Google is asserting that Android scam protection is significantly better than on iPhone devices. According to Google:
- Android blocks over 10 billion suspected scam calls and messages each month.
- A survey of 5,000 smartphone users across the U.S., India and Brazil found that Android users were 58% more likely than iPhone users to report having no scam texts in the week before the survey.
- For users of the Pixel line, the advantage was even higher: they were “96% more likely” than iPhone owners to have zero scam messages.
- Independent studies (commissioned by Google) such as one by Leviathan Security Group ranked Android flagship phones ahead of the iPhone in terms of default scam/fraud protections.
How Android Is Built to Offer Stronger Scam Defences
Google highlights several technical features behind its claim:
- AI-powered filtering: Android’s messaging and phone apps use on-device AI to detect suspected scam messages and calls. Android Authority
- Automatic blocking & screening: For example, Google’s Phone app can screen unknown calls and block those deemed likely scams before the phone even rings.
- RCS safety & number blocking: Google claims to block hundreds of millions of suspicious numbers via its system for Rich Communication Services, in addition to standard SMS/spam protections.
- Independent benchmark tests: According to Leviathan Security Group’s evaluation, devices like Pixel 10 Pro scored higher in “default scam & fraud protection” than the iPhone 17 Pro.
Why This Matters
For Users
- With digital scams growing in sophistication (AI-generated calls, texts, deep-fakes), stronger platform defences can make a tangible difference.
- If you own a smartphone and worry about unwanted spam/scam calls or texts, this claim suggests Android may mitigate some of those risks more effectively.
- For regions such as India, Brazil and the U.S.—where the survey data was collected—the difference may be more pronounced.
For the Industry
- This claim is partly competitive marketing: Apple has long emphasised the security of the iPhone ecosystem, and Google is pushing back by emphasising Android’s advances.
- The proliferation of AI in scam generation means platform-level defences (rather than just carrier or app defences) are increasingly important.
Limitations & Skepticism
- The data comes from Google-commissioned studies or surveys partly controlled by Google – potential bias is possible.
- Survey size (5,000 users) and geographic coverage (U.S., India, Brazil) may not generalise globally.
- Having strong platform protections does not make devices immune to scams — user behaviour, carrier settings, app usage and other variables still matter.
- While Android may lead in scam blocking per Google, historically some security researchers have held that iOS offers tighter “closed ecosystem” protections for other threat vectors (e.g., malware, OS exploits).
Background Context
Scams via phone calls and messages have exploded in recent years. Financial losses globally exceed hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Google’s announcement comes as part of its efforts for “Cybersecurity Awareness Month”.
Android has gradually added features over recent OS versions (for example, the call-screening AI, RCS protections, app install controls) to strengthen its defences. Meanwhile Apple’s iOS continues to focus on privacy and sandboxing but apparently hasn’t emphasised the same set of proactive, AI-driven scam detection features as a differentiator in this specific area.
What to Watch
- Will Apple respond with comparable or improved anti-scam protections for iPhone users (for example in upcoming iOS updates)?
- How will carriers, regulators and app/platform ecosystems respond to the “scam arms race” using AI on both sides (fraudsters vs protection providers)?
- Over time, independent benchmark studies (not funded by Google or Apple) will be crucial in validating or challenging Google’s claims.
- For users, simply picking Android doesn’t guarantee safety — regular OS/patch updates, safe app practices, understanding phishing and scam models all remain essential.
