Home > Debates > Apple's iOS reigns supreme

Apple's iOS reigns supreme

Mobile tech devices are becoming ubiquitous. With the recent surge in popularity of cell phones, laptops, netbooks, e-readers and, most recently, tablet computers, you could probably count on one hand the number of people you know without at least one of these devices.

Cell phones and tablet computers run on software called an operating system (OS) that defines the entire user experience.

Right now there are two companies that supply the operating systems for the majority of cell phones: Apple Inc and Google. According to data compiled by the Nielson Company, the two companies supply the operating systems for 56 percent of the smartphones in the United States.

Given the choice of the two, Apple is the way to go.

As you have no doubt heard, Apple's iOS mobile operating system has skyrocketed in popularity by powering blockbuster devices like the iPhone and iPad. Google has enjoyed similar success, albeit in a much different fashion with its Android OS.

In terms of user interface, the basic functions of an OS and how intuitive it is for the user, Apple has crafted a masterpiece.

The "home screen" shows your native and downloaded applications, along with a personalized wallpaper image. The iPhone has one hardware button on its face, that, when pressed, brings you back to the home screen.

Simply put, the user needs no instruction booklet to explain how to use an iPhone or iPad.

To access an application, just tap the app's icon and it starts. No complications, no button combinations, no rabbit holes and yours truly is not the only consumer out there to have noticed the iOS's ease of use.

Preston Gralla a reviewer for computerworld.com writes, "For simplicity, elegance and beautiful design, iOS has no peer."

The absence of buttons coupled with a well-designed touchscreen, simplifies the use of a device to the point where it can be called, according to Apple CEO Steve Jobs, "magical."

Eye-rolling slogans aside, the experience of using an iPad or iPhone can be indescribable to someone who has never held one, a fact that Apple constantly emphasizes in their commercials and stores.

If you've seen an iPhone or iPad commercial followed by an Android TV spot, you would notice that they are as different as white is from black.

Literally.

Apple's commercials are normally a close-up of the device on a white background being interacted with by various hands and fingers. The product is meant to be touched.

Android commercials are set on a black or dark background with a giant robot hand manipulating a phone with breakneck speed. No humans in sight.

To be fair, there are Android commercials set in "real life," but they generally end with an ordinary person being turned into a robot just by using the device. Cue ominous red, robot-eye overlaid with creepy droid voice.

Who wants to be possessed by a robotic overlord? I'll take my "magical" device any day of the week.

Judging by the numbers, the consumer market agrees with me. When the first generation iPad launched, Apple sold 3 million in the first 80 days, according to an Apple press release, and the iPad 2 isn't far behind.

No Android-based tablet has come close to sales numbers of that magnitude.

But, the truth is, the core philosophies behind these products are what makes Apple a better choice for more people.

People don't want to have to read through a technical manual and have a built in adjustment period just to use a mobile device. People want the experience to be easy and seamless.

People want to interact with the information on the phone or tablet while minimizing the "middle man" that is the device itself.

That is the magic of iOS.

Apple has built this operating system and the corresponding hardware components to be easy and fun to use while maintaining a high level of functionality, which is, frankly, all most people care about.

Every year J.D. Power and Associates polls smartphone and traditional cell phone users asking them to rate their level of satisfaction with their device. The study in 2010 yielded the following results:

"For a fifth consecutive time, Apple ranks highest amongst manufacturers of smartphones in customer satisfaction with a score of 795 [out of 1000] and performs particularly well in ease of operation, operating system, features and physical design."

Android fans will argue that Apple is a controlling company that limits their devices to only the applications that they approve, or that Apple refuses to allow Adobe Flash, a common Internet code used in videos and games, on their devices.

While this is true, it all comes back to what people care about most.

The average user is not concerned with "true multitasking" or a completely free market application store. People want the iPhone or iPad because it can do their email, make phone calls, surf the web, play fun games, store their pictures and play their music.

Am I glad that there are companies making competing products out there?

Absolutely. There are people out there who love Android or BlackBerry and that is fine by me. I can certainly respect a different device if it meets my standards of form and function.

My point is, Apple makes products for everyone, regardless of their level of technological know-how.

Contact Bill Baxter at communitarian@mail.dccc.edu

The Communitarian Opinion Policy: The opinions expressed on the editorial and the op-ed pages do not necessarily reflect those of The Communitarian staff or college. We welcome your comments on any matter relating to Delaware County Community College, and responsible rebuttal is encouraged. Write to communitarian@mail.dccc.edu. Please write “letter to editor” in the subject box.