Updated on: October 8, 2024
The debate over whether iOS or Android is more secure has been ongoing for years, with much confusion about what sets them apart. Both Apple and Google have implemented various security features, but the reality is more complex than simply one being better or safer than the other.
Many people believe that iOS offers better security because of its closed ecosystem and strict app store policies. However, Android has made significant strides in security, and its open-source nature offers flexibility with a variety of security features. Ultimately, this means Android devices can be as safe as their iOS counterparts, but require more user vigilance.
This is where we arrive at the key issue: while both iOS and Android are becoming more secure every day, user behavior remains the biggest risk. Downloading risky apps, ignoring security updates, and granting excessive permissions can expose your data.
This is why using antivirus software and a virtual private network (VPN) is crucial. Good antivirus apps like Norton even include a built-in VPN to protect your internet connection, adding an essential layer of security to your device.
iOS vs. Android: An Overview of Security Architectures
Both iOS and Android have unique design philosophies that play a huge role in how secure each platform is. Understanding these differences is the first step in figuring out if one is actually more secure than the other.
iOS: Apps in the “Walled Garden”
Apple products are often described as being in a “walled garden”. Apple controls both the hardware and software for its devices, which means every iPhone, iPad, and iOS-based gadget is designed to work together seamlessly. This tight integration comes with a few key security benefits:
- Consistent software updates: Apple manages iOS updates directly, which means every device gets security patches as soon as they’re available. This quick and consistent updating reduces the risk of security issues lingering on older devices.
- Strict App Store policies: Apps in the Apple App Store go through a strict vetting process. This reduces the chance of malware making its way onto iOS devices. While this system has often been criticized by developers, it’s a big part of why Apple’s ecosystem is perceived as more secure.
- Sandboxing: iOS uses a process called sandboxing, which means that each app runs in its own isolated environment. This design prevents apps from accessing data from other apps without explicit permission, adding another layer of security.
Android: A Multi-Layered Approach to Security
Android takes an entirely different approach. It’s an open-source platform, which gives phone manufacturers (like Samsung, Google, Opus, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and others) the freedom to customize the software for their devices. This flexibility comes with both benefits and challenges in terms of security:
- Diverse security layers: Android devices often have security features implemented at multiple levels. First, there’s the core Android operating system. Then, manufacturers add their own security tweaks, and sometimes even network providers add another layer on top. While this multi-layered setup offers flexibility and can increase security, it can also create inconsistencies and potential vulnerabilities.
- Update fragmentation: Unlike iOS, where Apple manages updates for all devices, there are many different Android manufacturers and phone models, and updates are not managed centrally. This fragmentation means that some Android phones may not receive critical security updates quickly enough, leaving them exposed to threats for longer periods.
- Open app ecosystem: The Google Play Store is not as tightly controlled as Apple’s App Store. Although Google has systems in place to scan for malware, the openness of Android allows users to install apps from third-party sources (in the form of APK files), which increases the risk of malicious software slipping through.
In conclusion, iOS offers a more controlled environment, while Android provides flexibility at the potential cost of security.
User Tracking: How iOS and Android Handle Your Data
User tracking and access to private information is another piece of the security puzzle, and iOS and Android use different strategies to manage how apps access and use your data. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your privacy and security on each platform.
iOS and the “App Sandbox” Approach
As mentioned, Apple uses an “app sandbox” system to limit what data apps can access. Each app runs in its own isolated environment, meaning it can’t interact with other apps or access the system without explicit permission. This significantly reduces the risk of data leaks and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
When an app needs access to certain features, like your camera, contacts, or location, iOS prompts you with a clear, straightforward message asking for your permission. For example, when you open a new app that requires location services, you’ll see options like Allow Once, Allow While Using the App, or Don’t Allow, putting control directly in your hands.
You can change these permissions anytime in the Settings app, which shows a detailed list of all apps and the data they can access. This transparency ensures you always know what data is being used and by which apps.
Apple’s “Ask App Not to Track” feature — introduced in iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, and tvOS 14.5 — adds an extra layer of privacy. This prompt appears when you open an app that wants to track your activity across other apps and websites. If you say no, the app is blocked from collecting your data for targeted advertising and sharing it with third parties.
Apple enforces these rules strictly by removing apps from the App Store if they don’t comply. This enforcement has made iOS a more privacy-focused platform, limiting the amount of personal information that apps can gather and use for advertising purposes.
However, it’s worth keeping in mind that Apple still collects some data for its own services, like the App Store and Apple News. This data is often anonymized and aggregated, but it shows that even in Apple’s “walled garden”, user data tracking is not entirely absent.
Android’s App Permissions and Privacy Sandbox
Android’s approach to app permissions is more flexible — and more complex. This is because of its open-source nature and the variety of devices running the system. For instance, when you install an app, Android asks for permission to access specific data, like your location, contacts, or microphone.
In more recent versions of Android, users are prompted to grant these permissions only when the app is running, which is very similar to iOS. This permission model gives users more control than in the past, allowing them to select what data an app can access.
Android’s system also lets you adjust app permissions anytime in Settings. The Permissions Manager in Android shows all granted permissions and which apps have access to sensitive data. However, since Android is open-source, each Android manufacturer can modify how permissions are handled.
Recently, Google introduced a Privacy Sandbox, which aims to reduce third-party tracking and strengthen user privacy. This initiative focuses on restricting cross-app tracking without completely blocking ads.
Unlike iOS — which takes a stricter approach — the Privacy Sandbox attempts to balance user privacy with the needs of advertisers. The new system uses methods like Federated Learning of Cohorts (FLoC) to group users into larger, anonymous clusters based on their behavior, theoretically keeping individual data private while still allowing for targeted advertising.
Despite these improvements, there are still potential privacy concerns. Android’s more open ecosystem allows users to install apps from third-party sources, which can bypass Google Play’s security checks and potentially introduce malicious software. That’s why it’s important to use a trusted antivirus app for Android. Apps like Norton can protect your device in real-time, virtually eliminating the potential of accidentally encountering or installing malware on your device.
App Store Security: How iOS and Android Vet Their Apps
App store security is one of the biggest differences between iOS and Android. Apple tightly controls its App Store, while Google Play has a more open, flexible approach. These different strategies directly impact the likelihood of encountering malicious apps.
Apple App Store
In Apple’s App Store, every app undergoes a detailed review for malware, security flaws, and privacy compliance before being approved. If an app doesn’t meet Apple’s standards, it’s rejected, keeping most malicious software out of the App Store.
Additionally, users can’t sideload apps unless they jailbreak their devices, which opens their devices to the risk of hacking. This is a key reason why iOS devices are generally considered more secure.
Google Play Store
The Google Play Store is more open, allowing developers to publish apps with fewer restrictions. This translates to a wider variety of apps, but it also increases the risk of malicious software. Google’s Play Protect system scans for malware, but it relies heavily on automated checks, which can be less thorough than Apple’s review process.
Android users can also sideload apps from third-party sources, bypassing Google’s security checks entirely. This freedom can lead to vulnerabilities, so using a top antivirus app for Android, like Norton, is highly recommended to protect your device.
Data Encryption: How iOS and Android Protect Your Information
Both iOS and Android use encryption to secure data, but their approaches differ. Here’s what you need to know.
How iOS Handles Data Encryption
iOS encrypts data at the hardware level using a feature called Data Protection. Every iPhone has a dedicated encryption chip that encrypts data as soon as the device is locked. This encryption is tied to your passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID, making it extremely difficult for unauthorized users to access your data.
Additionally, iOS uses end-to-end encryption for services like iMessage and FaceTime, ensuring that only the sender and receiver can read the content. Even Apple cannot decrypt these communications, adding an extra layer of privacy.
How Android Handles Data Encryption
Android also employs data encryption, but the implementation varies depending on the device manufacturer and version of Android. Most modern Android devices support full-disk encryption (FDE) and file-based encryption (FBE). With FDE, the entire device is encrypted at startup, while FBE allows different files to be encrypted separately, which speeds up performance.
Android’s encryption is tied to a user’s passcode, PIN, or biometric authentication, much like iOS. However, because Android is open-source and its security features can be modified by manufacturers, encryption standards can differ across devices. For example, Samsung uses a very strong type of encryption known as Knox — but this same encryption is unavailable on non-Samsung Android devices.
There are some commonalities, too. For example, both platforms encrypt data in transit using secure protocols like transport layer security (TLS). However, Android’s openness means that some manufacturers might not consistently implement the latest encryption standards. iOS, on the other hand, has a more uniform approach, since Apple controls both hardware and software, ensuring that all devices meet the same encryption requirements.
Real-World Examples of Threats to iOS and Android
Neither platform is completely immune to cybersecurity threats — both iOS and Android have faced significant security issues over the years.
One of the most notorious threats to Android was the Judy malware, discovered in 2017. Judy affected over 36 million devices and was hidden within dozens of seemingly harmless apps on the Google Play Store. The malicious apps automatically downloaded adware, generating fraudulent clicks to boost ad revenue for the attackers.
Judy showcased the challenges Google faces with its open app ecosystem, where malicious software can slip through despite Google’s “Play Protect” scans. As a result, Google tightened up its app vetting process and implemented stricter policies for app developers — but the incident left many users exposed to unwanted adware and data breaches.
Just like Android, iOS is susceptible to various cybersecurity threats — some of which are not immediately obvious to the end user. For example, in 2019, the Pegasus spyware made headlines when it was used to target iPhones.
Developed by Israeli firm NSO Group, Pegasus exploited a zero-click vulnerability in iMessage, allowing attackers to gain full access to the device without any user interaction. It enabled them to read messages, track calls, and even access the camera and microphone. Apple responded by releasing an urgent security patch, but the incident showed that even iOS’s closed ecosystem can be breached by sophisticated threats. You can read more about Pegasus here.
User Behavior Is the Biggest Risk to Security
Despite the measures iOS and Android implement, user behavior remains the weakest link in mobile security. While there isn’t much an average user can do to counter sophisticated threats like Pegasus, the success of most attacks does depend on user actions, whether it’s downloading unverified apps, ignoring software updates, granting excessive permissions, or falling prey to phishing scams.
Luckily, there is a lot you can do to protect yourself.
Be Careful What Apps You Download
On Android, the risk increases when users sideload apps from third-party sources or ignore warnings from the Play Store. Many malicious apps masquerade as popular games or utility tools to lure users into installing them.
iOS users — though limited to the App Store — are not immune. Even Apple’s strict vetting process can miss well-disguised threats. And jailbreaking an iPhone to install unauthorized apps exposes the device to further risks.
Don’t Ignore Security Updates
Regular software updates are crucial as they patch vulnerabilities that attackers may exploit. However, many users delay or ignore updates, leaving their devices exposed. Android users face an added challenge due to update fragmentation.
On the other hand, iOS users generally receive updates quickly, but they still need to install them promptly.
Grant Permissions Carefully
Apps often request permissions for accessing contacts, location, and other sensitive data. Many users simply tap Allow without considering the implications. On Android, this can be particularly risky with sideloaded apps that may abuse these permissions. While iOS apps are sandboxed, users can still compromise their privacy by granting unnecessary permissions.
Use an Antivirus App and a VPN
Add an extra layer of security by using an antivirus app and a VPN. On Android, where the risk of malware is higher due to the ability to sideload apps, a reputable antivirus app can help detect and remove malicious software. iOS also benefits from antivirus apps that offer features like web protection and phishing alerts, even though its “walled garden” approach minimizes direct threats.
A virtual private network (VPN) is another essential tool for securing your data, especially when using public Wi-Fi. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it difficult for hackers to intercept sensitive information like passwords or banking details. Both iOS and Android support VPN apps, and using one is an easy step to keep your online activities private and secure. My favorite is ExpressVPN, but there are many excellent choices on the market, some bundled with antiviruses for added convenience.
Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Bottom Line
The debate over whether iOS or Android is more secure boils down to a key point: with more freedom comes more responsibility. Android’s open-source nature offers flexibility and customization, but it also means users need to adopt a more proactive approach to their device security. This includes managing app permissions, keeping software updated, and avoiding risky apps from unverified sources. On the flip side, iOS provides a more controlled environment with a diminished app variety, consistent updates, and strict app vetting, which makes staying secure easier for everyday users.
Ultimately, both platforms have strong security features, but the real difference lies in user behavior. Android users who enjoy the freedom to customize their devices must also take extra steps to protect them, like using antivirus software and VPNs. Meanwhile, iOS users benefit from Apple’s tighter controls but still need to stay alert for potential threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are iOS devices more secure than Android?
iOS devices are often considered more secure than Android, thanks to Apple’s “walled garden” approach. iOS updates are managed directly by Apple, which means every iOS device receives security patches as soon as they’re available. This limits the risk of lingering security issues.
However, Android, too, has made significant strides in its security features. Android’s multi-layered approach includes core OS protections, manufacturer-level tweaks, and Google’s Play Protect system. Ultimately, while iOS has strong security controls, the answer isn’t straightforward—it largely depends on how users interact with each platform.
Which is more secure, iPhone or Android?
iPhones generally have an edge in security due to Apple’s strict app review process, consistent updates, and tight hardware-software integration. Apple controls both the hardware and software for its devices, creating a uniform and consistent security approach across all iPhones.
Android, however, exists on a wide variety of devices from different manufacturers, each with their own customizations. This diversity can create inconsistencies in how security features are implemented and how quickly updates are delivered. While some Android devices add extra layers of security, the fragmentation makes it harder to maintain a consistent level of protection.
Does iOS protect you from malware?
Yes, iOS offers strong protection against malware. Apple’s app vetting process in the App Store significantly reduces the chance of malicious software reaching users. The sandboxing approach further isolates each app, preventing it from accessing data from other apps or the system.
However, no platform is completely immune. Threats like the Pegasus spyware have demonstrated that even iOS can be breached by sophisticated attacks. While iOS reduces malware risks, users must still be cautious and keep their devices updated to maintain a secure environment.