On the eve of Samsung's highly anticipated S 4 launch, Apple's marketing chief Phil Schiller has been on the attack. After calling Android "a free replacement for a feature phone," in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Schiller has shifted his attention to Samsung directly. Speaking to Reuters, Schiller criticizes Samsung for rumors it plans to introduce its S 4 with an older version of Android.

"We are hearing this week that the Samsung Galaxy S4 is being rumored to ship with an OS that is nearly a year old," says Schiller. "Customers will have to wait to get an update," he adds, while pointing out that over 50 percent of iOS users are running the latest update. Reuters reports that Schiller also pointed to research data that claims customers with iOS devices use them more than people who own Android devices.

Schiller's comments come at a time when Apple faces increased competition from Android and Samsung directly, while investors and analysts are eager to hear how the company plans to ensure the iPhone will continue to compete against big screen Android devices this year. Apple isn't expected to launch a new iPhone for months, but Schiller is clearly attempting to ensure Apple is part of the conversation as Samsung launches its new flagship later today.