An iPhone is a better Windows Phone replacement than you think

Over the past year, Microsoft has heavily withdrawn its mobile efforts, leaving Android and iOS as sole alternatives for converts. Many regard Android as the best platform for those making the switch, with a strong offering of Android devices serving as worthy replacements. Yet, don't be so quick to dismiss iOS every bit your Windows Phone replacement.

While we previously crowned the OnePlus 5T as the ideal device for those tied invested in Microsoft'due south ecosystem, I recently switched to Apple's rival iOS operating system (Os) equally my daily driver. Android may pack a feature set welcomed by Windows Telephone users but that'due south not to say the iPhone doesn't practise the same. Here'due south what I've come to love since making the jump.

Smooth where it matters

Hands one of the nigh evident disparities after a shift to iOS was the overall consistency of the Bone itself. Apple tree is a company built on premium experiences, with tight control over every pixel of its products. This means that standards for pattern, functionality and the general user feel are all tailored to company standards, without input of third-party teams. It simply feels great to employ.

This is a stark contrast to the current state of Android, where manufacturers offer their own "flavor" over the underlying operating system. While this sometimes allows for tighter integration of external services, these different versions are often weighed down equally a consequence. Especially in comparison to my most recent Android experience with Samsung, a company known for bloating phones with surplus features, this is a welcome alter to meet.

Apple tree'due south tighter control over iOS has its benefits, merely you'll lose flexibility in the exchange. In terms of raw functionality though, the gap between the ii platforms has narrowed significantly in contempo years. Once-missing features and quality of life improvements are at present baked in, making iOS a much more compelling platform, even for mobile enthusiasts. You might exist jumping through odd hoops for complex tasks, simply for the essentials (and even a trivial more), Apple has yous covered.

Top-tier app experiences

This was something I suspected before making the motion and has only been reinforced in my time since – on average, apps are significantly better on iOS. For many developers, the iPhone is treated every bit the main evolution mobile platform and this quickly shows through app quality.

In comparison to Android equivalents, even the most pop services ofttimes offering more refined and feature-packed apps. While sometimes it's just the case of more intuitive navigation, for others it can mean entirely exclusive features. Even my bank embraces Apple tree Pay only failed to offer support for Android services.

Microsoft may non accept many iOS-exclusive apps, though the standard for quality is still set much higher. General shine leaves the Function suite, Microsoft Border, and other Microsoft services naturally tied into iOS, with few shortcomings tied to the platform itself. There are anomalies, but on average iOS is unbeaten for consistency and functionality.

An unmatched hardware ecosystem

Ane of the underrated strengths of iOS today is its ecosystem of wireless accessories – an area Apple tree has gradually scaled in recent years. After ditching the headphone jack and adopting wireless charging, its contempo products only double down on its commitment to premium wireless hardware.

I've previously praised AirPods for their simplicity (even for Android users), though they shine best when paired with iOS. The ii earpieces come with their own dedicated charging case, with a seamless hand-off one time removed. And by hooking into iOS, you'll become some welcome benefits, including customizable touch gestures, on-screen bombardment data, easy Siri access, and more.

The same also goes for the company'south in-business firm smartwatch, the Apple Watch. Although an independent device with its own cellular capabilities, an iPhone all the same pushes the near out of the device. The duo once once more offers an unmatched level of consistency.

This ecosystem is only expected to aggrandize going forward, with the upcoming "HomePod" speaker. Other devices will notwithstanding connect to this, though its virtually sure Apple tree's ain devices will see tighter integration.

Timely updates for all

Later on setting upward a new iPhone, you'll soon be prompted to download the latest update, with new features, issues fixes, and other diverse tweaks. Apple's tightly controlled platform means only one version of iOS is released, with a simultaneous rollout on supported devices. On Android, this just isn't the case.

Android has gained a reputation for its slow-to-nonexistent updates, with the release of new Android versions often delayed betwixt devices. With endless variants of Android served past manufacturers, updates are managed past third parties, leaving a majority of Android users with delayed rollouts (if ever) to their devices.

The latest case of these delays affects the release of Android viii.0 Oreo, and many manufacturers have still still to prefer this version later on its August 2022 debut, even in newly announced devices. Although limiting your options to Google-made hardware can avert this, Apple ensures all devices remain relevant for years to come.

Your thoughts on iOS

Both Android and iOS have their benefits, though for many, the choice comes downwards the personal preference. While Android offers raw functionality, there's a thriving amuse and smoothen to iOS that's unbeaten by competition. Make certain to hop into the comments beneath with your thoughts on the iPhone for those invested in Microsoft services.