6 Reasons Why You Should Switch to iPhone (And 6 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t)

Ever since iOS and Android became full-fledged operating systems and gained a following of their own, there’s always been the question of which one of the two is the better choice.

The truth is that neither one is really a clear winner. Both Android phones and the iPhone are great and have a lot of cool features the other should have. So in reality you can’t go wrong with either.

With that said, some Android users might think they want to try an iPhone to see what the hype is all about. After all, there’s a reason why the iPhone is the best-selling smartphone in the world — and continues to be every year. 

So if you’re an Android user thinking about switching to the iPhone, here are some reasons why you should — and some reasons why you might be better off sticking with Android instead.

Why You Should Make the Switch to iPhone

The iPhone is a great alternative for Android users. These are just a few reasons why you should consider making the switch and getting the iPhone.

1. Switch If You Want to Try the Apple Ecosystem

The so-called “Apple ecosystem” is one of the best reasons to get an iPhone, although you’ll need to get a couple more Apple products as well to properly enjoy it.

Thanks to features and apps like iCloud, you can sync all your Apple devices instantly. That way, you can start reading an article on a Mac and quickly switch to your iPhone if you want to continue reading on the go.

The best part is that you can also access iCloud on the web, making it easy to get at all your files, data, and even your pictures from other devices like an Android or Windows computer. 

2. Switch for iMessage

It’s almost a meme at this point, but there’s a difference when you text someone with an iPhone or Android. The infamous green and blue bubbles make all the difference — not because of the colors but because of the features you get when using iMessage. 

You basically get an instant messaging app like Whatsapp that works flawlessly with other Apple devices. You can chat, get files, and even call people with the help of FaceTime. Not to mention that you also have a lot of exclusive features that you just can’t use with Android users.

3. Plenty of Options When it Comes to Video Games

Android has a bunch of cool apps and games you can find on many different app stores. However, iOS also has access to some exclusive games you won’t find anywhere else — at least not on another mobile operating system.

For instance, you get the chance to play games like Journey, one of the best indie games that have ever existed. There are also other smaller games that are fantastic to play on iPhone and have been optimized for iOS. If you’re a mobile gamer, iOS might be a better choice for you.

4. Most Apps Come to iPhone First

Since there are fewer iPhone models compared to Android, it’s easier for developers to launch their apps in the App Store first. That’s why you’ll see a lot of apps that are first available on iPhone, only lmaking their way to the Google Play Store weeks or months later. 

This also sometimes happens with big updates. More significant app updates often go to the iPhone first before becoming available on Android. 

Take Procreate, for example. This app was first made for iPad and stayed as an exclusive tablet app for years. Procreate finally launched for smartphones more recently, but guess where it went first?

To the iPhone, of course. Android users are still waiting for the chance to get it.

5. iPhones Are Easier to Resell

Even if you try an iPhone and decide it’s not right for you, it’ll be easier to sell to someone else if you want to. After all, a lot of people are looking to buy a second-hand iPhone for a much lower price.

But just because it’s a lower price doesn’t mean you’ll have to sell it for cheap. Because of the Apple logo that’s on the back of the iPhone, people are still willing to pay a premium to get an iPhone.

6. The Operating System Is Safer, Overall

There was a time when people believed you couldn’t get malware if you had an iPhone, and while that isn’t the case anymore, it’s still much harder to hack an iPhone than an Android device.

Thanks to all of Apple’s security features, it’s more difficult for a cybercriminal to get into your iPhone. Keep in mind that it’s not impossible, and you’ll still have to be careful with the links you open and the data you share, but iPhone is still more secure.

Reasons Not to Switch

Of course, there’s always two sides of the coin, and the truth is that the iPhone isn’t perfect. There are many reasons why you might want to stay on the Android side. Here are some of them.

1. You can’t Sideload Apps

Sideloading is one of Android’s best features. In case you didn’t know, sideloading is the ability to install apps from outside of an app store. 

For instance, with an Android smartphone, you can search for an APK file on the web and install any app you find. Of course, that also means that you run a small risk of getting a virus if you download the app from shady websites, but it’s a way better option than having Apple “protect” us by not letting us sideload apps.

2. There Are No Interactive Widgets on iPhone (Yet)

Apple took a long time to introduce widgets to the iPhone. While everyone celebrated when they were finally introduced, there’s no doubt that sometimes they feel more like shortcuts than true widgets.

That’s because, for the most part, you can’t interact with them. When you tap a widget on your iPhone, it just opens the app so you can use it there. On Android, you get the chance to interact with widgets without leaving your home screen.

Granted, iOS 17 will finally introduce interactive widgets, but chances are they still won’t be as good as Android’s. It might take a couple more years to do the work properly.

3. You Don’t Get as Many Customizability Features

Another thing that the iPhone lacks is the ability to customize your iPhone however you want. Sure, you can use shortcuts and a couple of workarounds to make your iPhone’s home screen a bit different, but you still can’t place apps or widgets wherever you want on the screen.

On the other hand, Android makes it really easy to have as many apps and widgets as you want on your Home screen and in the order you want. If you miss these customizability features, you’re better off sticking to Android.

4. Transferring all Your Data Might be Tough

When you switch from Android to iPhone, you’re bound to lose some of your data. Whether it’s pictures, files, or just basic data, you’ll basically have to start from scratch.

Not only that, but some apps aren’t even available on the iPhone’s App Store. If you don’t find an app you love on Android, you’ll have to ditch it or try to find a replacement, which is annoying.

5. You Can Only Use the App Store

Another thing that’s annoying about the iPhone, and that a lot of people want Apple to change, is the exclusivity of the App Store.

On Android, you can access many different app stores, like the Amazon App Store, and download any app you want in a matter of seconds. 

On iPhone, you just can’t do that at all. Apple says that it’s to keep its users safe. And while there’s a bit of truth in that, it also seems like the company wants the App Store revenue all for itself.

6. Getting Into the Apple Ecosystem Is Expensive

One of the things that Apple does well is keep the image of a premium brand. Because of this, it has the luxury of selling its products at the price that it wants.

Of course, Android device makers do that too. You can find Android phones that are as expensive as $2,000. But you can also find fantastic smartphones for less than $800.

With iPhone, you can get the current iPhone for whatever price Apple wants to sell it for, last year’s model for a little bit less, or opt for the iPhone SE, which is more affordable, but it’s basically the older iPhone 8 with the internals of an iPhone 14. 

Overall, there are more options in the Android market, and you’ll surely find a premium phone for less than what Apple is asking for.

Will You Make the Switch?

As we mentioned before, Android and iPhone both have a lot of good things going on for them. Whether it’s the software or the hardware, Android phones and iPhones have amazing features that you’ll enjoy.

So there’s no wrong choice, either way. If you’re interested in the iPhone ecosystem, welcome. You’ll love it here. Just be ready to sacrifice some features in order to gain others.