# The List is Shrinking: Apple’s Ongoing Adoption of Android Features
Once a time of great anticipation for tech fans, early September has come to symbolize Apple’s yearly iPhone launch. Yet, following the recent debut of the iPhone 16 series during Apple’s “Glow Up” event, many are pondering how the company managed to fill almost two hours with presentations. While the iPhone 16 series certainly poses a challenge to top Android devices, the distinctions between iOS and Android are becoming less clear. With iOS 18 on the horizon, Apple continues to integrate features from Android, and the iPhone 16 as well as Apple Watch Series 10 exemplify this trend.
In this article, we will delve into some of the notable features introduced in Apple’s newest devices, many of which have long been present in the Android world.
## 1. Sleep Apnea Alerts – Taken from Samsung Galaxy Watches
A key highlight of the Apple Watch Series 10 is its capability to identify potential sleep apnea, a condition that impacts millions globally. However, this is not an entirely original feature. Samsung launched sleep apnea alerts on its Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra prior to Apple’s announcement.
Despite Apple’s considerable promotion of this feature, Samsung had already implemented it in its previous-generation Galaxy Watch 6 series. Regrettably for Apple aficionados, this function is restricted to the latest Series 10, leaving earlier Apple Watch models without this potentially life-saving capability.
## 2. Training Load – Inspired by Garmin and COROS
The Apple Watch Series 10 has also introduced the “Training Load” feature, which gauges how workout intensity and duration affect the body over time. While Apple markets this as a fresh and insightful method for fitness tracking, it’s merely a reiteration in the wearables domain.
Garmin and COROS, two prominent players in the fitness wearable sector, have provided similar capabilities for years. Even Google has joined in with its Pixel Watch 3, which features “Fitbit Cardio Load.” The silver lining for Apple users is that Training Load will not be confined to the Series 10; it will also be accessible on older Apple Watch models once watchOS 11 rolls out.
## 3. Specialized Camera Control Button – Adapted from HTC EVO 3D
The iPhone 16 series showcases a new capacitive Camera Control button, enabling users to effortlessly switch between camera modes with a quick swipe or tap. While this might appear to be an innovative enhancement, it’s actually reminiscent of a feature from the HTC EVO 3D, released in 2017.
The capacitive design of the button on the iPhone 16 allows for added functionality, including adjusting settings and changing modes, but there is a drawback. Capacitive buttons can be less dependable in certain conditions, like when hands are wet or during rainfall. Regardless, Apple has succeeded in stirring excitement around a feature that Android devices have had for years.
## 4. Visual Intelligence – Adopted from Google Lens and Circle to Search
One of the most intriguing features debuted with the iPhone 16 is “Visual Intelligence.” This tool enables users to point their iPhone at objects, such as a restaurant or concert poster, and instantly gather pertinent information, like reviews or event information. Even though Apple presents this as a novel concept, it essentially combines Google Lens and Circle to Search, which have been available to Android users for quite a while.
Google Lens empowers users to examine objects using their camera, whereas Circle to Search allows users to encircle an item on their screen to obtain further details. Apple’s Visual Intelligence melds these ideas into the iPhone’s ecosystem, with a potential future integration of ChatGPT for enhanced functionality.
## 5. 4K/120fps Video Recording – Drawn from Samsung and Sony
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max now offer 4K video recording at 120 frames per second (fps), a feature that is bound to attract videographers and content creators. However, Apple is not the pioneer of this capability. Sony’s Xperia 5 Mark IV was the first device to bring 4K/120fps video recording to market back in 2022, and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra also supports this feature.
While the inclusion of 4K/120fps recording is certainly a plus for iPhone users, it further illustrates Apple’s tendency to follow in the footsteps of Android manufacturers.
## Is There Anything Left for Apple to Adapt?
With each new iPhone release, the number of features that Apple can appropriate from Android appears to be diminishing. The differences between the two operating systems are increasingly subtle, potentially leading to more Android users transitioning to iPhones. However, there is
