Common Function Drops make Pixel really feel like a particular telephone – one thing I can’t say about my iPhone 15 Professional

And that’s the place I need to deliver up Google’s “Function Drops” – quarterly updates targeted on bringing new options to new and previous Pixel telephones till it’s time for the right bounce to the following main Android model.

That’s dramatically completely different to Apple’s stingy method to updates, which (other than options introduced early however launched later), hardly ever brings a shocking improve that merely provides your previous iPhone a model new function.

In different phrases, this reveals Google’s method to updates isn’t nearly upkeep (to repair what’s damaged) – it reveals some further effort put into making Pixel customers really feel like they’re getting extra for the cash they’ve spent on a Pixel telephone. In the long run, a $1,000 telephone could be thought-about an funding, given how a lot it will probably do for you.

A key level right here is that Function Drops aren’t reserved for brand spanking new Pixel fashions – in truth, Google lately introduced prolonged software program assist of additional two years for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 sequence, which now will get a complete of 5 as a substitute of three years of assist.

We should speak about Apple’s tendency to disregard older iPhones with each new iOS replace

However, talking of “generos updates”, Apple appears to carry again most of its “improvements” for main yearly updates with the clear objective to promote extra of the latest iPhones. Traditional Apple.

However the distinction is much more stark than you assume, and that is the place the likes of Google and Samsung actually pull forward, which (once more) is tough to consider given the best way issues was.

Whereas Apple’s updates for older iPhones have all the time been a promoting level, the standard of these updates is (in my opinion) an entire completely different story.

And generally, it’s not even concerning the high quality of the updates for the iPhone, however concerning the lack of latest options on a $1,000 telephone that’s solely a year-old. In case there’s any confusion, I’m referring to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Professional sequence, which had been extra snubbed than The Weeknd on the Grammys.

I’ve talked about that quite a few instances, however iPhone 15 acquired zero Apple Intelligence options with iOS 18, supposedly on account of having “solely 6GB of RAM”, whereas my iPhone 15 Professional Max was not noted of the “Visible Intelligence” get together, as a result of it doesn’t have the Digicam Management button to set off the function, which could be triggered with the Motion Button, or you already know – with no button!

And this isn’t the one time Apple has handled older iPhones this fashion, which speaks to the truth that this isn’t a coincidence however a coverage. In the meantime, whereas not good, Google’s love for older Pixel telephones is refreshing, and that’s the place I’ve to deliver up Samsung too.

As an alternative of dialing again options or efficiency, Google and Samsung’s updates genuinely make older telephones really feel new. For instance, the Pixel 6A acquired the tremendous helpful Circle to Search function regardless of being method older, and method cheaper than my iPhone 15 Professional Max, which isn’t getting Apple’s equal of Circle to Search (Visible Intelligence).

Samsung is maybe much more beneficiant in that regard, as Galaxy flagships as previous because the Galaxy S22 acquired virtually all the AI methods obtainable on the Galaxy S24. Similar to that.

I assume what I’m making an attempt to say is that seeing how effectively Google has dealt with software program assist for the Pixel 6 (effectively, other than the extremely buggy launch I skilled first-hand!) provides me confidence within the long-term stability of my super-premium telephone.

iOS 17 and iOS 18 on my iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Professional – extra (and tremendous irritating) bugs than Android 14 and Android 15 on my Pixel

And simply if you thought issues couldn’t worsen for the iPhone, right here’s the true shocker I’ve found lately…

In my expertise, iOS 17 and particularly iOS 18 are merely buggier than Android 14 and 15. And in case you advised me that three years in the past, after I wished I by no means purchased a Pixel 6 Professional, due to how buggy it was at launch, I’d have laughed. And laughed. And laughed some extra.

Positive, contemplating the disastrous launch of the Pixel 6, the bar was set fairly low, however nonetheless – Google has clearly labored exhausting to make Android 14/15 really feel extra steady, and it reveals. I haven’t skilled any main bugs or hiccups on my Pixel 9 Professional Fold, which (frankly) feels surprisingly superior.

In the meantime, iOS on each my iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Professional has been frustratingly inconsistent. Actually, iOS 17/18 may’ve been the primary time I began experiencing constant lag on an iPhone – significantly my iPhone 13 mini, which is uncommon for an Apple gadget.

However even the dramatically extra highly effective iPhone 15 Professional Max will present some dropped frames and glitches occasionally.

For instance, I’ve a reasonably lengthy observe (within the Notes app), which I can not open on iOS 18, which I used to be in a position to entry on iOS 17. When I attempt to open the observe, each of my iPhones would begin heating as much as the purpose the place it feels they’d catch on fireplace if I don’t kill the app.

This isn’t simply annoying however fairly stunning, contemplating I had stuff I wanted to entry there. Fortunately, I had it backed up on my Mac, however I can’t entry it to today on my iPhones.

I’ve additionally seen crashes within the Photographs app on iOS 18, which occur when I attempt to copy and paste edits, and there are extra bugs I can’t essentially consider proper now.

All in all, I don’t know if it has to do with the truth that iOS 17 and iOS 18 are actually way more feature-rich than prior variations of the iPhone’s software program, or one thing else – however my iPhone is now buggier than my Android, and that’s a reality.

Buggy Android variations – Google has turned it round (fingers crossed)

I’ll admit… I didn’t all the time belief Google with software program assist, and I’m nonetheless not 100% certain that I do. Particularly given the quite a few articles I’ve written on my irritating experiences with the Pixel 6 Professional and Android 12 from again within the day. It was actually a joke of a launch.

Fortunately, previously few years, Google has managed to show issues round as Pixel updates are actually simply as well timed as earlier than however dramatically extra dependable, and I actually hope I received’t jinx it.

Extra importantly, Google’s updates actually do make older Pixel units higher and extra feature-rich, whereas the Pixel Drops are the cherry on prime – no different phoe-maker guarantees quarterly updates that deliver new options to your telephone. It’s type of an enormous deal is what I’m saying.

iPhone is not the benchmark for software program assist – right here’s what Apple wants to vary to get again on observe

However… my fundamental telephone remains to be an iPhone (13 mini), which begs the query – the place does this depart me, the iPhone, and the gazillion iPhone customers on the market?!

Properly… My reality is that Apple’s laziness and next-level frugality (particularly within the space of software program assist) is turning into an actual drawback – to the purpose the place I could be searching for a brand new main telephone.

If Apple needs to reclaim its crown because the king of software program assist, Tim Prepare dinner & Co should show they care with:

• Delivering bug-free updates – iOS must return to its roots of being dependable and polished, and never feature-packed, however rushed and buggy

• Treating older iPhones (a lot) higher – iOS updates shouldn’t make my iPhone run slower, whereas giving me a few new options – we have to flip the script on this one, Apple (and ASAP)

• Function Drops could be a “Google factor,” however Apple may/ought to be taught from that – why not give iPhone customers common, significant updates as a substitute of saving every thing for the annual iOS launch? I’m asking that understanding it’s 99% certain it’s not occurring, however nonetheless…

• And final however not least – can we make Apple Intelligence… good? ASAP. Please. I do know I didn’t focus on Apple Intelligence on this story, however the reality is that Apple’s AI is at the very least a yr behind what Google and Samsung are doing, and this could change if Apple needs me to take their AI significantly

Don’t strive me, Apple! I’m already tempted to change to a Galaxy or Pixel (full-time)

Look… The iPhone has lengthy been the benchmark for software program assist, however (sadly for me – as an iPhone consumer), these days are over.Whether or not it’s Google’s Pixel or Samsung’s Galaxy flagships, there are Android telephones that provide longer assist, quicker updates, and correct curiosity in making your 2-4 yr previous telephones really feel new, which is NOWHERE to be seen on iPhones.

Positive, Apple remains to be a powerhouse, and the iPhone stays the best-selling telephone on this planet – that’s not altering anytime quickly. However in case you care about long-term worth and significant updates, it’s time to look past the Apple emblem. As a result of if issues proceed going this fashion… I’d do exactly that.