Technology

Today's Connections: Sports Edition requires some knowledge on golf and one of the great American cities.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Fan or player of NHL team

• Green: Annoying noise devices

• Blue: Guess this baseball movie

• Purple: Are you a 10?

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: An NHL Player

• Green: Noise Makers in the Crowd

• Blue: First Words of Baseball Movies

• Purple: ____10

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #369 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• An NHL Player - BLUE, ISLANDER, JET, PENGUIN

• Noise Makers in the Crowd - COWBELL, KEYS, VOICE, VUVUZELA

• First Words of Baseball Movies - FEVER, FIELD, MAJOR, TROUBLE

• ____10 - ATLANTIC, BIG, HANG, PERFECT

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Connections.

After four long years, Mare of Easttown creator Brad Ingelsby returns with his highly anticipated follow-up to the HBO hit crime drama, Task,and it is poised to take its rightful place as another noteworthy success for the streamer, for multiple reasons.

In one sense, Meta AI's Vibes — an endless scroll of AI-generated videos, submitted by creators and launched on the Meta AI app and website Friday — is the purest expression of what Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg wanted to build when he was designing Facebook in the first place.

Still tinkering in his Harvard dorm room, Zuckerberg explained to a potential partner why he wanted to design his social network not for job hunting, but for endless, mindless scrolling. "I kind of want to be the new MTV," he said (according to a 2010 report on Facebook's murky origin story).

One of my first thoughts, when I decided to spend the better part of a day locked in Vibes' endless scroll, was this: so many Vibes look like a 10-second clip from a music video. (As with Instagram Reels, you can choose from a selection of music to accompany your Vibe.) Some are the cheesy '80s kind of music video, others wacky '90s-style Spike Jonze or Michel Gondry joints. The AI-generated pet videos — of which there are many, often with cats snuggled up in cozy settings or dogs running through fields — look like clips from some dystopian alternate universe where MTV and the Hallmark Channel merged.

This isn't an insult, by the way; I've loved watching music videos since childhood, and they're still my favorite way to get hyped up while working out on my rowing machine. But the best ones, often made by hungry directors heading for Hollywood, do what the best movies do: They tell a compelling story. You can have all the cool disassociated images in the world, and your brain will get bored quickly if there's no story connecting them.

And that's the trouble with Vibes: all of these shorts are great eye candy, none of them tell a story. Scrolling for a day, it was easy to see why social media users were settling on the same description of Meta's new service: an "infinite slop machine."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Is Vibes the future of AI video?

To be fair, there's plenty of interesting AI art out there, stuff that does tell a story and does stick with you. Recently we've highlighted cool stuff like this clever food-based body horror that went viral on Reddit. The question of how much AI infringes on the copyright of other artists is still a hot button topic; one major case is working its way through the system after a judge refused to throw it out.

But as things stand, AI-generated video is the horse that has bolted from the barn. YouTube now lets you add AI video to your shorts; many other services like Imagine and Midjourney are competing to provide you with clips. We're in the AI-generated-video-for-everyone era, like it or not (which is why it's always a good idea to brush up on telltale signs of fakery).

But if Vibes itself is the future of AI video art, I think artists can rest easy. Most artists understand the importance of display and context; a work of art often needs plenty of negative space around it. Vibes jams canvases together like it's a 19th-century gallery with a premium on wall space. (That kind of gallery went out of style for a reason).

The endless series of shorts washed over me after a while, rarely clinging to the inside of my head. There were a few exceptions to this rule, most notably a video of what appeared to be Tom Hanks and Donald Trump running through a cornfield (the same kind that I'd already seen a dozen dogs romp happily through). Hanks looked terrified. Trump, behind him, had long hair flowing in the breeze; it wasn't clear if Trump thought he was chasing or racing. Either way, thanks for the nightmare fuel, Vibes!

A still from a Vibes short, and also how my brain felt after watching them for hours. Credit: @WeirdMusicVideos on Meta AI

Again, to be fair, Vibes also shows how far AI video has come in a few short years. There were few instances, at least in this curated creator feed, of hands with too many fingers, torsos with too many limbs, and other features we associate with AI slop. There was often something in a video that looked a little wrong if you looked too closely — for example, why are those people vacationing at the beach looking out to sea, rather than at the dinosaurs charging past them a few feet away on the boardwalk?

But in general, the problem here is not the Uncanny Valley. The problem here is empty calories.

Younger kids may enjoy the weird eye candy aspect for hours on end (Vibes could well be the new Baby Einstein). But the more mature a brain gets, the less it thrives on mere novelty. Brains are storytelling machines, which is why Facebook's infinite scroll was once so compelling. We shared stories, and created our own community stories by arguing with each other about them. Vibes is the video version of the AI slop that has already arguably made Zuckerberg's social network less compelling than ever.

So yes, in one sense, Zuckerberg couldn't be closer to his MTV dream. And in another, the storytelling sense that keeps us coming back to find out what happened next, Meta's infinite slop machine couldn't be any further away.

This column reflects the opinions of the writer.

Apple's big AI revamp for Siri is getting closer and closer.

The iPhone maker has been overhauling its Siri voice assistant in hopes of making it comparable to AI tools from companies like OpenAI and Google. In fact, speaking of the ChatGPT creator, Apple has created its own version of OpenAI's AI chatbot to test out the new and improved Siri.

SEE ALSO: Apple claims MagSafe stands are responsible for iPhone 17 'Scratchgate'

According to a new report from Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman, Apple has created a ChatGPT-like app dubbed "Veritas" to prepare Siri for its revamp next year.

Veritas is only for internal use among Apple employees in its AI division, and the company has no current plans to release it to the public.

However, news of Vertias' existence gives us an important look into Apple's plans. Apple is perhaps the biggest tech company that has yet to fully immerse its products in AI like its competitors. Apple launched its own AI features, Apple Intelligence, just last year. However, unlike its competitors, Apple Intelligence is powered by a combination of Apple's own technology and AI technology from partnered companies.

Veritas is being used to test Apple's new system, named Linwood, that powers the revamped Siri, according to Gurman. Linwood uses large language models, including Apple's own, combined with a third-party model. Apple is also utilizing Veritas in order to test out features that will be integrated into its new Siri voice assistant, which is still in production. In addition, the company will also evaluate whether these features serve users in an AI chatbot format as well. 

According to the report, some features being tested include AI search through a user's personal data, which includes everything from the music library to emails. Testing is also being conducted on in-app features like editing photos with AI.

Apple just recently released its latest smartphone, the iPhone 17. Looking over Apple's other soon-to-be-announced products, the new Siri appears to be the next big mobile release. Over the past few weeks, reports have pointed to Apple still working out which AI companies to partner with for the new and improved voice assistant.

However, the Siri revamp has been delayed many times before. Gurman reports that Apple is currently slated for a March 2026 debut for the new Siri.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Finding the perfect tool for the job at hand can often be a challenge, especially if you don't own many tools. Adding to your collection doesn't have to be hard or expensive, especially when options like HART and Ryobi tools exist. HART tools at Walmart might not be the "best" or compete with a Milwaukee, but here's why I keep recommending them to friends and family.

This was another busy week in tech news, with the reveal of a Raspberry Pi computer, updated PC and phone hardware from Qualcomm, updates for OBS Studio and Proton Mail, and much more. Here are the biggest stories you might have missed.

Audi has long been associated with sleek, conservative designs that emphasize understated luxury. But the Concept C challenges that perception, offering a bold vision that departs from the brand’s usual styling cues. Its futuristic lines and daring proportions showcase a side of Audi that feels fresh, edgy, and surprisingly different from what fans might expect.

Have you noticed everyone talking about CachyOS lately—seemingly surpassing Ubuntu and Linux Mint in popularity? Are you wondering what makes this Arch-based newcomer so special? Let me show you why this distro is capturing everyone's attention right now.

For a long time, iPhones and iPad treated all notifications the same. You could turn them all off or do it on an app-by-app basis. Now, some notifications will be "Time Sensitive" to give you more control.

The Micro-USB port on an Amazon Fire TV Stick is primarily designed to power the device. But with the right adapter, it can do a lot more. Here are some of the most useful things you can connect to your Fire Stick.

This week, Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 debuted in the Xiaomi 17, and it's pretty dang fast. Google updated the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and is trying to improve the Play Store search. Also, check out a critical OnePlus vulnerability and the new Google Photos AI editor.

I love e-ink displays. The tech behind them is fascinating, especially since they can continue displaying an image after losing power. There are a lot of fun DIY projects to do with e-ink displays, and here are three of my favorites.

SSH is a ubiquituous tool for connecting to remote servers, but there are a lot of things you can do with it. Here are some techniques to make your remote sessions easier.

With Windows 10 end of support rapidly approaching, I’ve been upgrading several PCs to Windows 11. One thing that I always find frustrating is the new abbreviated context menus. Part of the problem is that I’ve used the classic Windows context menu for a long time, and I’m very comfortable with it. But what really irritates me is regularly needing to click “Show more options,” to drill down to things like 7Zip and other menu items that get hidden.

3D audio, ANC, and practicality favor the AirPods Pro 2 Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The AirPods Pro 2 have a pleasant soundstage that delivers crisp highs, striking mids, and thumpy lows. But that’s not their biggest selling point. Personalized Spatial Audio is. The 3D audio format makes Dolby Atmos content feel all-encompassing, and movies on compatible streaming services sound more immersive. 

Apple’s noise-cancelling technology eliminates a high amount of external sound to enjoy music peacefully in most environments. Transparency mode is even better and boosts awareness by making ambient noise sound more natural. The surplus of listening modes raises the AirPods Pro 2’s stock. Adaptive Audio terrifically blends both ANC modes to achieve the best sound performance possible. Conversation Awareness automatically lowers volume and increases voice capture for clearer communication. Then there are the multiple Hearing Health modes that transform the buds into hearing aids, which is crucial for those with mild or moderate hearing loss.

All these facets don’t work without a solid ecosystem at the helm, of course. How the AirPods Pro 2 seamlessly interconnect with all brand devices is nothing short of exceptional. Pairing is quick, range is strong within a 40-foot radius, and signature features like “Hey Siri” voice command are complementary. 

Some users complain about the fit of the AirPods Pro 2. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Spatial audio on the Powerbeats Pro 2 works fine, though the feature sounds clearer on the AirPods Pro 2. You should still be able to pick up on the increased acoustics and clarity when vibing out to Apple Music tracks. The Powerbeats Pro 2’s noise cancellation doesn’t measure up to competitors, or to other in-house releases like the Fit Pro. It struggles to drown out most mid- and high-frequency sounds. Wearing the buds around a crying baby or in a rowdy setting won’t grant much silence. 

Transparency mode is clutch for outdoor adventures. Whether it’s hiking in the woods or running through high-traffic areas, you’ll be able to keep tabs on your surroundings and talk to people without taking off the earbuds. The Powerbeats Pro 2 run on the same H2 processor as the AirPods Pro 2. Therefore, they’re programmed to instantly connect with all iOS/macOS devices and share many of their counterparts’ features, though not all. That’s a shame considering their steep MSRP.

Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2 | Read our full review of the AirPods Pro 2.

Battery life, standard sound, and versatility go to the Powerbeats Pro 2 Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Where the Powerbeats Pro 2 gain serious traction is in their conformity. Beats products have always been known for their long battery life and engaging audio output. We can now add multiplatform support to that list. These buds nail all three targets. 

Up to 10 hours per charge (8 hours with ANC) is the most listening time you’ll get from any Apple or Beats buds on the market. The AirPods Pro 2 max out at a measly 6 hours per charge. There is a significant difference in additional playtime between the two wireless charging cases. Beats’ case holds up to 45 hours and Apple’s case reaches a max of 30 hours. Fast-Fuel charging is stronger on the Powerbeats Pro 2: a 5-minute charge generates 30 minutes more playtime (total of 1.5 hours) than the AirPods Pro 2. 

Beats improved its soundstage to give listeners the bass-fueled sonic presentation they desire. There is a notable dip in midrange, but overall, the Powerbeats Pro 2 produce emphatic and resonant sound. Sound quality on Android devices is just as impressive.

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The Powerbeats Pro 2’s integrated earhooks form a comfy and incredibly secure fit. Full-on compatibility with iOS and Android makes these buds ideal for multiplatform enthusiasts. In addition, features like multipoint technology let you pair to two devices at the same time, no matter the operating system. Something else that makes the Powerbeats Pro 2 more distinctive is the built-in heart rate monitoring, which is only available with the new AirPods Pro 3. The feature isn’t the most accurate, but it’s a way to gauge activity when your Apple Watch isn’t available. 

Now you see what we mean by versatility.

Winner: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 | Read our full review of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2.

Apple’s absolute best wireless earbuds are… Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The AirPods Pro 2. Considering they're almost always on sale, they offer the most bang for your buck. Access to newer listening modes, stronger ANC, and the guarantee of more updates via iOS are well worth the current asking price ($199 on Amazon). Not to mention their flawless functionality with brand devices and unrivaled spatial audio, at least when it comes to Apple earbuds.

Just because the Powerbeats Pro 2 lost this battle doesn’t mean you should overlook them. Sporty attributes like the earhook design and heart-rate monitoring make them the better workout buds. (However, the new AirPods Pro 3 do offer heart-rate monitoring now.) They also provide the longest playtime of any Apple or Beats true wireless model. Beats’ refined soundstage also stabilizes frequencies, while maintaining loud and energetic bass response. If only their ANC, feature set, and pricing matched the AirPods Pro 2.

Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2

Products in this guide The newcomer Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249.00 at Walmart Get Deal Best to save a few bucks Apple AirPods Pro 2 $199.00 at Amazon Get Deal Best for hardcore athletes Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 at Amazon Get Deal

Being a woman on the internet can be tough, but trying to find a genuine connection on a dating app can feel even harder. Between the emboldened creeps, endless swiping, and surprisingly convincing AI profiles, it's enough to make you wonder if applying for Love Island is a more sane alternative. (Spoiler alert: it's not.)

The reality is, dating as a woman in 2025 comes with a unique set of challenges. There's the constant barrage of low-effort "hey" messages, the unsolicited dick pics, the men who are definitely married, and the underlying fear for our own safety that men just don't have to think about. It’s enough to make you want to swear off dating for good and just get another cat (which wouldn't exactly be the worst thing).

But despite the challenges, dating apps do work — millions of women have found a partner online. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that one in 10 partnered adults met their significant other through online dating. The same survey found that young people and the LGBTQ community are even more likely to meet their partner on "the apps." The key isn't giving up and hoping for an old-fashioned meet-cute; it's finding the best dating apps for women that create a safer, more respectful experience and filter out the nonsense.

SEE ALSO: How to get over a breakup

That's where I come in. Over the past several years, I put the top dating platforms to the test — I faced the good, the bad, and the unsolicited DMs — to find the best dating app for women. From classics like eharmony to exciting newcomers like Pure, I tried them all. I swiped, I matched, I blocked. So, whether you're looking for a serious long-term relationship, a fun hookup, or just an app where you're in control of the conversation, we've found an option that's actually worth your time.

There's little ambiguity about the Apple iPhone 17 Pro this year. It gets a little bigger and heavier to make a show of putting function over form and separating itself from the iPhone Air. As such, there wasn't one specific feature— beit a 48MP telephoto lens, or extreme battery life—that makes this phone a Pro.

If you have strong preferences for your workout gear — and strong feelings on Hoka versus Brooks (we're not getting in the middle of that debate) — then finding the right pair of workout headphones can be extra challenging.

The best headphones for working out need to withstand movement, sweat, and the elements. Plus, you don't want something you're constantly fussing with; your headphones should help you stay focused during your exercises.

Mashable reviewers have tested many pairs of headphones and wireless earbuds, and we can tell you which products stay put during a workout, and which buds will go tumbling onto the sidewalk as soon as you break into a run. To make sure we're recommending the right products, we tested over a dozen of the best sports earbuds, headphones, and bone conduction headphones from brands like Bose, Beats, Apple, and Shokz.

How to pick headphones for working out

The right headphones for you depend significantly on the kinds of workouts you like to do and where you like to do them. If you like to run outdoors, you need headphones that keep you safe in busy areas with reliable noise transparency, such as bone conduction headphones or open earbuds. If you're pumping iron at the gym, you might prefer sports earbuds that block out the world with active noise cancellation so you can lock in for your reps. And some people just prefer the look and feel of traditional over-ear headphones. We found reliable options in each category, but in general, most athletes prefer the best wireless earbuds for working out.

For this guide, we looked for two universal specs in all of the headphones we tested. First, workout headphones need to be wireless, giving you a full range of movement. You don't want to get tied up on the stair climber.

Second, workout headphones need to be sweat- or water-resistant. This one is obvious. When you're working out, you're getting sweaty, and you want headphones that won't freak out at the first sign of moisture. Your gym earbuds don't have to be fully waterproof, but this will be helpful for outdoor athletes.

So, whether you're hitting the gym or the pavement, here are the best earbuds and headphones for working out.

Recent changes to this guide

For our most recent update in September 2025, we replaced the Apple AirPods Pro 2 with the newly released AirPods Pro 3. Likewise, we swapped out the previous-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds for the QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) buds.

In a previous update, we removed the discontinued Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2). These buds previously occupied the top spot and provided remarkable battery life, fit, and sound quality in a highly durable package. We still recommend it if you’re lucky enough to find a pair online at a reasonable price (they sell for $300 on eBay).

We also tested additional products that ultimately didn't make the cut, including the JBL Reflect Aero noise-cancelling earbuds. Despite appearing to have a similar design to the Beats Fit Pro — the earbuds themselves, not the ear tips — were so big they couldn't comfortably fit in the ear, a troubling design that caused them to fall out constantly.

Would it surprise you to learn that Pornhub pulls in enough eyeballs to rank among the most-visited websites on the entire planet?

According to SimilarWeb (an analytics platform for websites and apps), adult websites like Xvideos and Pornhub get a staggering number of monthly visitors, with Pornhub alone pulling in 1.7 billion visits in August 2025. To put that number in perspective, these porn giants often outrank sites like Netflix and Amazon (though not ChatGPT).

But if you're itching to take things a step further than just watching and want to live out some of those fantasies IRL, then exploring Pornhub alternatives like AdultFriendFinder and other NSFW dating sites could connect you with someone who's on the same page.

SEE ALSO: How to unblock and watch Pornhub for free

Before you dive in, let's be clear about what you're getting into. On these sites, "dating" usually means a one-night stand, a threesome, or a sex buddy — not a long-term partner. Likewise, platforms like Cams.com and SextPanther are paid platforms that connect you to online performers, which means no IRL connections. (Bringing up IRL meetings could get you permanently banned from these sites.) When navigating the best hookup apps, always be specific and honest about what you want on your profile to find someone who's on the same page. And remember the golden rule: consent, boundary-setting, and respect are non-negotiable.

Finally, one more warning: There are a lot of romance scammers and other cyber criminals looking to take advantage of people online. Please be cautious and use common sense.

While most of these sites are free to access, many offer paid memberships to unlock bonus features. So, if you're tired of your goon cave, here are our favorite X-rated dating sites as an alternative to Pornhub. (Be warned: NSFW content awaits.)

The Android versus iPhone debate has been largely settled, with both sides agreeing to just let people enjoy the things they want. That’s a great mindset to have, but there are still folks with iPhones out there who may be curious about what Android phones have to offer. After all, burnout is real and it’s natural to wonder what the other side's got.

As it turns out, it’s quite a lot. The iPhone 17 did a pretty good job of closing the gap in some places — like including vapor chamber cooling and high refresh rates on the whole lineup — something Android phones have had for years. But there are still some advantages to choosing an Android phone over an iPhone. Plus, with iOS 26 bringing a huge redesign and the the iPhone 17 Pro’s scratchgate controversy, there have certainly been some complaints among Apple users.

So, if you’re curious, here are some good reasons to switch to Android. 

Options, options, options

The biggest advantage when shopping for an Android phone is that there is more than one brand at your disposal. You have the Samsung Galaxy S25, the Google Pixel 10, and the upcoming OnePlus 15. Those are some of the well-known options, but there are plenty of others like the gamer-focused RedMagic 10S Pro and Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro, and the cool-looking Nothing Phone 3. 

The neat thing about having all of these options is that phone makers have shoved all kinds of cool stuff in them to differentiate from one another. For example, the RedMagic 10S Pro has a cooling fan to help keep the phone temperatures in check during long gaming sessions, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra houses a stylus in the body that you can use to write stuff. You also have more options in terms of price, as reasonably good budget Android phones can go for as low as a few hundred dollars.  

Foldables

Until the mystical foldable iPhone becomes real, your only chance to play with bendy glass comes with buying an Android phone. Not only have these phones evolved from being little more than a novelty act, but there are genuine fans of them out in the wild. Most of the major Android phone OEMs have one now, including Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and even Motorola, which brought back the iconic Razr phone branding for its foldable phone. 

In most cases, the foldables represent the highest Android phone tier. They are rather expensive, but usually come loaded with top-of-the-line specs. They also have vertical and horizontal folding phones, so you can emulate the old flip phones of the 1990s, or you can have a phone and a tablet in your pocket at the same time. The choice is yours. Regardless, Android is the only place where you can experience foldables for the time being. Although that will likely chance once Apple releases its rumored foldable. 

Foldables! Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable More customization

For the tinkerers out there, Android offers the ability to customize your phone in a manner just not available on an iPhone. And you don’t need to do anything super complicated to accomplish it. The biggest and most oft-mentioned method to customize your phone is with a launcher, which iPhones don’t have at all. There are many flavors, from near-stock experiences like Action Launcher or Lawnchair Launcher, to more minimal experiences like Niagara Launcher and Olauncher. 

The launcher can radically change what your home screen and app drawer look like, but there are some other things you can do, such as install custom icon packs to make those look different as well. Apps like KWGT let you make custom widgets, giving you even more options. One app I’ve always liked is TruePick’s, an app that shows you really cool home screen concepts and then shows you which apps you need to install to recreate the look. Some devices even let you change the font and yes, there are apps for that, too. 

SEE ALSO: Review: The incredibly thin Galaxy Z Fold 7 is my favorite Samsung foldable yet More freedom in organization

Apple likes to keep things in-house, so it’s no surprise that navigating through folders and files on your iPhone can be a little frustrating. Android has no such problem. Not only is it compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux without any special software, but there are myriad file browsers that you can download, giving you the opportunity to fully manage your storage space. 

This is a little more niche than other features, but specific types of users may enjoy this quite a lot. For example, video game emulators require ROMs, and having a special folder on an Android phone just for ROMs makes it much easier to stay organized. It’s a small thing, but when it comes to usability, Android can prove better than iOS for these types of menial tasks, especially if you do something out of the norm like the aforementioned emulator use. 

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Better access to apps

Speaking of emulators, Android users generally enjoy a looser, more diverse ecosystem of apps than the Apple App Store. Granted, Apple does allow emulators in the App Store now, but for over a decade, that privilege was reserved for Android fans. Apple's App Store has approached reaching parity with Android in this area after EU regulations forced Apple to allow for third-party app stores. But even though the App Store allows torrenting apps now, Android has allowed them for many years. 

This extends to loads of stuff. Many modern Android phones let you run multiple copies of the same app for people who want to run the same app under different profiles. There are also hyper niche apps you can get on Android that don’t exist on iOS. I would mention sideloading here — accessing apps from unverified developers — but Google is likely killing that off. Until they do, though, sideloading is still relevant, giving you even more access to more apps. 

Faster charging

Apple has been stepping up its charging game in recent years, but it’s still far behind the leaders in the Android segment. The iPhone 17 Pro Max can charge at 40W wired or 25W wired. That’s not too bad in the grand scheme of things, but Android phones simply do it better. Plus, you have a choice based on which phone you go with. The Galaxy S25 Ultra charges at a slightly better 45W, while the OnePlus 13 can charge at a whopping 100W, giving you a full charge in less than an hour. 

The only Android phone that has slower charging than the latest iPhone is the Google Pixel 10, which can charge up to 30W, so if faster charging speeds appeal to you, you may want to avoid that one. In any case, if you consistently find yourself reaching for a charger at some point during the day, an Android phone will get you more juice in the same amount of time.

Pixel phones, IRL. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable OS features

Earlier, I talked about things that the iPhone 17 brought that Android fans have had for years, like high refresh rate displays on lower-end devices and vapor chamber cooling. Android devices have always been on the bleeding edge, dating back back well over a decade with things like NFC, and continuing with modern features like AI integration, which Android phones had for a year or two before Apple Intelligence came out. 

SEE ALSO: How to use Apple Intelligence

Several of these features have already been mentioned, like changing the launcher, superior file management, and running multiple copies of the same app at once. Some other features that Android has that iOS doesn’t is a built-in guest mode, support for multiple user accounts, split-screen mode, Bubbles (floating apps), an OS-level back button (or gesture), and, if you own a Samsung phone, the DeX mode is pretty cool for turning your phone into a PC.

In short, if you want more features faster and sooner, Android is typically the way to go. 

You can just do more

Most of the rest of the things that Android can do that iOS can’t are pretty niche. For example, since Android phones act like USB storage, it is entirely possible to install Windows to your PC from the internal storage of your Android phone. Is this a good enough reason to pick Android over iOS? No, but having that kind of freedom is nice.

Apple has its pros and cons as well, and if people didn’t like iPhones, then Apple wouldn’t sell them like hotcakes every year. However, while Google tightened-up Android over the years, there are still plenty of things that make it feel like the Wild West, and honestly, that may be the best part of owning an Android phone.