Key Takeaways

  • iPhones deliver some standout features not widely found (or implemented) on Android devices.
  • From pro-level video tools to seamless multi-device integration, these functions illustrate how ecosystem, hardware & software blend.
  • Knowing these features can help Android users decide whether switching to iOS (or integrating Apple-devices) makes sense, or simply appreciate what they’re missing.
  • While Android excels in flexibility, this guide shows where iOS currently leads in specific capabilities.
  • Use this as a checklist to evaluate your own smartphone ecosystem and workflow.

What are we talking about?

While both iOS 26 (Apple’s latest mobile OS) and Android continuously borrow ideas from each other, there are features that remain more mature or exclusive to iOS in 2025. According to a recent article by BGR, Android users still look at certain iOS-only features with envy. Below we’ll unpack five of those features—how they work, why they matter, and how you might approximate them (if possible) on Android or decide to adopt Apple devices.

1. ProRes RAW Video Capture

What it is

Apple ProRes RAW is a high-quality video codec that retains all raw sensor data when shooting on a compatible iPhone. According to BGR, this allows post-production workflows far beyond typical smartphone video.

Why it matters

  • Greater flexibility in colour grading and white balance.
  • Higher-end editing capacity—bringing smartphone footage closer to mirrorless/DSLR quality.
  • Enables professionals to treat an iPhone almost like a cinema camera in certain workflows.

Considerations & how to approximate on Android

  • Requires compatible hardware (iPhone 13 Pro / Pro Max and newer) and enough storage (ProRes RAW takes up serious space).
  • On Android: some high-end models offer RAW video capture (e.g., with codec HEVC or proprietary manufacturers), but full ProRes RAW integration remains rare.
  • If you shoot video seriously: check your workflow (storage, external drives, editor compatibility).

When you might choose this

  • Content creators who shoot, edit and publish high quality video.
  • Users wanting one device for both casual video and professional capture.
  • If you’re planning to invest in ecosystem (iPhone + Final Cut + workflows).

2. Dedicated App: Final Cut Camera

What it is

The Final Cut Camera app (version 2.0) lets iPhones record in ProRes RAW or ProRes RAW HQ, supports open-gate sensor use (the full sensor for extra field-of-view) and Log 2 encoding for broader dynamic range.

Why it matters

  • It gives users more creative control: framing, cropping, stabilising, wide-dynamic range.
  • For professional use, this is a significant upgrade over standard smartphone camera apps.

Considerations & how to approximate on Android

  • On Android: some third-party camera apps allow RAW video or Log profiles (e.g., Filmic Pro). But compatibility and hardware support vary.
  • The iOS advantage: tighter hardware+software integration, plus the dedicated Apple app.
  • Beware: heavy storage and editing demands—ensure your workflow supports it.

When you might choose this

  • If you already create high-end video and want maximum quality.
  • If you have a hardware budget (iPhone Pro model, storage, editing rig).
  • If your Android setup is limiting you—for instance, if you’re frequently frustrated by Android video capture quality or editing bottlenecks.

3. Seamless Multi-Device Integration (Continuity)

What it is

Continuity captures the way Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV) work together: share clipboard, make/take calls on Mac, use iPad as second display, AirDrop, etc.

Why it matters

  • Improved workflow when you have multiple Apple devices: jumping between them feels fluid.
  • Saves time when switching between phone and computer.
  • Reduces friction of moving content between devices.

Considerations & how to approximate on Android

  • Android ecosystem is more fragmented: phone + Windows or Linux + other devices. While tools like Google ecosystem, Samsung DeX, and third-party apps exist, the “one-brand seamless” feeling is often less consistent.
  • If you’re using a Mac + iPhone, the benefit is larger. If you use Windows + Android, the cross-device integration may still lag.

When you might choose this

  • If you already work across multiple devices (phone + tablet + computer).
  • If minimising friction is a priority (e.g., creative professionals, multitaskers).
  • If you are deciding between Apple vs mixed ecosystem and value “everything just works” more than customisation.

4. iPhone as Remote for Apple TV

What it is

With the iPhone’s Control Centre you can open the Apple TV Remote widget and control a Apple TV or Apple TV box—type passwords, search content, control playback—all via your iPhone.

Why it matters

  • Removes the “mystery remote” frustration when you misplace the Apple TV remote.
  • Easier text input using iPhone keyboard rather than remote’s limited keys.

Considerations & how to approximate on Android

  • Many Android TVs/boxes have remote apps (e.g., Google TV app, manufacturer apps) but the “built-in” feel and tight integration vary.
  • If you already use an Apple TV, the integration is a nice extra. If you use non-Apple streaming hardware, you’ll need to check compatibility.

When you might choose this

  • If you own an Apple TV device and want smoother TV interaction.
  • If you regularly type long text (search/input) on your TV.
  • If you dislike managing multiple remotes and want consolidation via your phone.

5. Continuity Camera (iPhone as Mac Webcam)

What it is

Using the iPhone’s camera as a wireless (or wired) webcam for a Mac via Continuity Camera. That means your Mac uses iPhone’s high-quality front/back camera for video calls, instead of a built-in Mac webcam.

Why it matters

  • Substantially better video quality in video calls or streaming (iPhone camera > typical Mac webcam).
  • Built-in wireless support makes the process cleaner.

Considerations & how to approximate on Android

  • On Android + Windows setup: there are apps (e.g., DroidCam, Iriun) that let you use a phone as a webcam—but may require cables or third-party installs.
  • On Apple side: seamless by design, fewer setup hurdles.

When you might choose this

  • If you frequently video-call, stream or record from your computer and want better camera quality.
  • If you own both an iPhone and a Mac: this becomes a powerful combo.
  • If you experience frustration with low quality webcam on your laptop or require better visuals for remote work.

Best Practices for Deciding

  1. Assess your device ecosystem – Do you already own many Apple devices (Mac, iPad, Apple TV)? If yes, the iOS-exclusive features add value via synergy.
  2. Match features to your workflow – If you’re a casual user, these features might not matter much; if you’re a creator/professional, they might.
  3. Check hardware requirements & budget – Some features (ProRes RAW, Final Cut Camera) demand high-end iPhones, storage, editing workflows.
  4. Consider alternative implementations – On Android many things are possible via apps or hacks—evaluate gap vs effort.
  5. Future-proofing – As OSes evolve, some features may become available cross-platform—so think about long-term ecosystem and support.

Did You Know

The original “Continuity” feature in the Apple ecosystem launched with OS X Yosemite and iOS 8, enabling Handoff between Mac and iPhone. It has since expanded to include Universal Clipboard, Instant Hotspot, and more.

Conclusion

While Android remains a highly flexible and powerful platform, iOS holds key advantages in certain feature-areas where tight hardware-software integration and ecosystem orchestration shine. Whether it’s pro-level video capture (ProRes RAW), specialised apps (Final Cut Camera), or seamless device interplay (Continuity, Remote control, Camera-as-Webcam), these features may tip the balance for users evaluating their next smartphone or ecosystem strategy. Use this guide to map your priorities, workflows and decide what matters most for you.

FAQs

What if I don’t own any Apple devices—do these features matter?

Probably less so. These features shine when used within the Apple ecosystem (iPhone + Mac + iPad + Apple TV). If you use Android + Windows only, their benefit diminishes.

Can Android manufacturers replicate these features?

Yes and no. Android makers often offer similar functionality (e.g., high-quality cameras, remote apps, device link software), but the depth of integration, polish, and cross-device seamlessness may lag or vary by manufacturer.

If I switch to iPhone just for one of these features, is it worth it?

It depends on how Central that feature is to your workflow. If you’re a video pro needing ProRes RAW or do lots of Mac-iPhone interfacing, then yes, it could be worth. If you only occasionally need it, maybe not.

Will Android eventually get all these features?

Possibly many of them in some form, but the cross-device integration that Apple offers (because it controls both hardware and software across devices) may remain harder to match in a fragmented ecosystem.

Is there any downside to these iOS-exclusive features?

Yes—cost is one (premium hardware, storage needs), ecosystem lock-in (you may become dependent on Apple devices), and less flexibility (customisation may be lower than Android).