Android vs. iOS: Which One is Safer For 2025?

As another year comes to an end, the mobile landscape continues to grow, bringing with it new security threats. Mobile security has long surpassed the threat from malware. It now includes data protection, privacy, and safeguarding information in a digital world filled with apps. Choosing between Android and iOS is not just a matter of convenience and user experience; it’s a matter of which platform will be safer.

Understanding the Security model differences 

iOS

Apple’s iOS follows what is known as the “Walled Garden approach." This tightly controlled environment allows Apple total control over the hardware and software ecosystem. Any app submitted to the App Store will undergo testing, both manual and automated to check for any malicious code. This minimizes the likelihood of malicious code making it to the user base. When developing an application, it is best to consult with an iphone app development company to make sure that your app is up to the standards of Apple.

Moreover, the closed nature of iOS means that any vulnerabilities that do exist are not as exposed to the public as open-source systems. The system relies on Apple’s internal team for vulnerability checks and deploys security updates regularly. Since Apple controls the hardware and software, it can optimize security features in a manner that is difficult for other platforms to replicate. This creates a tightly-knit security framework, more so since advanced privacy measures are released with every version.

Android

Android's open-source nature provides both users and developers with unparalleled flexibility. However, this flexibility comes at a cost, which is fragmentation. Different OEMs (Original equipment Manufacturers) create their versions of Android, resulting in many devices running on mismatched and outdated security patches. An average Android device gets security updates for 2-3 years. This makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The Data Security Council of India said in 2023 that Android smartphones are attacked three times per month on average.

Google has made a lot of progress in the security of Android by introducing Play Protect services, regular security updates, and Project Mainline, which provides security updates independent of software updates.

Google has a vetting process for apps in the Play Store, but the ability to side-load (install 3rd party apps) increases the risks of malware and other attacks.

Security Forecasts for 2025

Malware and ransomware 

While making many strides, Android devices remain the most vulnerable to malware and ransomware attacks due to their larger market share. According to Statista, in Q1 2024, 46% of all malware attacks were in the form of adware. Moreover, the largest share of malware and ransomware attacks happens on outdated devices. According to Statista, over a billion malwares were detected in 2023.

iOS, while considerably more secure than Android, remains vulnerable to increasing attacks as its user base grows. iOS remains vulnerable to state-sponsored attacks exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities. Most notable is the Pegasus malware, launched by the ISO group in 2021. Since then, Apple has begun patching the vulnerabilities. The biggest risk to iOS comes from installing third-party apps. 

Data privacy and tracking

Data privacy is something that most users feel most passionate about. iOS certainly leads in this regard. With a slew of measures to improve transparency—to show the users how their data is used—and introducing ATT (Apple Tracking Transparency), Apple’s opt-in privacy framework, requiring all apps to ask users for permission before sharing their data.

Meanwhile, Android has followed suit, implementing tighter privacy measures and user consent protocols. However, being fragmented, these policies are hard to enforce as they depend on OEMs and different Android vendors have their own policies. Third-party and side-loading apps also present a significant threat.

Vulnerability management

iOS

Apple’s commitment to swift and timely updates stands out among its peers. Even older devices get updates to protect them from critical vulnerabilities. Since Apple has a closed ecosystem, it can provide OTA (over-the-air) updates quickly and seamlessly. And because most Apple devices use the most current software, effectiveness is maximized.

Android

Android remains a house divided. Older devices are particularly vulnerable to security threats as they run on older, unsupported versions of the OS. Google has launched initiatives like Treble and Project Timeline to address these issues. The obligation to deliver these updates rests with the OEMs, resulting in inconsistencies among providers.

What is the role of developers in security?

Come 2025, the landscape for developers will be more challenging. As more of our lives are connected by technology such as IoT and cloud services, potential threats grow accordingly. GenAI, such as ChatGPT and other LLM models, have also emerged as a new threat, creating sophisticated malware, social engineering, deepfakes, and much more.

Developers must follow the strict guidelines set by Apple and Google for their app stores. They must adopt a secure-by-design approach when developing new applications. Partnering with experienced iPhone app development companies and Android app development services can ensure the best results for an efficient and secure app. 

Role of user behavior in security

Irrespective of the robust security measures implemented by Apple and Google, a major proportion of cyber threats come from user behavior. According to a study done by Verizon Mobile Security Index, 44% of the data breaches happened because of user mistakes. These include downloading malicious apps from untrustworthy sources, neglecting software updates, falling for phishing attacks, and predictable passwords.

No matter the platform, users should follow best practices—using strong passwords, avoiding suspected links, and regularly updating the apps and devices.

Conclusion

Neither Android nor iOS offers a silver bullet when it comes to security. iOS, with its closed ecosystem, offers better value for people who value privacy and timely updates. However, Android’s flexibility, increasing support by Google for improving security protocols, and choosing the right OEM who offers a compelling package of security and regular updates make a potent argument. 

For security in 2025, it comes down to how diligent manufacturers are with security updates and how users manage their device settings and adopt safe practices to protect their data. Both platforms offer great potential regarding security, but their success depends on a combination of factors: user behavior, OEM responsibility, and the evolving security landscape.