While all the new features bring happy tidings for Apple fans, many have already existed on Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone operating systems. That's not necessary a knock on Apple; all the platforms eventually ape each other's best features, and remember how long it took Apple to enable copy/paste on its original iPhone? What it does reveal is that Android, and even Windows Phone and BlackBerry, are applying real pressure.
Here's a look at how some of Apple's major iOS 5 updates line up with those on rival mobile platforms. We've included dates and the names of Apple's new features when available.
Apple iOS 5 | Android | Windows Phone | BlackBerry OS | |
| Grouped notifications | Notification Center | Notifications pull-down (2008) | Live tile updates (2010) | Notification icons on home screen |
| Group, multimedia messaging (free within ecosystem) | iMessage | Standard messaging; third-party apps (Kik, GroupMe) | Standard messaging; third-party apps | BlackBerry Messenger 5 (2009) |
| Twitter sharing, integration | iOS 5, October 2011 | Sharing an original Android feature; status updates via apps | Coming with Mango update in fall | Twitter photo-sharing available |
| Over-the-air updates | iOS 5, October 2011 | Original feature (2008) | Original feature (2010) | BlackBerry OS 5 (2009) |
| Magazine, RSS subscriptions | Newsstand | Third-party apps | Third-party apps | Third-party apps |
| Reminders lists | iOS 5,October 2011; includes geolocation | Third-party apps | Third-party apps | Third-party apps |
| Browser reading mode | iOS 5, October 2011 | Third-party apps | Third-party apps | Third-party apps |
| Rich text formatting | Mail app | Third-party apps | Office documents | Third-party apps |
| Camera shortcut on a locked phone | iOS 5, October 2011 | HTC Sensation, Pantech Breakout have a Lock screen shortcut | Hold and press shutter from sleep position (Pocket-to-picture; 2010) | Must wake up phone |
| Games recommendations, see achievements | Game Center | Not available | Xbox Live (Achievements; 2010); enhancements with Mango | Not available |
| Voice controls | Siri | Voice actions; third-party apps | Original feature (2010); expanded in Mango September 2011 | Third-party app |