6 iOS-Style Features That Prove Android Isn’t Stuck in the Past
Smartphone users often debate which operating system reigns supreme—Android or iOS. A common misconception is that Apple devices are miles ahead when it comes to software features. However, Android has evolved rapidly, integrating many of the same capabilities that iPhone users praise. This blog highlights six iOS-style features that are not only present on Android but, in some cases, have existed on the platform even longer. If you're wondering whether Android in 2025 still lacks modern essentials like Face ID or AirDrop alternatives, the answer is a firm no. These features demonstrate how Android continues to innovate, keeping pace with Apple’s ecosystem while adding its own flair.
Widgets on Android: Far More Than Just Cosmetic Add-ons
Widgets are often considered one of iOS’s standout features, especially since Apple made them more interactive and flexible in recent iOS updates. But Android has supported widgets since as early as 2008. Over the years, Android’s widget functionality has become more refined, dynamic, and customizable. Users can place widgets of any size on the home screen, ranging from music controls and calendar events to live weather updates.
Third-party developers also have more freedom on Android, leading to a broader variety of widget options. Apps like Spotify, Todoist, and Google Keep offer widget integrations that go far beyond what iOS currently allows. For example, the Spotify widget on Android lets you pause, play, skip, and even launch specific playlists—all from your home screen. Android’s widget system proves that this platform is far from outdated and continues to offer more versatility than many realize.
Face ID and Biometric Security: Android Had It First
Apple’s Face ID has become iconic for its speed and security, but Android phones featured facial recognition technology years before the iPhone X even launched. Fast-forward to 2025, and many Android devices now offer advanced facial unlocking with 3D sensing, IR blasters, and machine learning enhancements that rival Apple's tech.
Moreover, Android goes a step further by offering multiple biometric options. Alongside facial recognition, users get in-display fingerprint scanning and even voice recognition in some models. This layered approach to security means users can choose the method that works best for them. Brands like Samsung and Google are constantly refining their biometric tech, making Android a powerful choice for anyone concerned about phone security and convenience.
AirDrop? Android Has Nearby Share and Quick Share
One of the most celebrated iOS features is AirDrop—a quick way to transfer files, images, or links between Apple devices. But Android users have their own equally effective tool: Nearby Share. Launched by Google and deeply integrated into Android's ecosystem, Nearby Share allows users to transfer files between Android devices, Chromebooks, and even Windows PCs.
Samsung takes this a step further with Quick Share, which not only works between Samsung devices but is increasingly being integrated into other ecosystems as well. By using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ultra-wideband (UWB) where available, Android file-sharing is fast, secure, and incredibly convenient. You can even set sharing preferences, making it more private than the default AirDrop settings. Android's version of AirDrop is just as efficient, and in some cases, more adaptable.
Find My Device and Cross-Platform Tracking
Apple’s Find My app has garnered attention for helping users locate lost devices with incredible precision, especially when paired with AirTags. But Android has its own robust equivalent: Google’s Find My Device. This app allows users to locate, ring, lock, or erase their devices remotely. In 2025, Android has taken this a notch higher with the rollout of a Find My Device Network, which leverages billions of Android devices globally to locate lost items, even when they're offline.
Moreover, Android supports smart tracker tags like those from Tile and Chipolo, offering users an ecosystem for item tracking that extends beyond just phones and tablets. Google’s approach is open, allowing developers and third-party manufacturers to plug into its system—making it more inclusive than Apple's tightly controlled setup. The myth that Android lacks a comparable "Find My" feature simply doesn't hold up.
Contactless Payments and Mobile Wallets: Google Wallet Competes Head-On
Another major point iOS users often cite is the convenience of Apple Pay. But Android's Google Wallet (formerly Google Pay) has matched—and in some areas exceeded—Apple Pay’s functionality. Google Wallet allows users to make secure NFC payments, store loyalty cards, transport passes, driver’s licenses (in supported regions), and even boarding passes.
It’s also more widely accepted internationally and works across a wider variety of banks and financial institutions. In countries where Apple Pay isn’t available or is limited, Google Wallet remains the go-to digital payment solution. With the inclusion of biometric verification and tokenization, security on Android is just as strong, if not more flexible, than Apple’s.
Genmoji and Personalized Expression Tools
With iOS introducing Genmoji in recent updates—allowing users to generate AI-based emojis—it might seem like Apple is leading the charge in emoji customization. However, Android has long embraced personalization in messaging. Gboard, Google's keyboard app, offers Emoji Kitchen, which lets users mash two different emojis to create a unique, hybrid one.
Samsung’s AR Emoji and other OEM-developed features have allowed Android users to create animated avatars based on their likeness for years. These can be used in messages, videos, and even calls. While Apple’s Genmoji is getting a lot of buzz in 2025, Android users already enjoy a rich ecosystem of personalized visual communication options that go beyond static expressions.
Android is Evolving, Not Lagging
The narrative that Android is behind iOS simply doesn’t hold water when you examine these six iOS-style features. From widgets and facial recognition to contactless payments and file sharing, Android not only keeps up with Apple but often offers more customization and flexibility. With consistent innovation from brands like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus, Android has carved out a reputation for forward-thinking functionality that doesn’t just copy iOS—it often enhances and improves upon it.
So, if you’ve been under the impression that switching to Android means sacrificing modern features, it’s time to rethink. Android in 2025 is a polished, powerful, and highly customizable ecosystem that rivals Apple in every way that matters.
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