Which is healthier, Apple or Samsung? Whereas each present full ecosystems, together with merchandise, on-line providers, and distinctive working techniques, this is not nearly private choice. This text goals that will help you select properly on your subsequent smartphone buy.
iPhone or Samsung: Catalog vary and costs
Apple is understood to be very completely different from its opponents. Whereas manufacturers like Oppo or Xiaomi have complicated ranges with loads of the fashions having nearly an identical specs, the Cupertino large has at all times insisted on having the leanest catalog potential. Thus, this yr isn’t any completely different with 9 fashions on supply in its retailer.
The iPhone 15 launch ditched the 13 mini variant. Going ahead, Apple will rely on the Plus, Professional, and Professional Max fashions along with the bottom mannequin.
Samsung’s benefits over Apple:
Enormous catalog of units.
Extra inexpensive handsets.
Apple’s benefits over Samsung:
Clearly outlined product vary.
Older fashions are nonetheless aggressive by way of options and efficiency.
Just a few years in the past, the variety of merchandise from Apple’s smartphone line elevated slightly, with the addition of the mini mannequin. Since then, the mini was changed by the massive Plus mannequin, and Apple has saved the 2 previous-generation fashions as a less expensive different. Even so, the iPhone product vary is the smallest among the many prime 5 smartphone producers in the present day.
iPhone catalog and costs
As talked about earlier, Apple’s 2024 catalog contains 9 fashions, 4 of which had been launched in 2024, two from 2023, and three in 2022. Along with the brand new iPhone 16, Apple additionally retains the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 14, 14 Plus, and iPhone SE (2022) in its lineup.
All present iPhones in contrast:
All 9 fashions are 5G-compatible. As well as, all fashions, besides the iPhone SE (2022), have an OLED show.
Samsung’s smartphone catalog and costs
Whilst you can depend the iPhones in 2024Â by yourself fingers (with two arms, after all), Samsung’s catalog is much extra intensive. It begins with cheap entry-level smartphones and goes all the best way to costly foldables with top-notch {hardware}.
Samsung’s line of smartphones is made up of the Galaxy household, which additionally contains wearables, headsets, tablets, notebooks, and different devices. The household is split into classes comparable to:
Galaxy Z (foldable telephones)
Galaxy S (premium handsets)
Galaxy A and M (entry-level and mid-range fashions)
Galaxy XCover (rugged handsets that concentrate on the company section)
All present Galaxy in contrast:
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Editor’s selection
Large-screened S24
Compact flagship
2024 foldable flagship
2024 compact foldable
Reasonably priced flagship
The favored mid-ranger
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Product
Image
Evaluation
Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy S24+
Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy S24
Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy A55
Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy A35
Show
6.8-inch LTPO OLED
3120 × 1440 pixels
1 ~ 120 Hz refresh price
6.6-inch OLED
3120 × 1440 pixels
120 Hz
6.1-inch OLED
2340 × 1080 pixels
120 Hz
Inner: 7.6-inch LTPO OLED
2160 × 1850 pixels
1~120 Hz refresh price
Exterior: 6.3-inch LTPO OLED
2376 × 968 pixels
1~120 Hz refresh price
Inner: 6.67-inch LTPO OLED
2640 × 1080 pixels
1~120 Hz refresh price
Exterior: 3.4-inch OLED
720 × 748 pixels
6.4-inch OLED
2340 × 1080 pixels
120 Hz
6.6-inch OLED
2340 × 1080
120 Hz
6.6-inch OLED
2340 × 1080
120 Hz
SoC
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (US)
Exynos 2400 (International)
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (US)
Exynos 2400 (International)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (US, China)
Exynos 2200 (International)
Reminiscence
12 GB LPDDR5X RAM
256 / 512 GB / 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage
No storage growth
12 GB LPDDR5X
256 / 512 GB UFS 4.0 storage
No storage growth
8 GB LPDDR5X
128 GB UFS 3.1 / 256 GB UFS 4.0 storage
No storage growth
12 GB RAM
256 / 512 / 1024 GB UFS 4.0 storage
No storage growth
12 GB RAM
256 / 512 GB UFS 4.0 storage
No storage growth
8 GB
128 / 256 GB
No storage growth
8 / 12 GB RAM
128 / 256 GB storage
microSD growth
6 / 8 GB RAM
128 / 256 GB storage
microSD growth
OS
One UI 6.1 over Android 14
Seven Android upgrades
Seven years of safety updates
One UI 6.1 over Android 14
Seven Android upgrades
Seven years of safety updates
One UI 6.1 over Android 14
Seven Android upgrades
Seven years of safety updates
One UI 6.1.1, primarily based on Android 14
Seven Android upgrades
Seven years of safety updates
One UI 6.1.1, primarily based on Android 14
Seven Android upgrades
Seven years of safety updates
One UI 5.1 over Android 13
4 Android upgrades
5 years of safety updates
One UI 6.1 over Android 14
4 Android upgrades
5 years of safety updates
One UI 6.1 over Android 14
4 Android upgrades
5 years of safety updates
Digicam
Primary: 200 MP, f/1.7
Extremely-wide: 12 MP, f/2.2
3x telephoto: 10 MP, f/2.4
5x telephoto: 50 MP, f/3.4
Primary: 50 MP, f/1.8
Extremely-wide: 12 MP, f/2.2
3x telephoto: 10 MP, f/2.4
Primary: 50 MP, f/1.8
Extremely-wide: 12 MP, f/2.2
3x telephoto: 10 MP, f/2.4
Primary: 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Extremely-wide: 12 MP, f/2.2
3x telephoto: 10 MP, f/2.4
Primary: 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Extremely-wide-angle: 12 MP, f/2.2
Primary: 50 MP, f/1.8
Extremely-wide: 12 MP, f/2.2
3x telephoto: 8 MP, f/2.4
Primary: 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Extremely-wide: 12 MP, f/2.2
Macro: 5 MP, f/2.4
Primary: 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Extremely-wide: 8 MP, f/2.2
Macro: 5 MP, f/2.4
Selfie Digicam
Exterior: 10 MP, f/2.2
Inner: 4 MP, f/1.8
Battery
5,000 mAh
45 W wired charging
15 W wi-fi charging
4.5 W reverse wi-fi charging
4,900 mAh
45 W wired charging
15 W wi-fi charging
4.5 W reverse wi-fi charging
4,000 mAh
25 W wired charging
15 W wi-fi charging
4.5 W reverse wi-fi charging
4,400 mAh
25 W wired charging
10 W wi-fi charging
4,000 mAh
25 W wired charging
10 W wi-fi charging
4,500 mAh
25 W wired charging
5,000 mAh
25 W wired charging
Â
5,000 mAh
25 W wired charging
Â
Connectivity
5G | eSIM | Wi-Fi 7 | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC | UWB
5G | eSIM | Wi-Fi 6E (International) Wi-Fi 7 (US) | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC | UWB
5G | eSIM | Wi-Fi 6E (International) Wi-Fi 7 (US) | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC
5G | eSIM | Wi-Fi 6E | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC
5G | eSIM | Wi-Fi 6E | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC
5G | eSIM | Wi-Fi 6E | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC
5G | eSIM | Wi-Fi 6 | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC
5G | Wi-Fi 6 | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC
IP Certification
Dimensions and weight
6.39 x 3.11 x 0.33 in, 8.18 oz
162,3 x 79,0 x 8.6 mm, 232 g
6.24 x 2.99 x 0.30 in, 6.91 oz
158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm, 196 g
5.79 x 2.78 x 0.30 in, 5.89 oz
147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm, 167 g
Closed: 2.68 x 6.04 x 0.47 in
68,1 x 153,5 x 12,1 mm
Opened: 5.22 x 6.04 x 0.22in
132,6 x 153,5 x 5,6 mm
8.43 oz | 239 g
Closed: 3.35 x 2.83 x 0.59 in
85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9 mm
Opened: 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 in
165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm
187 g | 6.6oz
76,5 x 158 x 8.2 mm, 209 g
6.34 x 3.05 x 0.32 in, 7.51 oz
161,1 x 77,4 x 8.2 mm, 213g
6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in, 7.37 oz
161,7 x 78,0 x 8.2 mm, 209 g
Affords*
Since Apple does not supply entry-level and mid-range smartphones, the Galaxy A, M, and XCover ranges don’t compete straight with the model’s fashions. Subsequently, for this comparability, now we have solely thought-about fashions which are in the identical value vary because the iPhone vary bought by Apple.
There are additionally no foldable iPhones, regardless of years of rumors on the contrary, making the Galaxy Z vary compete solely with its Android friends.
In 2024, the pricing argument isn’t as related because it was once, as Samsung is advertising smartphones which are nearly as costly as Apple’s. Nonetheless, whereas the costs of Apple’s fashions normally stay steady till a brand new era is launched, Samsung’s smartphone costs usually drop far too quickly after their launch. This makes the iPhone a fairly good buy by any normal.
This has an influence on the depreciation and resale value of its units, within the case of iPhones, as they usually obtain new working system variations and safety updates for an extended time frame, a spot one thing which Samsung has been making an attempt to slim not too long ago.
iPhone or Samsung: The {hardware}
For instance it proper from the beginning, Apple is clearly not a champion relating to worth for cash. The Cupertino-based firm is understood for providing smartphones that do not push the envelope relating to new applied sciences as their opponents however at greater costs.
As for Samsung, even when costs have risen recently to method these of Apple, the model strives to supply the newest technological improvements in every new era of flagships.
For instance, if we had been to check the technical specs of the newest “vanilla” flagships of Apple and Samsung, i.e. the Galaxy S24Â and the iPhone 15, we are able to clearly see that Samsung gives a way more attention-grabbing smartphone, whether or not it’s the display screen, digital camera, or the quick charging functionality.
Nonetheless, now we have to confess that the technical specs usually are not all the pieces, and that reveals with the software program optimization carried out on the Apple iPhone. Nonetheless, it’s exceptional that Apple has lowered its costs in comparison with final yr, at the least in Europe. Thus, the iPhone 15 is strictly as costly/low-cost because the Galaxy S23/S24, at the least when one seems to be on the respective really helpful retail costs.
Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S24
Apple iPhone 15 Professional Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24Â Extremely
After adopting the 120 Hz refresh price with its ProMotion mode in 2021, Apple marked the event in 2022 with a brand new digital camera in addition to a substitute for the notch, calling it Dynamic Island. In 2023, USB Sort-C ports had been lastly launched for all new iPhones.
For 2024, the most important change is the Digicam Management button which not solely permits for dual-stage press to focus but additionally serves as a shortcut for digital camera settings. Additionally, the Motion Button arrived on the bottom fashions after a 1-year exclusivity to the Professional fashions. One other improve on the bottom iPhone 16 is a rise in RAM to eight GB, matching the Professional fashions in preparation for the reminiscence necessities for AI options.
Whereas Samsung stands out with superlative figures in its extravagant specs, Apple’s sturdy level could be the mixing of its elements, particularly its SoCs. Apple’s iPhones are repeatedly probably the most highly effective available on the market, and the model doesn’t hesitate to point out it by evaluating its SoCs with the competitors.
As an illustration, the A16 Bionic is alleged to be 40% extra highly effective than its direct competitor on Android (the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that has been tailored as ‘For Galaxy’). We are going to replace the next comparability with checks from the iPhone 16 as quickly as we get the telephones.
iPhone 15Â vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 & S24
Graphics benchmarks
Take a look at
iPhone 15 (A16)
Galaxy S24 (Snapdragon)
Galaxy S24 (Exynos)
Galaxy S23 FE
Geekbench
Single:Â 2,623Multi:Â 6,605
Single:Â 2,252Multi:Â 7,107
Single:Â 2,131Multi:Â 6,676
Single: 1,614Multi: 4,073
Wild Life ExtremeStress Take a look at
Greatest Loop:Â 3,253Worst Loop: 2,271
Greatest Loop: 5,160Worst Loop: 2,637
Greatest Loop: 4,242Worst Loop: 2,637
Greatest Loop: 2,370Worst Loop: 1,809
In brief, the very best smartphone isn’t essentially the one with the very best technical specs as a result of having the newest trendy elements isn’t at all times sufficient. That is additionally true for the value as a result of the costliest flagship isn’t at all times the very best. Nonetheless, the 128 GB iPhone 16 is equally priced to the Samsung Galaxy S23/S24, however not drastically higher.
On the prime finish of the market, Apple and Samsung supply kind of the identical. It’s particularly stark within the mid-range that Samsung has a transparent benefit since Apple isn’t well-represented in that section in any respect. And the place does the iPhone SE 2022 stand in all this? I do not actually take into account it a mid-range/entry-level machine just like the Galaxy A55, so it’s a moot level.
Conclusion
Samsung’s benefits over Apple:
Extra superior specs.
A robust and extra inexpensive mid-range machine.
Higher screens for all its smartphones.
Apple’s benefits over Samsung:
Not excessively greater costs on the high quality section.
Efficiency is usually higher than the technical specs recommend.
Probably the most highly effective smartphones available on the market, all manufacturers included.
iPhone or Samsung: The person interface
The person interface has at all times been Apple’s sturdy level in its battle in opposition to Samsung. iOS is praised for its good optimization and its nearly excellent integration with the Apple ecosystem. By shopping for an iPhone, you’ll profit from the profitable interconnectivity between the completely different Apple merchandise.
Then again, over time, Samsung has caught up with Apple and now gives an ecosystem that whereas not as well-developed, continues to be practical and environment friendly. Due to components comparable to your Samsung account, SmartThings, and even unique options for its units comparable to DeXÂ mode, Samsung tries to supply an identical expertise to Apple however with a barely much less closed ecosystem.
As of late, Apple and Samsung are shifting in comparable instructions, and customers from each camps can get pleasure from an awesome software program expertise on both model’s merchandise.
This yr, relying on whether or not you select an iPhone or a Galaxy, you may be integrating with iOS 18 or One UI 6. Each working techniques supply well-thought-out person experiences which are fairly common with followers of every facet.
Launched in September 2024, iOS 18 extends the customization choices, making it simple to spoil your property display screen identical to on Android. Large updates to the Management Middle to rearrange, add, and resize widgets, dwell audio transcriptions on the Notes app, and extra management and simpler administration of privateness settings.
And naturally, not one to skip on the newest tech development, AI (“Apple Intelligence” right here) guarantees enhancements to Siri, textual content writing, images group, and extra. Nonetheless, many of the new AI options on iOS 18 are scheduled to reach in later level releases, beginning with iOS 18.1.
Apple has thus caught up with Android and as traditional, the Cupertino firm has taken its time however has managed to implement in a really considerable means, options which have been accessible on Android for some time.
As for One UI, it is one of the crucial common Android skins, together with Xiaomi’s MIUI. For instance, it’s extra broadly used than inventory Android, Google’s authentic Android interface. Visually, One UI is kind of a departure from inventory Android and is a slightly heavy pores and skin, however it is vitally full.
Samsung’s One UI gives a very good multitasking expertise due to options like break up display screen, floating home windows, or the flexibility to clone functions to have two accounts. To study extra about its options, learn our full One UI 6 overview.
iOS and One UI are beginning to get increasingly comparable, so the ultimate selection will finally boil right down to your private preferences. Notice, nevertheless, that iOS is unique to Apple whereas One UI depends upon Android updates, so you’ll not obtain the newest model as rapidly on a Samsung in comparison with an Apple iPhone.
Each the not too long ago launched iOS 18 and Android 15 are slightly mild relating to huge modifications to the person interface, principally persevering with to evolve the accessible customization choices whereas additionally bettering on safety and privateness controls. For extra particulars on what modified with the newest updates, verify our overview pages:
Conclusion
Samsung’s benefits over Apple:
Extra customizable interface.
Way more superior multitasking optimization.
Apple’s benefits over Samsung:
Easy and seamless expertise throughout the Apple ecosystem.
Very excessive knowledge safety.
Excessive-quality native functions.
Extra frequent safety updates all through its whole cellphone line.
Clear and uncluttered design.
iPhone or Samsung: Replace coverage
The replace coverage was one of many important promoting factors of Apple’s iPhones, however over time, Samsung has additionally been capable of enhance on this facet by lowering the hole. The iPhone is mostly saved up-to-date for 5 years, and all fashions obtain the replace nearly on the similar time. Samsung now guarantees seven years of options and safety updates for its Galaxy S24 telephones, with 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of safety patches for its 2023 flagships.
Apple’s replace coverage
In response to the official Apple web page, we are able to see that iOS 18, for instance, is on the market for even the iPhone XS which was launched in 2018. These fashions have due to this fact acquired 5 iOS variations since their launch (not counting the model current by default at launch). Till 2023, no Android producer provided such intensive software program upkeep.
The graph above illustrates this hole fairly effectively, though the methodology used to depend the length of software program upkeep is inaccurate. Certainly, the graph assumes that one yr is equal to at least one replace. This works for iPhones since every new mannequin is launched concurrently every new (main) model of iOS. However for Samsung, its flagships are launched in the beginning of the yr with the earlier yr’s Android model after which up to date throughout the similar yr as soon as a brand new Android model is launched.
Samsung’s replace coverage
Not too long ago, Samsung has made nice strides with its replace coverage. Whereas most Android producers are content material to supply 2 or not often 3 variations of Android and three years of safety patches, the South Korean producer guarantees for its flagship S and Z 2024 fashions seven years of Android upgrades and safety patches, with 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of safety patches for its earlier high-end smartphones.
In follow, the South Koreans promise that the Galaxy S24 will obtain “Android 21” in 2031, whereas its S23 predecessor will prime at 2026’s model of Android (presumably Android 17). Intermediate telephones within the Galaxy A household launched after 2023 are additionally scheduled to obtain 5 years of safety updates, whereas entry-level fashions will probably be supported for 4 years.
Cheaper Samsung smartphones launched in 2024 are coated with 4 or 5 years of safety updates, with a shorter promise for OneUI/Android updates.
Conclusion
With the Galaxy S24 fashions, Samsung basically matched the best-supported iPhone fashions relating to function updates.
Nonetheless, some iPhone fashions acquired safety updates after seven years of launch in extraordinary instances.
iPhone or Samsung: Information safety
iOS is safer than Android, that is a reality. Information safety is likely one of the factors the place Apple is forward of Samsung, however it needs to be famous that not too long ago, thanks particularly to the advances of Android 12 by way of knowledge safety, the hole has narrowed.
Relating to safety, the variety of standards to be thought-about is much too massive for the scope of this text. That is why I’ve restricted myself to the privateness and security measures of every producer.
Samsung’s privateness options
One UI 4 briefly launched the brand new options present in Android 12, together with the brand new privateness controls. The privateness panel is accessible from the privateness menu, and like iOS 15 (and MIUI earlier than each), you may be notified every time apps use options like geolocation, digital camera, and microphone.
Not instantly enabling background activation of geolocation can also be a plus. It have to be carried out from the web page devoted to the applying in query from the system settings. Extra steps which are presupposed to discourage or at the least make you suppose twice earlier than letting an utility observe you even if you are not utilizing it make issues safer.
Scoped storage (launched on Android 10) which lets you compartmentalize knowledge primarily based on the completely different functions was attention-grabbing. This implies one app has entry to a selected silo with out one other app sharing the identical house. In sensible phrases, this limits app entry to only some folders in inside storage, so apps cannot see your different recordsdata.
For file managers, One UI 4 has introduced a brand new permission “Entry to all recordsdata”, which permits them to work as in earlier variations. Nonetheless, the applying should meet sure situations to obtain this permission. All different functions are restricted to “Entry to media solely”.
One UI additionally means that you can give solely your approximate location. So when an app first asks for permission to entry your location, along with selecting when the situation will be shared, it is possible for you to to decide on to not share your exact location. Nonetheless, the applying will be capable of request permission to entry the exact location for a given goal later.
Samsung additionally gives its Secret Folder which lets you retailer all of your images, movies, recordsdata, functions, and knowledge away from prying eyes in a folder secured by a password or the fingerprint sensor. This folder is protected by Samsung Knox which ensures that your knowledge is protected in opposition to any malicious assaults.
Additionally, One UIÂ gives a useful function within the Samsung browser. Certainly, Samsung Web mechanically begins in non-public shopping mode when you’ve got used this mode throughout your final shopping.
Apple’s privateness options
Apple has additionally put numerous emphasis on safety not too long ago with the ATT or App Monitoring Transparency, which strictly controls the entry of third-party and native functions to your private knowledge. You’ll be able to study extra by studying our tutorial which reveals find out how to activate the ATT operate in your iPhone.
iOS 15 launched a number of different new privacy-related options. I invite you to learn our full information to iOS 15 to study extra about it if you have not already.
With iOS 16, Apple has continued its momentum by launching Security Test and computerized verification. With Security Test, Apple desires to supply extra management to customers who share passwords or entry sure apps and knowledge like geolocation. Security Test helps fight abuse in poisonous relationships by rapidly revoking entry to knowledge and the situation that was beforehand shared with others.
Automated verification is a brand new function from Apple that bypasses CAPTCHAs, these annoying verification instruments that be sure to’re not a robotic. To attain this, iCloud mechanically verifies your Apple ID and machine within the background, so you do not have to fill out a Captcha when authenticating to a web site or app.
Conclusion
Each iOS and Android/One UI have come a good distance relating to knowledge safety. Producers perceive that increasingly customers worth it and make it a purchase order criterion for his or her new smartphones.
However in any case, irrespective of how a lot management an interface provides you over your knowledge, the extent of risk depends upon elements past your management, such because the irregularity of updates and the benefit and pace with which hackers can exploit vulnerabilities.
Apple gives extra frequent and common updates for all its units, a closed ecosystem that’s more durable to penetrate, and an app retailer with a stricter verification course of. All these elements are nonetheless lacking in Android. Whereas the stability of energy isn’t as tremendously skewed because it was previously, Apple continues to be a step above.
iPhone or Samsung: Resale worth
When selecting a brand new smartphone, it is essential to remember when you are going to half with it sooner or later. The common person retains his or her smartphone for two to three years earlier than reselling it to finance the acquisition of its substitute.
In response to a examine commissioned and revealed in January 2022Â by Bankmycell, Android smartphones shed a median of greater than 33% of their worth in 2020, in comparison with about 16% for iPhones. This decline accounts for over 50% of its value for a mid-range/entry-level smartphone.
Android smartphones drop in value a lot sooner than iPhones. Certainly, iPhones retain their worth higher over time than Samsung’s Galaxy vary. It is possible for you to to resell an iPhone for a much better value than a Galaxy smartphone. Nonetheless, this isn’t a nasty factor in itself.
To purchase the newest Samsung flagship, you normally solely have to attend a couple of months to see its value drop, whereas to interchange your iPhone with the newest mannequin, it’s important to wait for much longer for its value to drop.
Conclusion
Benefits of Samsung in comparison with Apple:
The chance to seek out smartphones at a greater value only some months after their launch.
Flagships expertise good value drops, not like iPhones.
The second-hand market forces e-tailers to make promotions repeatedly.
Benefits of Apple in comparison with Samsung:
Chance to resell your iPhone at a very good value one or two years after buy.
To those that’ve learn by, I hope this Apple vs. Samsung comparability was insightful. Your suggestions on this format is welcome, and if you would like comparable guides for different manufacturers, please inform me. I aimed for thoroughness with out making it excessively lengthy. If I ignored or erred on any level, kindly level it out within the feedback.
The article was up to date in September 2024 with the launch of the iPhone 16 and iOS 18. Feedback earlier than the replace have been saved and could appear out of context.