Software updates: Android vs. iOS

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By: Dan Uff, Senior Editor and Android/iOS Programmer

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In my line of work (lead programmer for own company) I am fortunate that I offers two versions of an application for my customers – Android and iOS. So, I get to see both sides of the subject.

Over the past year, there has been many articles on the subject of the rate of adoption of an update to an operating system, and how many people seem to update their iOS devices faster then Android. While it may seem to be, this is not so. Here’s why….

An iOS device is one type of device – whether it is an iPhone, iPod Touch, or an iPad. It is made by one company (Apple) so they can send an update to one standard device in a timely manner.

An Android device is several devices – made by different hardware companies (much like a Linux, Unix, or Windows PC). When Google (owners of Android) comes out with an update, they have to send it to the other manufacturers, which in turn send it to each (compatible) device that they make. This situation takes longer, so Android users seem to obtain updates slower then iOS.

Then, you have the time when a user takes the time to actually check to see if their’s an update for their Android device. While iOS users have to do the same, Apple seems to be going into an automatic “push” of new updates for a device, which is something that most Android devices do not have.

Also, even though it may seem that users of iOS can run updates on what ever device they currently have, this is not the case. When Apple releases iOS6, it will not run (or even install) on older devices.

So, the next time your Android or iOS friend picks on you for a slow update, feel free to show them this article.