devices – Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, and Pixel C – powered by Android 7.0 Nougat. The company has also revealed its plan to make the latest version of Android available to many non-Nexus devices in near future. Likewise, Apple has also revealed its plan to make iOS 10 available to specific devices – iPhone 5 and higher, iPod touch 6th gen, iPad mini 2 and higher, and iPad 4th generation – this month. Hence, the users now have option to choose from devices powered by the latest versions of iOS and Android. But the users must compare the features of both mobile operating systems to make the right decision.

Understanding Major Differences between iOS 10 and Android 7.0 Nougat

User Interface Experience

Both iOS 10 and Android 7 come with redesigned and polished user interfaces. But the Android users have the option to use home screens. The user interface of iOS 10 enables users to take advantage of force touch and ‘Rise to wake’ features. The sensors deployed inside the iOS device screens can easily detect the exact amount of pressure put by the user. Hence, the users can accomplish various tasks by putting varying amount of pressure. Likewise, the users can take advantage of the ‘Rise to wake’ feature to keep the display constantly on. On the other hand, the user interface of Android 7 comes with a redesigned navigation bar button. It further allows users to launch the last-used app simply by double tapping on the recent app button.

Notifications

Bothe mobile operating systems also come with improved notification systems. The notification system included in iOS 10 enables users to interact with various notifications more efficiently. Also, the updated notification system works with third-party apps. Hence, the mobile app developers can take advantage of this feature to push live updates to the notifications without putting extra effort. At the same time, redesigned notification system included in Android 7 enables users to check notifications directly without opening the mobile apps. The users also have option to open the notification and reply to messages without using any messaging app.

Digital Assistant

Both iOS 10 and Android 7.0 come with improved digital assistants. Apple has redesigned Siri to enable users to perform several new tasks by giving voice commands. Also, it made Siri available to third-party iOS app developers. The latest version of Siri included in iOS 10 enables users to conduct online searches, book cabs, send message through a third-party app, ask for directions, track schedules, set alarms, and deliver reminders and notifications. Android 7.0 also comes with an updated version of Google Now to make it easier for users to accomplish additional tasks through voice commands. However, the updated version of Google Now emphasizes more on user interaction, and lacks some of these advanced functionalities provided by Siri.

Messaging

The latest version of iOS comes with a completely revamped iMessage app. The messaging service now enables users to avail additional social features, option to add emojis, and media attachments. But Android 7 enable users to choose from an array of messaging apps. In addition to Google Messenger app and Hangouts, the latest version of Android comes with two new messaging apps – Allo and Duo. Hence, there are chances that the users may find it confusing to choose the right messaging app on Android.

Option to Delete Stock Apps

The current versions of iOS and Android allow users to delete stock apps without any hassle. But each mobile operating system allows users to delete specific stock apps. Apple allows users only to hide the stock apps. The users can unhide and use the stock apps in future without downloading them again from App Store. There are certain Android device manufacturers that allow users to uninstall stock apps instead of hiding them. Hence, the option to delete stock apps will differ from one hardware manufacturer to another.

Multitasking

Both iOS 10 and Android 7.0 allows users to perform multitasking, and access multiple apps simultaneously. But the multitasking feature of iOS 10 is available only for specific models of iPad. On the other hand, Android 7.0 enables users to run two apps side by side on their smartphones and tablets. However, the multitasking performance will differ from one Android device to another. The users will require devices with more RAM and high quality battery to access two apps simultaneously and smoothly on a single device.

Battery Life Extension

Both mobile operating systems now enable users to monitor the usage of battery consistently. But Android 7 comes extends the battery life of devices efficiently through the updated Doze Mode. The updated Doze Mode turns the battery saving features automatically when the device remains idle for a longer period of time. Hence, the users can carry and use their Android devices without worrying about battery usage. However, the users must not forget to disable background processed and apps to save battery consumption continuously.

Quick Settings

The redesigned Control Centre makes it easier for users to customize the settings of devices powered by iOS 10. But the users still have to put extra time and effort to personalize the settings of their device completely. But Android 7.0 enables users to customize the settings of their mobile devices without any hassle. It further allows users to include various setting options in easy to reach slots. The users can further switch between multiple options almost instantaneously.

Apps

Apple has improved the quality and performance of certain stock apps significantly. For instance, the iOS 10 users can access the updated version of photo app to identify the people, place and objects inside a specific picture. Hence, they can now sort and access pictures based on varying criterions. Likewise, the users can also access the redesigned music apps to stream tracks through Apple Music streaming services and a simplified user interface. But Play Music allows Android 7 users to both download individual tracks and stream the songs over the internet.

On the whole, both iOS 10 and Android 7.0 come with several new features and enhancements. The users of specific model of iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch can upgrade to the latest version of iOS without changing their existing devices. But the users have to buy new devices powered by Android 7.0 to avail these new features and enhancements.