I hope Android 14 inspires as many app updates as iOS 17

Whenever Apple releases a major operating system update, as it did last Monday with iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and watchOS 10, developers — both large but mostly independent — release a series of day-one updates to support the platform’s functions.

9to5Google has it Restart the newsletter Here, Google’s biggest stories are highlighted with additional commentary and other news. Register early for this Read the 9to5Google Sign Out in your inbox or below:

Skills included this year:

• Interactive tools on iPhone and iPad
• The iPhone is the standby gadget that comes with Smart View and could serve as the basis for Apple’s Nest Hub/tablet competitors.
• Extensive updates to wearable apps to support the Smart Stack widget on Apple Watch, as well as the new interface

I understand that Android’s update model is fundamentally different from Apple’s. Notably, the updates are only rolling out to Google’s Pixel phones, which have a relatively small market share, while the bulk of Samsung’s Android phones are typically weeks or months behind. Third-party Android developers have no incentive to update on day one because most of their users will be using the new operating system after some time.

Additionally, there aren’t always many new platform features for app developers to adopt. The last major visual change that required an update was the media player redesign that was introduced with Android 13. When this operating system launched, major first-party apps like YouTube, YouTube Music, and Chrome were already updated to support the new design. However, Spotify took about four months to update its app to Android 13, and other major streaming services took even longer.

As a good citizen of the platform, an update around the time of Android 13 launch for the Pixel would have been best, but based on the user base at the time, you can’t blame the developers for not making it a priority. In comparison, iOS updates roll out immediately to many generations of iPhones.

However, the counter argument is that Android users will not completely miss out on new features in their apps, especially first-party apps. Various Google apps on the Play Store are updated regularly and offer new features without being tied to the operating system version. I think Android users get more functionality this way than iPhone owners. Added to this are new platform functions offered through Google Play Services.

Models vary, as Apple might make a splash with an annual major update (like 17.0) and a couple of smaller updates (17.1) two to three times a year. I would say that users of Google services get new features in one of their apps almost weekly.

I love constant new additions, but I can admit that the annual release of Apple’s flagship operating system is an enviable moment for new apps and features.

9 to 5 from Google

Pixel 8 Pro leaks reveal a “super actua display” for viewing “in direct sunlight”.

According to rumors, the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will receive seven years of Android updates

The leaked ad for the Pixel Watch 2 confirms new health features and a variety of new straps [Video]

I’ve been using Hoop’s new AI trainer for two weeks and it’s been a game changer

Hands-on: iPhone 15’s “Finewoven” sends Google’s Pixel fabric cases rolling in their graves

Review: Yale Mater-enabled smart lock can’t replace Nest X Yale due to Matera limitations

Google Podcasts will be phased out in favor of YouTube Music in 2024

Google Messages has been installed 5 billion times

OnePlus has introduced OxygenOS 14, which is based on and rumored to be Android 14

Samsung has rolled out the Good Lock 6.0 update with these changes ahead of the Android 14 debut

Google Earth gets a redesigned Android app with enterprise support and removes Voyager

The rest is from 9 am to 5 pm

9 to 5 Mac: Practical: In a world of CarPlay uncertainty, the Polestar 2’s dual-screen interface shines

electric: Toyota has unveiled a new compact electric SUV in its latest video