6 Android Features That the iPhone Doesnt Have

Switching from Android to iPhone as your primary device is a positive experience, but it also has its downsides. Here are some Android features you'll miss when you switch to iPhone.

1. Multitask easily through Split-Screen view

One of the key features of Android that improves multitasking is Split-Screen view. You can use Split-Screen view on Android to view two apps at the same time. For example, watch YouTube on the top while chatting with friends on WhatsApp on the bottom.

However, that’s not the case on the iPhone. You have to manually switch between apps if you want to multitask. While not yet available on iOS, iPadOS has Split View, which lets you view two iPad apps side by side. Hopefully Apple will bring a similar feature to the iPhone in the near future.

2. Multiple user accounts

Another handy feature that will be missed since switching to iPhone is the ability to have multiple user accounts. Using multiple user accounts means you don’t have to worry about essential apps being uninstalled or new apps being installed on your primary account when you hand your phone to your kids to play games.

Each account has its own user space with its own apps and acts like a different phone. While this doesn’t share the device, it can be useful for people who share it. It can also be useful for maintaining privacy when taking the device in for repair.

3. Sideload apps from third-party app stores

One of the reasons people switch from Android to iPhone is because the platform has fewer security risks. Unfortunately, one of the reasons iPhones are more secure than Android is because of the strict controls Apple puts in place. Trying to sideload apps from third-party stores on an iPhone is a pain.

While third-party app stores do exist and you can sideload apps on iPhone, the experience is less streamlined, unlike on Android.

On Android, you can download apps from anywhere; the only hurdle is allowing your device to install apps from third-party sources. That's not a big deal, as Android provides an accessible setting to enable sideloading.

4. Full customization and personalization

Unlike Android, iOS has very limited customization and personalization options. For example, on the iOS home screen, Apple only allows you to remove or add app icons and widgets. You can also add some widgets to the lock screen, but only from a select group that Apple provides.

The customization and personalization options on Android are nearly endless. On the home screen alone, you can completely revamp the layout by switching to a different launcher. You can also change the grid, customize the size of app icons, and more.

Besides the customization options available, you can also root your Android phone and install custom ROMs to go further if you really want.

5. Access internal memory on computer

Once you switch to an iPhone, you'll miss being able to access your device's internal storage via USB. Connecting your Android phone to your Windows computer via USB allows you to access everything on your device. You can browse your phone's internal storage just like any other external storage device. This allows for faster file transfers than using wireless transfer methods.

You can’t see your iPhone’s internal storage if you connect it to your Mac via USB. Instead, you can only sync files between the two devices, which is very limited. And if you connect it to a Windows computer, you’re limited to viewing the photos and videos stored on it.

6. Detailed sound control

Another feature you'll miss after switching is Android's granular audio controls. Android offers separate sliders for adjusting media volume, call volume, ringer volume, notification volume, and alarm volume.

The iPhone has an all-in-one volume control setting, which makes managing volume a pain. Everything in one setting means that if you turn down the volume while playing media or mute your social media feed, you have to remember to turn it up so you don't miss your alarm later.

On iPhone, there are only two settings for controlling volume: One for ringtones and alerts, and another for when you're making calls or playing media. But to enjoy this separation, you'll need to turn off Change with Buttons at Settings > Sounds & Haptics . Otherwise, turning the volume down or up with the buttons will also affect the volume of your ringtone and alerts like reminders and alarms.

Switching from Android to iPhone means making some sacrifices. If you're a longtime Android user, keep in mind that these are just some of the challenges you'll face when switching from Android to iPhone.