Google says Android is beating iOS in the fight against scams.

Google released a report stating that Android, utilizing its AI, surpasses iOS in blocking mobile scams. The data, derived from several independent studies, indicates that Pixel users receive better protection from fraudulent messages and calls.

A recent Google blog post highlights how Android's AI-based defenses combat the $400 billion global scam issue. The post directly challenges Apple, citing new survey data from YouGov. Google claims this effort prevents over 10 billion harmful calls and messages each month.

The core of the report lies in the iOS comparison. A YouGov survey of 5,000 users revealed notable differences.

Android users were 58% more likely than iOS users to report not receiving any scam texts during the prior week. For Pixel users, this figure rose to 96% compared to iPhone users. Conversely, iOS users were 65% more likely to report receiving three or more scam texts in a week. Perhaps most critically, iPhone users were 150% more likely to consider their device "not effective at all" in stopping mobile fraud.

Google attributes this to its proactive, AI-driven features, including spam filtering in Messages, on-device Scam Detection for conversational threats, and the Phone app's Call Screen.

This initiative challenges Apple's reputation as the secure, private option. Google suggests that Apple's ecosystem is vulnerable to spam. Scams are evolving, employing AI for schemes such as "pig butchering" that go beyond simple phishing texts.

Google also commissioned evaluations from Counterpoint Research and Leviathan Security Group. Counterpoint found Android offers comprehensive AI-driven safeguards across nine key areas, while iOS provides them in just two. Leviathan concluded that Android phones, particularly Pixel, offer the highest default level of scam protection. The "default" aspect is significant, as Google emphasizes its built-in protection compared to third-party blockers on iPhones.

The difference between platforms is significant. While iPhone iMessage inboxes are often filled with unwanted alerts, Pixel devices remain relatively clear.

Google's Call Screen feature is a key advantage. Users can allow Google Assistant to screen unknown callers. While Apple introduced a similar "Screen Unknown Callers" feature, it is not as advanced as the Pixel version. It remains to be seen whether Apple Intelligence will narrow this gap in the future.

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