-Umbrella on iOS is coming in 2nd quarter of next year! Whoohoo (We get asked about this all the time).
-The main reason that we and a number of other open-source projects built on Android first is that because is by far the dominant smartphone platform. Especially in developing areas with significant human rights problems like China, Russia, parts of Africa and Asia. Mainly because the cost of Android phones is low.
-On the security specific question. I think the Android vs iOS debate has evolved. A few years ago it was felt that the open-source(ish) and customisation aspects of the Android platform meant that it was the more obvious choice for a secure phone.
I think that what we have seen recently, with tens of millions of Android phones not getting updates etc - has probably challenged that[1]. Especially when iOS now has encryption as standard and other security features. Of course there are Android options like Copperhead/F-Droid/Guardian Project which are examples of how you can retake control to a certain extent, but I think for the average person's threat model iOS is probably pulling ahead on the security side of things.
[1] https://threatpost.com/android-security-report-29-percent-of...
It's hard to recommend alternative distributions of android to most people. I feel like it's similar to linux 15 years ago, it CAN be more secure, but it can also be incredibly insecure if setup improperly. And if you are just going to go install playstore and google apps, was anything really accomplished?
100% agreed! It's like using new, super secret, awesome encryption (telegram/zcash) vs something more established that's been reviewed, tested, and has support.
In an attempt to take back a little control over my personal data, I've switched from android devices back to ios. I notice that orbot/orfox aren't available for ios and it doesn't appear umbrella is either.
Is there something I am missing about apple's platform that makes android the better choice for security? Or why aren't people building ios apps for security?