Main points
- Apple users may claim that the iPhone has better apps, but Android-specific apps like Automate and Podcast Addict are superior in functionality.
- Unlike iOS alternatives, side-by-side apps allow running multiple instances of the same app.
- Advanced music players like Poweramp, file managers like Solid Explorer, and auxiliary tools like Action Blocks are missing from the iOS App Store.
When comparing Android and iPhone, most Apple users would claim that iPhone has a better selection of apps. In fact, there are many iPhone apps that cannot be found on Google Play. That said, there’s a lot of overlap between the two app stores. You can even install apps like Google Drive on your iPhone. However, some of the best Android apps are actually missing from the Apple App Store.
There are suitable iOS alternatives for most of the apps on this list, but they can’t compete with their Android counterparts. Here are some Android-only apps that Apple devices desperately need.
7 apps that should definitely come pre-installed on Android
As long as users are free to uninstall them, having a robust set of native utilities goes a long way toward making a phone feel complete.
1 Llama Labs Automation
Simplify your life by automating tasks
As far as automation apps go, Apple has the IFTTT app, which lets you build complex automation tasks, but is too complex for casual users. Shortcuts apps are easier to use, but also less complex. For a more accessible option, consider Automation, which employs a flowchart-based visual interface for crafting custom scripts.
This Android-exclusive app offers over 320 different task building blocks, including actions, event triggers, loops, and more. You can arrange these blocks in a flowchart format to easily visualize your creations. Automate is free to use, but for a $2.99 in-app purchase you can unlock premium mode and create more than 30 blocks of scripts.
Tasker is another automation app you won’t find on the iPhone, but I prefer Automate because it’s very user-friendly.
2 Parallel applications
Run two versions of the same application simultaneously
While some social media apps offer the option to log into multiple accounts on a single device, most are not designed to seamlessly switch between them. Parallel allows you to run multiple instances of the same application, such as WhatsApp or Instagram, so you can easily manage multiple accounts.
Once you create a shortcut for an app that’s already installed on your phone, it will run as a standalone app, allowing you to log in with a different account. You can repeat this process for as many accounts as you like, and it’s not just limited to social media platforms.
Parallel Apps should not be confused with Parallel Spaces, which is available for iOS but has many limitations. Another similar iOS app is Dual Space, but it doesn’t support as many apps as Android’s Parallel.
3 podcast addict
The best way to listen to podcasts
There’s no shortage of podcast apps on both sides, but Podcast Addict is the only one that meets all our needs. Features include automatic episode updates and downloads, variable speed playback, silent skip, volume boost, sleep timer, and more.
The app includes a podcast search tool for finding specific episodes or exploring various databases for popular shows. Additionally, Podcast Addict supports video podcasts, YouTube channels, audiobooks, streaming radio, and other media sources.
In addition to Apple Podcasts, iPhone users can also use Spotify and Pocket Casts. These apps lack some of Podcast Addict’s best playback features, but are still great tools for finding new podcasts.
4 power amplifier music player
Control the sound of music
With its support for cutting-edge high-resolution audio codecs, seamless playback, and a 10-band equalizer, you won’t find a great music player for your smartphone. Poweramp places a strong emphasis on user experience, offering intuitive gesture navigation for most features.
Additionally, you can customize the look of Poweramp by downloading skins from the Play Store, completely changing its visual aesthetic. While Poweramp is reasonably priced, first-time users have the option to test the app for seven days before purchasing.
For Apple users, the best option is probably VLC Media Player, although you’ll find some of the same playback features in Spotify and iTunes.
5 pixel
Take better photos and videos
Pixtica offers a powerful alternative to the default camera app on Android phones. It offers a wealth of shooting features and camera controls, all in one convenient package. With Pixtica’s manual camera controls, you can adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, and focus to fine-tune your shots. Additionally, the app offers additional features such as live filters with live preview, panorama mode, and hyper-lapse mode.
While the app is free to use (with ads), opting for a Pixtica subscription removes ads and unlocks all filters and photo resolutions. It also removes live filters and watermarks on GIFs and allows unlimited video recording.
Adobe Photoshop Camera is probably the best alternative for iPhone users, but it doesn’t offer as many customization features as Pixtica.
6 Solid Explorer file manager
Find important files and more
Solid Explorer file manager
There’s no shortage of free options in the world of Android file explorer apps, ranging from top-notch tools to ad-laden freemium offerings. However, if you’re willing to invest a nominal amount of money for a superior, ad-free, and bloatware-free experience, Solid Explorer is worth considering. This advanced file manager has a comprehensive set of features and a streamlined, user-friendly interface.
Solid Explorer covers everything from drag-and-drop controls, multi-tab and multi-pane interfaces to support for network and cloud storage and compressed archives. For advanced users, additional features such as a root browser, plugin support, and batch operations are also available to further enhance its capabilities.
If you have an iPhone, you can use File Explorer Pro. This is another great advanced option, but Solid Explorer gives you even more freedom. However, this has more to do with the iPhone’s operating system than any app limitations.
How to update Android apps
If you’re wondering how to stay up to date, here’s how to update apps on Android
7 action block
Make Google Assistant easier to use
Designed for users who rely heavily on Google Assistant, Action Blocks offer a potentially faster way to perform common tasks than voice commands. Essentially, any action that Google Assistant can understand and perform can be converted into an action block and set as a button on the home screen.
Just tap customizable home screen widgets and you can take action quickly. You can choose to create multiple actions and place them on your home screen for easy access.
You can create similar shortcuts for Siri commands using the iPhone’s Shortcuts app. However, support for something more powerful like action blocks would be more helpful to Apple users.