5 iOS 11 Features We’d Like to See on Android

Everyone is copying everyone these days, so both Android 8.0 Oreo and iOS 11 have lots of exciting features. In September, Apple released iOS 11, and there’s a lot to like. With that in mind, here are 5 iOS 11 features we’d like to see on Android.

Google’s latest Android 8.0 Oreo update arrived in August, but it’s still not available for most devices. Instead, most smartphones and tablets run Android 7.0 Nougat or older. Still, that doesn’t mean we can’t have iOS envy while we wait for updates.

In the past, we’ve detailed 14 reasons why Android still beats Apple’s iPhone, but it can always be better. Google has made a lot of changes to improve Oreo, but they’re not the only ones with good ideas. Apple does a lot of things right, and it’s okay for us to have 5 of them.

Built-in Screen Recording

Being able to capture and record anything on your screen is an extremely useful feature. All Android devices can take screenshots, but most cannot record what’s on the screen. Yes, we are aware that this is by no means a new feature and some devices like the Galaxy S8 do have screen recording features.

In fact, all new Samsung phones have a special pre-installed app that allows users to record their screen. Perfect for games, how-to guides, and more. However, this is an app limited to Samsung Galaxy phones only. While there are 3rd party apps in the Google Play Store that do this, Apple has built this feature into iOS 11.

There’s only one swipe in the Control Center, and you can easily mute the microphone as well. iPhone users can instantly tap the screen record button, then there’s a 3-second countdown that gives you time to switch to the screen or app you want to record.

Some Android devices have this feature, while others need an app from the Google Play Store. However, we welcome Google to integrate this right into Android 8.1 Oreo so that everyone can enjoy it, no matter who makes the phone.

WiFi Password Sharing

Sometimes it’s the little things that matter. Minor software changes and improvements that make life easier. One for iOS 11 users is something called WiFi Password Sharing. iOS 11 lets you instantly share your long and hard-to-remember WiFi password instead of giving it to friends and family.

If someone is visiting and you don’t want to give out your password, have them put their iPhone next to your iPhone or Macbook. The new WiFi sharing feature works its magic behind the scenes and automatically connects them to your WiFi. Of course, you have full control over this and you will see a notification on your iPhone that says “Share Passcode” which you can approve or reject.

As long as that person is in your contact list, everything happens automatically when you agree to share the password. It is fast, easy, safe and secure. I wouldn’t mind having something similar on Android.

Apple Maps Do Not Disturb While Driving

To be honest, most of the features in Apple Maps are just playing around to keep up with Google Maps. Like lane guidance and turn-by-turn directions. However, there is a new feature that is quite useful and safe. In iOS 11, Apple added a new Do Not Disturb mode to Maps.

Do Not Disturb while Driving mutes all sounds, including notifications, and keeps the iPhone screen off. There’s even an optional iMessage alerting selected contacts that you are a safe driver and are currently driving. Basically, let them know that you’re a little busy and can’t respond.

Google Maps is packed with useful features that many people love, but this is one we won’t hesitate to see next.

Android Pay in Messages

Mobile payment solutions are a growing trend these days. We have multiple apps that let you send money to friends and family, such as Android Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Venmo.

In iOS 11, Apple added the option to use Apple Pay inside iMessage. Instantly send money to your friends and family easily. If a friend asks for the $20 you owe them, you can respond with a payout in seconds. Millions of people use Apple Pay, making it fast and convenient.

Yes, Android users can send and receive money with Gmail, but this uses Google Wallet. Another recurring service offered by Google. Not to mention that Google has multiple messaging platforms, so we’re not sure which path they should take. Either way, we’d like to see Android Pay integration with certain Android messaging apps. You can even add 3rd party app support if possible.

It’s worth noting that this is coming to iOS 11 soon, Apple has yet to fully release it.

More Augmented Reality (AR)

A large part of Apple’s iPhone 8, iPhone X, and iOS 11 release is Augmented Reality. The company showcased some new apps on stage during the iPhone X announcement. Point your iPhone camera at the field during an MLB game for stats and information. Or play great multiplayer games like The Machines on your living room coffee table.

The important thing here is that Apple has integrated ARKit directly into iOS 11. Developers have full access to a range of tools, and most older iPhone devices can also enjoy AR. Therefore, you will not need the latest iPhone to enjoy Augmented Reality. It just works and tons of apps are coming soon.

We know what you’re thinking, Google is already knee-deep in Augmented Reality. Project Tango is nothing new, and Google even has an AR phone in the ASUS ZenFone AR. That’s the problem though, after years of working on it still not much to show.

Yes, Google released ARCore as a response to Apple’s ARKit, but I can’t help feeling that Android is lagging behind. If not, it will soon. Google’s ARCore is a step in the right direction and fixes many issues or limitations, but we’d like to see more.

final thoughts

These are just a few of the many new features in iOS 11. We also expect more improvements to Android 8.0 Oreo on October 4th when Google launches the new Pixel 2. Maybe some of these features will be included in Android 8.1 when it arrives.

As we said before, there’s a lot to love about Android Oreo, but there’s also a lot of new features in iOS 11. With each new software release, both parties copy each other and that’s fine. After all, innovation and competition benefit the end users the most.