At WWDC 2025, Apple introduced a new generation of operating systems, including iOS 26, featuring many new functions. However, many of these features closely resemble or are nearly identical to those long available on the Android platform. For example, screen sharing during calls, personalized backgrounds in iMessage, automatic call filtering, and wrist gesture notifications dismissal already exist on Android devices. Apple also introduced a new design direction called Liquid Glass, arriving later than Google’s Material 3. While Apple is introducing these features, Android users have been using them for years. Nevertheless, iPadOS 26 brings significant productivity improvements that surpass most Android tablets. In summary, Apple is slowly catching up to Android in some areas but still maintains its own advantages.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize that Apple is largely copying Android features, highlighting the lack of originality and innovation in Apple’s latest iOS 26 update. They point out that many features have been standard on Android for years, suggesting Apple is playing catch-up rather than leading in technology.
Center: Centrist sources provide a balanced view, acknowledging that while Apple has introduced many features similar to Android, it also brings unique improvements, especially in productivity on iPadOS 26. They note that Apple is integrating these features in its ecosystem, which may benefit users despite the similarities.
Right: Right-leaning media tend to highlight Apple’s strengths, focusing on the quality and polish of the new iOS 26 features and the overall user experience. They acknowledge the similarities with Android but frame Apple as innovating within its own design philosophy and catching up in some areas while maintaining leadership in others.
