20 Simple Things About The iPhone An Android User Will Never Understand
There is a reason why despite a large number of Android phone choices, there are still many people (called “fanboys”) who choose to stick with the Apple iPhone. There are many things that only the iPhone can do and that an Android user can only dream of or will never understand. The unique iOS software that comes with the iPhone has many features and functions that are foreign to owners of Google-powered phones.
Since 2007, iPhone and Android phones have been massive competitors. Then, because of exclusivity of features and functions, and even accessories like wearables, wireless headphones, and other smart devices, users tend to be locked into only a single device at a time. Still, it is amazing to know that the iPhone offers many standout characteristics. Hence, it deserves its large price point.
Let’s take a look at these iPhone features that you might not be familiar with or comprehend if you don’t own this iDevice.
20. No pre-installed apps or bloatware
Unlike so many Android makers, Apple tries to minimize the number of apps pre-installed on an iPhone. When you buy an iPhone, you’ll see only the important Apple apps. There’s literally little to nothing out of the box or the so-called bloatware crowding your home screen. With the latest iOS 10 update, there’s even an option to remove user data and hide Apple apps. The California-based company doesn’t see the point of including so many apps if the users won’t use them.
19. AirDrop
AirDrop makes sharing everything a lot easier between iPhone users. This solution lets you transfer files in as quick as making a tap or two. There’s no need for third-party apps, as this built-in service can let you share files, photos, and links easily and conveniently. Simply open the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your iPhone to be able to transfer content to another iPhone or to your Mac. What’s cool is that it allows you to send files without the size restriction so you can send as much as you want in one go.
18. Lightning cable
Before the creation of Android’s USB Type-C, there exists the one and only Lightning cable from Apple. This reversible cable allows you to charge as well as sync your iPhone, iPad, and even iPod to your computer’s USB port. Likewise, there is no wrong way to plug it in since it doesn’t have a top or bottom. The awesome thing about this is that one cable works on all iOS devices, making it the single standard across Apple products.
17. Headphone with controls
Apple may have recently dropped it, but the standard headphones that used to go together with a brand-new iPhone is a representation of the brand’s reliability. The white in-ear headphones, with its controls that allow users to play, pause, skip forward or back a track have been there for iPhone users to take advantage of. Moreover, it has volume buttons, with an option to launch Siri for making a phone call and performing other activities, and this sets it apart from other headphones out of the box.
16. iMessage
This is the reason why communication between Apple owners is easy. iMessage allows users to send and receive messages containing texts, photos, videos, personalized effects, and much more from their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, and even Mac. It offers fast and simple connectivity so staying in touch with family and friends will be easy. In addition, with the latest iOS 10 update, users can start sending expressive and animated messages with sketches and bigger emojis.
15. FaceTime and FaceTime Audio
If you want to make your conversations with your family or friends even more personal, using FaceTime is one wonderful way to do that. This built-in feature allows Apple users to video chat or easily switch from a regular phone call to a video call. If network coverage suddenly becomes spotty or you have a poor signal, then you can easily shift to FaceTime Audio to make a call with a nicer audio. It works both on Wi-Fi and cellular connection.
14. Safari
The dominance of Google in the global search market isn’t an unknown fact, but we can’t put Safari aside because of that. First released in 2003, Safari became iPhone’s built-in mobile browser when the iPhone was launched in 2007. Contrary to what others might be saying, this browser performs flawlessly, is fast enough, and easy to use. In fact, it keeps getting faster and better with all the updates that are being rolled out. You can even use Apple Pay within this browser.
13. Fixed storage
Yes, that is right. Apple iPhones have fixed storage and no microSD card slots for expansion. Some see this only as a disadvantage. However, if you look closely into things, you’ll understand why Apple has been consistent with this setup. iPhone treats all storage the same. Meanwhile, Android phones do not support a feature that will trick the phone into thinking the microSD card is part of the internal storage. This means you won’t be able to move all your apps to the card with Android, anyway.
12. Siri
We all know what Siri can do. This intelligent virtual personal assistant and knowledge navigator works on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV and help you get things done easily. When activated, it responds to natural language requests. Using your voice, you can conveniently send messages, place calls, check your calendar, make appointments, control your home, download apps, play tracks, and much more. It is, without a doubt, the best companion when trying to do things quickly.
11. Apple Pay
Apple Pay is considered to be the most popular method for making mobile payments. Of course, there are its Android Pay and Samsung Pay rivals. Nonetheless, this payment method is making a greater impression to a lot of users. It’s fairly simple to use when you want to purchase something. Just bring it close to a supported payment terminal at the checkout counter, press a finger to the phone’s Touch ID, and you’re good to go. You can now use it online or when making in-app purchases, as well.
10. iCloud
Apple’s iCloud allows you to securely store your photos, videos, documents, music, apps, and much more in one place and let you access it on all your Apple devices wherever you are. It utilizes iCloud Drive, which lets you store all your files. There’s also an iCloud Photo Library that will allow you to see every photo and video you take and have it updated on all your devices. You can even use the iCloud Photo Sharing to let your loved ones see your photos.
9. 3D Touch
With the latest 3D Touch technology, iPhone users get to complete necessary tasks more quickly and with more simplicity with familiar Multi-Touch gestures such as tap, swipe, and pinch. When opening an application, users can conveniently gain access to a set of quick actions. Simply press the app icon, select a quick action, and then wait for the app to get launched with the chosen quick action message. Moreover, this technology enables the app’s view controllers to respond to users’ presses of various intensities.
8. Retina Display
Apple uses Retina Display as a brand name for the screens it uses on its products. The display made its debut in 2011’s iPhone 4S, and since then has been present on almost every iPhone that is being released. And, it never gets old. In fact, through the years, it has only gotten better and is even being used as a major selling point for Apple devices. With its extremely crisp text and images, no doubt this type of display became a major must-have.
7. Spotlight Search
Find anything on your device and on the web using Apple’s Spotlight Search. Siri powers this service so iPhone users can easily get suggestions and updates results as they type. To take advantage of this, simply swipe down from the middle of your Home screen, tap the Search field, and then type what you’re looking for. It can be anything from a nearby restaurant to a contact or an appointment you made with a specific person.
6. Faster and instant updates
Compared to Android, iPhone users get much faster and instant software updates. In just two weeks of availability, 55 percent of compatible devices reportedly received Apple’s latest iOS 10 mobile operating system. It is available even for old iPhone 5 models. If you’re on Android, instead of waiting for the latest OS to arrive on your phone, you may have to opt for purchasing a new smartphone to get the latest software because your phone might not get the update at all.
5. Live Photos
Live Photos is an iPhone camera feature that creates a moving image and brings your awesome photos to life. It can capture moments during, before, and after you take a picture and create a bright animation complete with audio and video for you to share with your friends on social media such as Facebook. Simply do a long press on the screen to capture the live photo. There are Android phones that now offer a similar feature, but Apple’s original version is still said to be easier to use.
4. Access to iTunes
The best way to enjoy your music and movies is through Apple’s iTunes. If you’re an iPhone user, you wouldn’t need to download a third-party app to organize your media library. You can easily browse and buy the newly released music, movies, and TV shows, as well as play them on the same place. It acts as a media player, media library, online radio broadcaster, mobile device management application, as well as an online digital media store.
3. Apple ID
Apple ID is the all-in-one account you use to sign in to all Apple services using an existing email address from any email provider. You can use it to access services like the App Store, iTunes, iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, and so much more. It is also needed when registering your Apple device or Apple Care Protection Plans on the company’s website. Plus, to make an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar at the Apple Store, you need to use this ID.
2. Consistent design
This is one awesome thing about Apple. Throughout the years, the company has been consistent when it comes to creating its design. When you see its products, even simply with a glance, you’ll know they are from Apple. The familiar Apple logo at the back and circular Home button at the front of the iPhone easily give way to its pretty steady identity. Although there have been changes, they are all too minor and the brand still managed to retain its look and feel for a long time.
1. Apple Store
If something goes wrong with your iPhone or any products from Apple, you know where to go. The Apple Store is like a universal store that will fix all matters pertaining to your Apple device. It can resolve your problems such as when you need a replacement device or if you simply seek assistant with your device, you can schedule a one-on-one with one of the representatives in a few hours. You can also schedule an appointment at the Genius Bar to get help with hardware repairs.