Android and iOS both offer a range of smartphone security functions, but differ sharply in how broadly they allow third-party apps, how they respond to theft and how they approach privacy. Both support two-factor authentication and built-in password managers. Apple relies on App Store review and malware detection, while Android uses Google Play Protect and permits sideloading, which can raise risk. Experts say security depends less on the operating system than on which protections users enable.

An allegation has surfaced that a Best Buy employee accessed a customer’s private photos during an iPhone repair and sent some to a personal device. Best Buy said it was deeply concerned, said the employee was no longer with the company, and said it was cooperating with law enforcement. The report recommends moving sensitive photos to hidden or secure folders, backing up to the cloud and erasing the device before repairs where possible.