This divergence is not accidental. Over time, Google has shifted a significant portion of Android updates to the Play Store. Observant Pixel owners and followers of Android feature drops have likely noticed that these updates are predominantly delivered through the Play Store. Unlike Apple, Google doesn’t need an entire OS overhaul to update apps like Messages, Podcasts, or Books; it can do so directly through the Play Store.
Google’s vision for Android 14 focuses on enabling significant features through API updates. For example, Android 14 enhances the quality of Instagram photos, enabling Night Mode and 10-bit HDR video across social apps. It also supports Ultra HDR for better general camera app performance. While Google may aim to deliver these updates through the Play Store in the future, it’s currently taking this approach.
Despite Android and iOS maintaining rough feature parity, Apple’s unique one-update approach sets it apart. This approach, often challenging to encapsulate in slides or packages, effectively engages users with new features. For iOS 17, features like iMessage enhancements, NameDrop, and voicemail updates are likely to garner substantial user engagement.
