Android already has these 4 iOS 27 features - but I wish it'd steal these 2 next

At a glance:

• iOS 27's Siri AI mirrors Google's years-old Gemini assistant
• Android already offers generative photo editing and independent volume controls
• The author wants Android to adopt iOS 27's call context and automatic password changing

What the article covers

Sabrina Ortiz, a ZDNET contributor and self-described long-time Android devotee with over 15 years of experience using the platform, recently examined the new features unveiled in Apple's iOS 27 update. Having consistently argued that Android pioneered many features that later appear on iOS, Ortiz found herself acknowledging that several of Apple's latest innovations feel distinctly familiar. Her analysis compares four specific iOS 27 features that already exist in some form on Android, while also identifying two capabilities from Apple's update that she would like to see implemented in Google's mobile operating system.

The comparison comes at a time when AI integration has become a central focus for both major mobile platforms. Apple's iOS 27 announcement heavily emphasized the company's new Apple Intelligence suite, which includes significant upgrades to Siri and other native applications. Meanwhile, Google has been steadily integrating its Gemini AI across Android devices and services for several years. This backdrop makes the feature comparison particularly relevant for understanding how the two platforms evolve in relation to each other.

Four iOS 27 features that Android already has

According to Ortiz's analysis, four of the most notable iOS 27 features are already available on Android, often as fully realized capabilities that predate Apple's implementation.

Siri AI

The most significant iOS 27 upgrade is arguably Siri AI, which Apple describes as a "profoundly more capable and conversational assistant" with "personal context understanding, broad world knowledge, and onscreen awareness." Apple claims the new Siri can pull context from emails and messages to take action across applications. However, Ortiz points out that this capability is already familiar territory for Android users, as Google's Gemini AI has been integrated across Google products for years, including Android Auto. Gemini, according to the comparison, can handle conversations well, run actions across multiple apps, check messages and email for context, and discuss what's on screen.

While Ortiz acknowledges that Siri AI may eventually achieve deeper ecosystem integration due to Apple's control over iOS, she emphasizes that for now, Apple is simply catching up to where Google has been for years.

Generative photo editing

Apple users are receiving AI-powered photo editing upgrades through Spatial Reframe, Cleanup, and Expand features. The Cleanup and Expand tools use AI to remove unwanted objects and people from photos and enlarge image borders. Spatial Reframe allows users to shift the angle or perspective of a photo.

Android, however, already offers a range of AI-powered photo edits. Features include object removal with Magic Eraser, expanding photo edges with Generative Expand, repositioning subjects within frames, changing crops, and generating missing backgrounds. These capabilities initially launched as Pixel-exclusive features but became available to all Android users in 2024. Ortiz notes that Android lacks a direct equivalent to Spatial Reframe, though she attempted to have Gemini move photo perspective with limited success.

Apple Intelligence in Messages and Wallet

Apple Intelligence integration brings enhanced functionality to Apple Wallet, allowing users to split bills by pointing their phone at a receipt and selecting items for payment via Apple Cash. While this is new for iOS 27, Ortiz highlights that Google Photos and Google Wallet already offer similar capabilities through Google Lens integration. Though direct payment integration may not be as seamless, handling transactions remains straightforward through third-party applications.

More nuanced volume controls

Perhaps the most obvious example of Android having a feature first, Apple is now allowing users to control ringtone, alarm, and alert volumes independently on iPhones. Apple's implementation includes "intelligent" controls, such as instructing Siri to "turn down music during calls," equalizing volume across apps, and letting AI determine appropriate volume levels.

This independent volume control capability, however, is something Android users have enjoyed for a very long time, making Apple's adoption of the feature feel like a belated enhancement rather than an innovation.

Two features the author wants Android to steal

While Apple is incorporating several familiar features into iOS 27, Ortiz also identifies two capabilities from the update that she would like to see implemented in Android. These represent potential future directions for Google's mobile operating system.

Call Context

iOS 27's Call Context feature proactively displays relevant information when calling businesses. For instance, calling an airline would automatically show reservation codes from confirmation emails. While Android offers call-related features like Call Screening, Hold For Me, real-time transcription, and post-call summaries based on information from other Google apps, these are primarily pre-call or post-call benefits. Call Context, by contrast, provides helpful information during active calls, which Ortiz believes would be a valuable addition to Android's existing suite of call management tools.

Automatic password changing

Addressing the growing challenge of digital fatigue, iOS 27 introduces automatic password changing for compromised accounts. When a password is breached, the new feature can log into the service and automatically change it. While this only works on supported platforms, Ortiz identifies it as a significant convenience for users managing numerous online accounts.

Despite the security risks associated with such automation, Ortiz expresses trust in her Google account for most logins and indicates that automatic password changing would be particularly welcome given the constant need to satisfy increasingly complex password requirements and the burden of manually updating credentials after data breaches.

Why this matters

This feature comparison reflects broader patterns in the mobile platform landscape, where innovation often flows in both directions between iOS and Android. Users benefit from this cross-pollination, as each platform's strengths influence the other's development priorities.

For Android users specifically, Ortiz's analysis suggests that Google's early adoption of AI features like Gemini has positioned the platform well against Apple's more recent efforts. However, areas like call context and automated security management represent opportunities for Google to extend its lead in user convenience and security.

The comparison also highlights how platform control affects feature development. Apple's end-to-end control over iOS enables deeper integration of AI features like Siri, while Google's distributed Android ecosystem means AI capabilities are spread across multiple products and manufacturers. Both approaches have tradeoffs in terms of user experience and feature availability.

What's next

As both platforms continue to evolve, users can expect ongoing feature exchanges and refinements. For Android, the two features Ortiz highlighted—Call Context and automatic password changing—could arrive through Google's existing infrastructure of call screening and password management tools.

For iOS users, the success of Apple Intelligence features will depend on developer adoption and user feedback. Early indicators suggest that the AI-enhanced Siri and photo editing tools will be closely watched by both consumers and industry analysts.

The broader trend toward AI integration in mobile operating systems shows no signs of slowing, meaning that future comparisons between iOS and Android features will likely continue to center around how effectively each platform leverages artificial intelligence to improve everyday user experiences.