The ecosystem Apple is famous for its closedness and strict control over the user experience, while Android offers almost unlimited freedom of action. This difference isn't just philosophical—it directly impacts what tasks you can perform on your smartphone. Owners iPhone often encounter limitations that they are not even aware of until they switch to Android (or try to perform a specific operation).
But this is not just about “tricks for geeks”. Some restrictions iOS concern basic things: from installing applications from third-party sources to changing system fonts or connecting external drives without extra adapters. At the same time Android allows you to do this “out of the box” or after minimal settings. Of course, freedom has a downside - security and stability risks - but for many users the benefits outweigh the potential disadvantages.
In this article we will look at 15 specific examples, where Android provides opportunities that are not available on iPhone - from obvious (for example, APK sideloading) to unobvious (for example, full work with the file system via ADB). Each item is accompanied by explanations why Apple blocks this or that function, and how these restrictions are circumvented by Android.
Installing applications from any sources (sideloading)
On Android you can install applications not only from Google Play, but also from any other sources - for example, from official developer sites or through files .apk. To do this, you only need to allow installation from unknown sources in the security settings once. On iPhone this opportunity is completely blocked without jailbreak.
⚠️ Attention: Installing APK from unreliable sources may lead to your device becoming infected with malware. Always check hash files and use official repositories like APKMirror.Why Apple does this prohibit?
- Quality control: All applications in App Store are moderated, which reduces the risk of viruses.
- Monopoly: Apple receives a 30% commission on purchases in App Store, and sideloading undermines this model.
- Stability: A closed system minimizes conflicts between applications.
On Android there are even alternative application stores, such as:
- 📦 APKMirror - official APKs from developers
- 🛡️ F-Droid - open source software without trackers
- 🌍 Aptoide - decentralized store
- 🔧 Aurora Store - anonymous access k Google Play
Full customization of the interface
Android allows you to change everything: from icons and fonts to animations and system menus. On iPhone even changing application icons requires workarounds (for example, throughShortcuts), and deep customization is possible only after jailbreak.
What can be changed on Android without root access:
- 🎨 Launchers: Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, Hyperion —full control over the desktop.
- 🖌️ Icon themes: Packs like Whicons or Fluid change the design of all icons.
- 📱 System fonts: Applications like iFont or FontFix install custom fonts.
- 🔄 Animations: Modules LSPosed or Shizuku allow you to edit speed and style transitions.
How to bypass iOS restrictions for changing icons?
On the iPhone you can use the application Shortcutsto create “wrappers” for applications with new icons. However, this does not change the menu icons themselves, but only adds shortcuts to the home screen. There are also themes for jailbreaking, for example SnowBoard, but they require hacking the system.
1. Install the launcher from Google Play.
2. Go to Settings → Home screen → Nova Launcher.
3. In the launcher settings, select the icon theme, change the grid size, add gestures.
⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Samsung) block deep customization in their shells. In such cases, you may need to install custom firmware.
Working with the file system as on a PC
On Android the file system is open to the user: you can connect the device to the computer and manage files via Total Commander, FX File Explorer or even standard Windows Explorer. On iPhone access is limited: without iTunes (or Finder on Mac) you will not see the full folder structure.
What you can do on Android, but you can’t iPhone:| Action | Android | iPhone |
|---|---|---|
View system folders (/data, /system) |
✅ (with root or ADB) | ❌ |
Editing files hosts without jailbreak |
✅ (via ADB) | ❌ |
| Connecting as a USB drive (MTP/PTP) | ✅ | ❌ (via iTunes only) |
| Installing a file manager with root access | ✅ (Root Explorer, Solid Explorer) | ❌ |
1. Connect the phone to the PC and enable USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number (7 taps) → For developers → USB debugging).
2. Use the command:
adb shellsu
ls /data/data
3. To edit files, use FX File Explorer with the module Root Access>.
If you need to copy files from iPhone to PC without iTunes, use cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) or applications like Documents by Readdlethat support WebDAV.
Connecting external drives and peripherals
Androiddevices support OTG (On-The-Go) "out of the box": you can connect a flash drive, hard drive, keyboard, mouse or even a game controller without additional adapters. data-i="152">This requires a proprietary adapter iPhone For this you need a proprietary adapter Lightning to USB (or USB-C on new models), and even with it, not all devices will work correctly. What can be connected to Android via OTG:- 💾 Flash drives and external SSD/HDD (FAT32, exFAT, NTFS)
- 🎮 Gamepads (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro)
- ⌨️ Keyboards and mice (including wireless)
- 📷 Cameras (like webcams or for transferring files)
- 🖨️ Printers (via Google Cloud Print or direct printing)
- Flash drives must be formatted in FAT32 or exFAT (NTFS is not supported).
- Mice and keyboards only work in a limited number of applications.
- Gamepads require official support in games (for example, Xbox Controller works only in Apple Arcade or supported games).
Enable OTG in the settings (if required)
Connect the flash drive via an adapter (Micro-USB/USB-C → USB-A)
Open file manager (for example, Solid Explorer)
Copy or edit files directly-->
Installing custom firmware and modifications
On Android you can completely replace the operating system with an alternative firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or GrapheneOS).
- Update outdated devices to new versions Android.
- Remove pre-installed manufacturer software (bloatware).
- Improve performance and autonomy.
On iPhone a similar procedure is called jailbreak, but it:
- Violates the warranty.
- May lead to “bricking” the device if an error occurs.
- Prevents the ability to update via OTA.
Popular custom firmware for Android:| Firmware | Device support |
|-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------|
| LineageOS | Clean Android long updates | functions
| Pixel Experience | Interface and features Google Pixel on any device | Most popular brands |
| GrapheneOS | Maximum security and privacy (recommended for paranoids) | Limited list (mostly Pixel) |
| Havoc-OS | Flexible customization (themes, gestures, animations) | Average coverage |
⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware may lead to data loss, void the warranty and problems with banking applications (due to changes SafetyNetAlways make a backup before installing the firmware.
Custom firmware is the only way to get the latest security updates on outdated devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S7 or Xiaomi Redmi Note 4).
Simultaneous work with several accounts
On Android you can add multiple users or work profiles, completely isolating the data:
- Separate desktops, applications and settings.
- Ability to quickly switch without rebooting.
- Support Android for Work for corporate tasks.
On iPhone there is no multi-user mode - the device is always tied to one Apple ID. The only exception: Onscreen mode time" for children, but it is greatly reduced.
How to set up multiple users on Android:1. Open Settings → System → Multiple users.
2. Click "Add user" and follow the instructions.
3. Switch between profiles through the notification panel.
Advantages of multi-user mode:- 👨👩👧👦 Family use: Each family member has their own profile with personal data.
- 💼 Work and personal life: Separation of corporate and personal data.
- 🛡️ Security: Guest mode for temporary access without the risk of data leakage.
Deep integration with other devices
Android easily integrates with Windows, Linux, ChromeOS and even some smart devices (for example, Raspberry PiOn iPhone such integration is possible only in the ecosystem. Apple (Mac, iPad, Apple Watch). Examples of cross-platform synchronization on Android:- 🖥️ Your Phone (Microsoft): Managing your phone from a PC running Windows 10/11 (calls, messages, notifications).
- 📂 Nearby Share: Fast file transfer between Androiddevices (analog AirDrop).
- 🎮 Steam Link: Streaming games from PC to phone over local network.
- 🔊 KDE Connect: Control Linux-PC from phone (keyboard, mouse, notifications).
- No AirDrop for Windows/Linux: Alternatives (Snapdrop) work through the browser and are less convenient.
- No full synchronization with Windows: iCloud for Windows supports only photos, contacts and mail.
- No game streaming: Apple blocks analogs Steam Link in App Store.
To transfer files between iPhone and Windows, use Send Anywhere or Feem —they work via Wi-Fi Direct and do not require Internet.
Full control over notifications and background processes
On Android you can:
- Disable notifications for specific applications forever.
- Adjust priorities (for example, so that messages from certain contacts are always shown above others).
- Block background activity applications, saving battery power.
On iPhone:
- Notifications can only be hide or mute, but not completely blocked.
- Background activity is limited Apple —many applications are forced to close after a few minutes.
How to set up notifications on Android:1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Select an application] → Notifications.
2. unnecessary channels (for example, "Promotional offers").
3. For advanced settings, use AutoNotification (requires Tasker).
Comparison of background process management:| Action | Android | iPhone |
|------------------------------|----------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Complete disabling of the background | ✅ (via battery settings) |
| Limiting sync | data-i="289">FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the differences
| Manually closing processes | ✅ (via Developer Options) | ❌ (only through App Switcher) |
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the differences iPhone i Android
Is it possible to install APK or third-party applications on iPhone without jailbreak?
No, iOS does not support installing applications outside App Store without hacking the system. The only legal way is to use TestFlight for beta versions or Enterprise certificates (but they are often revoked Apple).
Why can you change system fonts on Android, but on iPhone - no?
Apple strictly controls the user interface to ensure uniformity. On Android manufacturers and users have more freedom, since the system is open to modifications. However, some brands (for example, Samsungalso limit the change of fonts in their shells.
It is possible. Is it possible to connect an external hard drive on an iPhone without an adapter?
No, iPhone does not support OTG without a proprietary adapter Lightning/USB-C to USBIn addition, even with an adapter, not all file systems (for example, NTFS) will work. recognized. On Android a standard cable is enough USB-C/Micro-USB → USB-A.
What is custom firmware and why do you need it?
Custom firmware is an alternative version Androidcreated by the developer community. It allows you to update old devices, remove unnecessary manufacturer software, improve performance or add. functions that are missing in the official firmware. Popular examples: LineageOS, Pixel Experience, GrapheneOS.
How to disable background activity of applications on Android to save battery?
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery mode → Background limit (names may vary depending on the manufacturer). data-i="316">for automatic control of background processes. Greenify or Battery Optimizer for automatic control of background processes.