6 Android Features Still Missing That Users Want in 2025
For all its strengths, Android still isn’t perfect. Whether you’ve been a loyal Android user since the days of the Galaxy S3 or just switched from iPhone, chances are you’ve noticed a few things the operating system still lacks. In 2025, many Android fans are still asking: why doesn’t Android have this yet? From native quality-of-life tools to Apple-inspired enhancements, there are several android features still missing that could make the experience smoother, smarter, and more satisfying. Below, we break down six essential features users are hoping to see on Android phones soon—some that already exist on certain Android skins, and others that still feel long overdue.
A Unified Update System for All Android Phones
One of the biggest drawbacks of Android in 2025 is still fragmentation. While Google pushes out major updates like Android 16, many users—especially those using budget or mid-range devices—don’t get these updates for months, if at all. Unlike Apple’s iOS, which pushes updates simultaneously across all supported devices, Android relies heavily on manufacturers and carriers to roll out changes. This means features like improved privacy tools or better battery optimization often never reach the average user. A consistent, unified update system is one of the android features still missing that could drastically improve user trust and long-term usability. Even Google’s Project Mainline, which attempted to modularize updates, hasn’t been the universal solution users were hoping for.
iOS-Style App Privacy and Permissions Control
Android has improved privacy in recent years, but it still lags behind iOS in one critical way: app permissions. Apple’s system proactively informs users when an app accesses location, camera, or microphone—sometimes even offering real-time indicators or logs of when access happened. While Android 13 and Android 14 introduced some enhancements, a granular, intuitive privacy dashboard is still lacking on many devices, particularly outside the Pixel lineup. Users want easier ways to revoke permissions, set one-time access, and get detailed usage reports. It’s one of those android features still missing that could dramatically boost confidence, especially as concerns around app tracking and data collection grow louder.
True Cross-Device Continuity Like Apple Ecosystem
One thing iPhone and Mac users rave about is Apple’s seamless device integration. From Handoff to AirDrop to Universal Clipboard, Apple has nailed cross-device continuity. Android users, however, have had to rely on third-party apps or OEM-specific solutions—like Samsung’s DeX or Huawei’s Multi-Screen Collaboration—which only work within brand ecosystems. Google has tried to bridge the gap with features like Nearby Share and Phone Hub in ChromeOS, but it’s still inconsistent across devices and lacks polish. Android users are still waiting for a cohesive, platform-wide solution that just works. This missing Android feature could change how people use tablets, Chromebooks, smart TVs, and watches together—especially as Google pushes more AI-powered devices in 2025.
A Built-In Focus or Zen Mode Across All Android Devices
Some Android manufacturers like OnePlus and Realme offer a “Zen Mode” or “Focus Mode” that helps users take a break from screen time—but there’s no universal, Google-backed version. With rising digital wellness concerns, users are increasingly looking for tools that support mindful usage. Apple’s Focus Modes, customizable across apps and even tied to location or time of day, have proven effective for iOS users. Android’s Digital Wellbeing is a good start but lacks flexibility and visibility. A truly powerful focus mode, native across all Android phones, is one of the android features still missing that could support mental health, productivity, and better screen habits—especially among Gen Z and younger users.
Seamless Screen Recording and App-Specific Capture
In 2025, screen recording on Android still isn’t as advanced as it should be. While many Android skins like Samsung’s One UI or Xiaomi’s MIUI offer built-in screen recorders, there’s still no native, Google-supported feature with options for internal audio capture, app-specific recording, or one-click sharing. This is a huge miss in an age where content creation, gaming, and online education are booming. iOS allows internal audio and targeted app recordings with ease—something Android fans continue to request. Whether for creating tutorials, saving game clips, or sharing app issues with tech support, this remains one of the most practical android features still missing for power users and casual users alike.
Better Battery Health and Charging Analytics
Despite improvements in adaptive charging and battery-saving modes, Android still lacks comprehensive tools to monitor battery health over time. iPhone users get clear battery health stats, including maximum capacity and recommendations to replace aging batteries. Android users? Not so much. While apps like AccuBattery attempt to fill the gap, they aren’t always accurate or integrated into the system UI. Knowing your battery’s long-term health and charging behavior is crucial for extending phone lifespan—especially as phones become more expensive. With users keeping devices longer than before, it’s clear that battery analytics are among the android features still missing that users would actively engage with.
Why These Android Features Still Matter in 2025
Android has come a long way, evolving into a powerhouse OS with unmatched flexibility and innovation. But even in 2025, it’s clear there are several android features still missing that users genuinely care about. Whether it’s better update support, cross-device integration, or deeper privacy controls, Android’s future success depends on how well it listens to its community. Many of these ideas aren’t new—they’ve been available on iPhones or limited to select Android brands. Bringing them to all Android phones in a thoughtful, unified way would not only close the gap with Apple, but also cement Android’s role as a people-first platform built for everyone.
For now, users can only hope the next major Android release finally checks some of these boxes. Until then, we’ll keep asking: why is this feature still missing?
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