Most people don’t buy their phones with their smart home devices in mind.
However, having a phone that is not compatible with your home automation system is a problem that happens too often.
If you want to avoid device incompatibility issues, choosing the right operating system is crucial.
Generally, Android is better for home automation due to its superior software, voice assistance, application integration, and versatility. However, if you have Apple Home devices, you might have to stick with iOS.
So, let’s talk about why you might want to choose the Android operating system over iOS.
I’ll give you the straight facts so that you can learn all about the differences between iOS and Android for home automation.
1. Google Assistant Is the #1 Voice Assistant, While Siri Is #2
Home automation most commonly runs via a voice assistant to whom you can give commands.
Naturally, you want the most accurate voice assistant when you are using it to automate your home, and in most cases, Android is the way to go.
Apple’s Siri, launched in 2011, has always been at the forefront of voice assistant technology.
However, other companies and operating systems have established competitive voice assistants that have surpassed Siri’s abilities since its launch.
Google Assistant, available on Android operating systems, has advanced much faster than Siri, and it has many more compatible apps and devices.
Since Google Assistant is fully integrated with Google’s search engine, it has outperformed other smart home voice control assistants in its ability to answer any question.
It also works with most android devices such as the Google Nest devices, Chromecast, Nvidia TVs, Philips Hue, and many other devices.
2. iOS Works With Most Google Smart Home Devices
When you purchase a new phone, you will need to keep in mind the different home automation devices you have in your home.
Not all operating systems are compatible with Apple automation, so if you have Apple Home smart tech, you might have to stick with Apple.
Androids do not work with Apple smart home devices such as iPads, HomePods, and HomeKit devices.
However, Apple devices with iOS can manage both Apple devices and Google devices, making them ultimately more versatile.
iOS also works with most Android devices such as the Google Nest devices, Chromecast, Philips Hue, and many other devices.
So, you will be able to use more smart home devices with iOS than other operating systems.
3. Tasker Is Not Available on iOS
Tasker, a powerful scripting tool that allows you to automate your devices completely, is only available for Android.
This app will let you set specific times and locations when your phone or another smart device will do a particular task automatically, like calling a friend or changing your device’s wallpaper.
Otherwise, iOS and Android have very similar smart home app selections in their app stores.
So, no matter what kind of smart home apps you prefer (unless you only use Tasker), you will be able to use an Android and iOS device similarly to automate your home.
4. Android Has Simpler and Better Widget Features
Although iOS and Android both offer widgets settings to easily access all of the applications and features you use most frequently, Android’s widget platform is much faster and easier to use.
With iOS, you have to open your settings menu to personalize your widgets, while with Android, all you have to do is slide the app you want to include over to your widget menu.
While this difference is slight, it makes home automation much easier since you will want to have fast access to all of your home automation apps right when you unlock your phone, tablet, or computer.
Reading recommendation: What Is the Difference Between a Smartphone and an Android?
5. You Can’t Use Google Duplex on iOS
Duplex, a revolutionary feature that can make automated calls for you to set up reservations or appointments, is only available on Android devices.
Although Google launched the Google Duplex program in 1998, it still isn’t available on all Android devices, and it doesn’t seem like it will be available on iOS anytime soon.
So, if you want to take advantage of having Google call businesses and make appointments for you in the near future, you should stick with Androids.
6. Switching From Android to iOS Is Easier
If you are considering switching your phone, you may want to think again.
Apple phones can be challenging to switch from, and sometimes it seems like that’s what Apple wants.
If you have already spent money and time purchasing apps and cloud storage for your iPhone, you won’t be able to use those storage features on your new Android.
You may have to switch apps completely, moving all of your data to a Google feature such as Google Drive, or use a 3rd-party application like Dropbox.
Although saving pictures, music, and documents is easy, preserving and transferring all of your smart home data is practically impossible.
This process can also be difficult for home automation since you will need to set up all of your new smart devices from the start again if you switch operating systems.
That means you will have to set up your routines again, pair your accounts with your smart home devices, and pair them to your phone all over again.
However, switching from Android to iOS is relatively easier since you can download all the same apps you had on your Android and keep your data.
So, I don’t recommend switching software platforms under most conditions.
The only exceptions are if you want to get an Apple HomeKit or if you’re going to stop using Apple entirely since it is challenging to switch phones once you have started using iOS.
Learn more: Can Google Home / Nest be hacked?
7. When You Pay for iOS, You Pay for Hardware
If you have a smartphone, it probably runs on either iOS or Android.
That’s because most older phone software companies like Microsoft and Blackberry couldn’t keep up with either of these advanced operating systems that still dominate the market today.
There are not many differences between Android and Apple phones. They allow access to similar apps and similar features.
They are competitors, after all, and as one operating system has a significant update, the other platform copies and improves it.
However, Apple phones usually have more potent hardware with more memory, faster processing speeds, and top-of-the-line mechanics.
Still, Android phones usually have weaker hardware, but they have better, faster, more versatile software that makes your home automation routines much more seamless.
That’s because Android is far less exclusive than Apple.
Companies like Sony, Galaxy, Pixel, and Huawei phones all use Android operating systems, and millions of companies feature apps on the Google Play store.
With so many contributors, phone manufacturers, and app developers who support and contribute to Android, their operating system allows for more personalization features.
Android also has impressive features such as Google voice assistant, better graphics, camera features that make a low-res photo look like a professionally shot photograph, and intuitive organization.
So, ultimately, Android phones usually come out on top, although their hardware isn’t as innovative as Apple’s.
For more information about the differences between Android and iOS, check out this helpful video from Automate Your Life, a smart home tech specialist:
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Androids are much easier to use with most home automation devices and software, although they will not work with Apple smart home devices.
So, as a rule of thumb, I recommend Androids, but if you already have your whole household automated by Apple, you might want to stay with iOS.
You might also want to check out: SmartThings vs Google Home: Which Is Better?