iOS 9 (Photo : Twitter)
Apple's much awaited iOS 9 and the Google's highly anticipated Android M, still in the works, are reportedly getting tuned for a head-to-head battle. Nevertheless, both the companies are focusing on rolling out a more stable operating system by the fourth quarter of this year, with improved features and a couple of new features in the cards.
Here is a brief comparison of iOS 9 and Android M:
iOS 9 vs. Android M: Release Date
Apple and Google took the wraps off their latest operating system recently, with no specific date for public release. Rumors have it that the iOS 9 will launch alongside the next iPhone release which is speculated to be in September. In case of Android M, the operating system is expected to land with the next Nexus release, possibly in October, according to Silicon Angle.
Apple, for the first time, is running a public beta for the new operating system, allowing users to sign up at beta.apple.com, which usually allowed only for developers to download. Google has also rolled out the Android M Developer Preview, available for download for Nexus users.
iOS 9 vs. Android M: Design, Look
In general, both Android M and iOS looks similar to their respective previous versions - Android Lollipop and iOS 8, with just small changes. In iOS 9, Apple has likely replaced the Helvetica Neue font with San Francisco, while in Android M, Google has brought a new voice search, replacing the dialer from the lock screen, BGR reported.
iOS 9 vs. Android M: Features
Google as well as Apple have made a number of changes to the virtual assistants and have enhanced Google Now and Siri. Both the operating systems pack a major new feature – NFC-enabled contactless payments – Android Pay and Apple Pay.
iOS 9 brings the new multitasking features including Slide Over, Split View and Picture in Picture viewing. iOS 9 comes with improved battery life management, with low power mode, improved maps, redesigned Notes app. The Android M Developer Preview focuses on developer features and has revealed only a few new features like fingerprint scanning for Android Lock screen, System UI Tuner to customize Quick Settings and Doze mode for extended battery life.
iOS 9 vs. Android M: Compatibility
Apple has made it clear that every iPhone and iPad that runs on iOS 8 will be receiving the iOS 9 update possibly at the same time frame. However, older phones will not be receiving all the features in the iOS 9. In case of Android M, due to Android Segmentation, the roll out will be scattered and only the Nexus devices will reportedly have the over the air (OTA) upgrade following the OS launch. Devices from Google's OEM partners will send out updates to most likely their flagship devices after some time.
