Comparing iOS and Android, no matter what version, is like comparing apples and oranges because the two OS are clearly very different from each other. This is why the best way to compare Android Marshmallow and iOS 9 is based on how big of an improvement they are compared to their previous versions, or how hard the companies had worked to provide their users all the necessary improvements based on years of feedback and developments.
INTERFACE: Android Marshmallow vs iOS 9
Android did not make a complete overhaul as they transition from Lollipop to Marshmallow, which many users actually liked, as sometimes it 's be better to refine current version rather than change everything at once. Marshmallow is all about providing user facing controls. There is an adjustable quick settings bar, a new RAM manager, and a simpler storage and battery management area.
As for the iOS 9, no overhauling happened as well. But there are also many changes that occured, including improvements in iOS' intelligence that can activate features for you as you need it, basing on your previous behaviors and current locations (like playing your excercise playlist when you arrive at your gym).
Also, the search bar in iOS 9 just widened its scope, allowing for a more convenient in-app searches without actually going into the apps. Meaning, if you want to search for scores in your ESPN app, you can just use the search bar and get the result right there and then without opening the ESPN app itself. The iPad Pro also largely benefits from the iOS 9 with the new multitasking support.
VOICE ASSISTANCE: Android Marshmallow vs iOS 9
Google Now is a proud achievement to the Android family. With the 'Google Now in Tap' feature, Android offers more than just a regular virtual assistance. It assists you in consideration to which app you are currently using. For example, you can ask 'where is he from?' while you're on your playlist so get more details about the current artist. Additionally, Google Now can also be used while you're texting by holding down the home/Google Now so that when you're girlfriend or colleagues asks you where you wanna eat for dinner, a list of nearby restos will pop up without you having to do a voice command.
Siri on iOS 9 is also made smarter than ever before. For example, if you're meeting someone later, Siri can determine this from your emails and the person you will meet up with will be added to your home screen so that communicating with them would require just one tap.
And with Siri's advancement in the searching category, this voice assistant can search though your entire iOS software to help you in your needs. One good example of this is when an unknown number calls you. Siri will search through your phone to come up with a suggestion as to who the caller might be. It's worth noting, however, that this feature isn't at all unfamiliar to the Android system.
PRIVACY: Android Marshmallow vs iOS 9
Android Marshmallow has revised its app permission system. Before, apps ask for permissions as you install them. Now, permissions are requested as you need them and you can say no to these permissions without changing all the privacy settings in your app, kind of like how Apple does it.
Meanwhile, Apple defends themselves in the privacy area saying that despite the iOS' advancement in the search area, where algorithms are created to boost Siri's function, Apple says that they keep all the data within your device and these data will remain private.
Google on the other hand is arguably doing well in the privacy category. We all know that Google is one of the top advertising platform worldwide, so it's hard to say whether or not customer data and behaviour remain within devices like how iOS does it. If Google keeps the data within devices, it would seem like wasting an opportunity to show phone users a more relevant set of ads. But of course, whether using customers' data for advertising purposes is okay or not, it's certainly debatable.
Final Conclusion
Both platforms provided advanced and improved features which are all highly satisfying. We can say that both developments are created to make sure users experience full convenience in their smartphones.
