5 Android 15 Features That iOS Should Copy

Android and iOS have always copied ideas from each other to improve their ecosystems. With Android 15, Google has once again introduced several exciting new features. Here are a few standout Android 15 features that Apple should consider borrowing to make iOS even better.

1

Theft Detection Lock

One of the security features introduced with Android 15—though not exclusive to Android 15 devices—is Theft Detection Lock, a security feature that’s still missing on iOS. Android phones can now use on-device AI and data from various sensors to recognize motion patterns commonly associated with theft.

When suspicious activity is detected, your Android device will automatically lock itself, protecting sensitive user data and providing the owner an opportunity to locate it using Find My Device. This feature works in tandem with tools like Offline Device Lock and Remote Lock to protect user data in case of theft.

While iOS offers Stolen Device Protection, which blocks thieves from performing key actions like resetting the iPhone’s passcode or changing the Apple Account password, it uses location tracking and lacks a proactive locking mechanism like this. Adding such real-time theft prevention would be a game-changer for iPhone users.

2

Partial Screen Recording

Android 15 introduced a clever option for screen recording—users can choose to record or share only a specific app rather than the entire screen. This feature is ideal for app-specific tutorials or troubleshooting, as it prevents sensitive notifications or personal information from other apps from being recorded.

Even if you switch to another app or exit the one being recorded, Android 15 automatically pauses the recording, ensuring that only a particular app is captured. While iOS does offer a screen recording feature, it doesn’t exclude notifications unless you enable Do Not Disturb or let you share recordings from a specific app.

3

Private Space

A standout addition in Android 15 is the private space feature, which lets users create a fully isolated section on their devices to store sensitive information. This isn’t just a simple folder or dual-app-like feature. Private space is a completely hidden environment where apps, files, and data are entirely separate from the main system. Contents within private space don’t appear in notifications, the app list, or search results.

Setting up a private space on Android 15 is easy, and users can secure it with an alternative lock that’s different from their device’s primary lock screen password. While Apple frequently touts its commitment to privacy and offers features like locked notes and hidden photo albums, these options don’t come close to the level of control private space provides.

4

Expanded Volume Control Panel

One of Android 15’s most underrated upgrades is its redesigned volume control panel. While it takes up more space in its expanded state compared to previous versions, it offers a much-needed level of granular control. You can adjust media, ringer, notifications, alarm volumes, and even the audio playback device—all from one place.

In contrast, iOS only lets users change the media volume by default, often requiring the user to open the Settings app to fine-tune other sound levels. We believe iOS could greatly benefit from a similar, more streamlined volume control system like this.

5

Circle to Search

Circle to Search is another handy feature that isn’t exclusive to Android 15 but is still missing on iOS. It uses Google’s visual search to identify or gather information about almost anything that’s displayed on your screen by simply holding the home button or navigation bar and drawing a circle around the subject—without ever leaving your current app.

It’s particularly useful when browsing apps like Instagram or TikTok, where you might want to learn more about a product or object you come across. With Android 15, Google has further improved Circle to Search by integrating audio search directly into it. Circle to Search is one of the features I miss when switching between my Android device and iPhone. I hope Apple brings something similar to iOS.

While Android 15 may not seem like a major upgrade, it brings several thoughtful features that enhance both functionality and privacy for users. While iOS has caught up with Android in terms of customization in recent years, there are still many features that Apple’s platform lacks. The ones I listed here would certainly improve the iPhone experience.