Is Apple imitating Android with iOS 18 update?

Apple's upcoming iOS 18 update is set to make the iPhone feel more like an Android device, introducing a range of customization options that have long been a hallmark of Android.

At the recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple unveiled features that allow users to personalize their home screens significantly. Users will now be able to rearrange app icons around their chosen wallpaper—like a beloved photo of their pet—and add color tints to the icons. These enhancements can be easily accessed by simply pressing and holding the home screen.

In addition, the iOS 18 update introduces new aesthetics for the Control Center, enabling users to swap out the flashlight button on their lock screens for other controls. Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, Craig Federighi, demonstrated this by showcasing a feature that integrates controls from third-party apps, such as an air conditioning adjustment from Ford.

Tech enthusiasts took to social media to express their reactions, with some Android fans humorously mocking Apple’s new direction. One user quipped, “This is so horribly Android, I love and hate it. Thanks Apple,” while another joked that these new features could entice Android users to make the switch to iPhones.

Historically, Android devices have been praised for their innovation and customization capabilities, which many users believe surpass those of the iPhone. Notably, iPhones gained popularity among US consumers, surpassing Android in user numbers for the first time in 2022.

With iOS 18, Apple appears to be bridging the gap between the two platforms, appealing to a broader audience of users who appreciate personalization in their devices.