What Is iOS? Apple’s Operating System Explained

When it comes to mobile devices, few names command as much loyalty as iOS. Developed by Apple, iOS has become the benchmark for excellence in mobile operating systems, combining top-of-the-line hardware with a clean, easy-to-use interface. In this article, we'll discuss what Apple iOS is and how it works, what makes a device an iOS device, the unique traits that set the operating system apart, and how it has evolved through the years.

What is iOS?

iOS is a sophisticated mobile operating system developed to run Apple's line of mobile devices, including the iPhone, the iPad, and the iPod Touch. Unlike traditional computer-based operating systems, iOS is designed around touch-based interaction, focused on simplicity, ease-of-use, and seamless integration of apps across the device.

In the world of mobile operating systems, iOS is unique in that it operates solely for Apple mobile hardware like iPhones, iPods, and iPads. It's designed to fit seamlessly with the Apple infrastructure and MacOS. Android, its main competitor, runs on many different manufacturer devices, including Google, Samsung, LG, Motorola, and more.

How does iOS work?

The iOS operating system is complex, but it can be explained in simple terms. When a user interfaces with their touch screen, processes behind the scenes tell the phone which actions to perform next. These actions are controlled by a core XNU kernel which is based on the Unix operating system. This kernel manages hardware resources, networking, and security.

Developers use APIs (Application Programming Interface) to build applications, which run in their own sandbox environment. The centralized App Store allows users to download install apps that are vetted for quality and security.

Regular updates to the system enhance functionality, fix issues, improve performance, and ensure you have a more secure, user-friendly experience.

What sets iOS apart from Android?

There are two major players in the mobile device operating system landscape - iOS and Android. Some prefer the Apple operating system, while other prefer Android, and the differences usually boil down to personal preference.

Think of the Apple operating system like a curated, high-end boutique store. On the other side, Android's operating system is like a bustling marketplace full of different vendors, with no centralized design.

iOS offers a refined, curated experience with a focus on elegance in design, simplicity, and data security. It provides a seamless environment where everything is controlled and crafted specifically for one, clean experience.

Android, however, offers many hardware choices, customization options, and freedom for the user. You can find many different services and customization options to tailor your experience to one that is uniquely yours.

iOS security architecture

In the time of ever-evolving sophisticated cyber attacks, cyber security has never been more important. In the mobile space, Apple's operating system stands alone as the most secure system, offering multi-layered defense against all kinds of cyber attacks. Robust encryption, app sandboxing, and regular system updates all work to keep you more secure when you use your iOS device.

The history and evolution of Apple's operating system

Since Apple released the first iPhone, iOS has innovated and evolved in pursuit of providing users the best experience possible. Each new major version of the operating system has brought new features. Here is a brief look at some of the most important updates since the first iPhone.

iOS 1 through 5

The first operating system brought in a new mobile era that truly changed the world in a groundbreaking way. The first iPhone laid the foundation for every smartphone that would come after it. It included quintessential smartphone features like the sleek, large screen with no buttons, and the Safari mobile web browser. iOS 2 introduced a game changer with the App Store that supported real third-party apps.

Versions 4 and 5 brought a host of new features, including FaceTime, the face-to-face video calling feature. This made mobile video calling ubiquitous with the Apple brand. It also brought in Siri, Apple's virtual assistant that users can summon with a "Hey, Siri," and wireless syncing and activation through iTunes.

iOS 7

Version 7 brought in a radical overhaul of the visual design of the system, featuring a cleaner, simpler design. It also brought the Control Center which provided easy access to important settings, touch ID options for more secure login, and AirDrop for sharing files easily between iOS devices.

iOS 12

Version 12 focused mainly on performance and stability improvements, significantly enhancing speed, responsiveness, and reliability. This meant users experiences smoother animations, better gaming performance, faster app launch times, and more responsiveness overall.

iOS 13 and 14

iOS 13 introduced Dark Mode, which essentially makes the default background color on apps black instead of white. This is an aesthetic choice for many, but a way to save on battery power for others. The next update brought home screen widgets, the App Library, and App Clips. These changes allowed for more customization and control over the experience, features before only available on Android.

iOS 15

iOS 15 brought increased security and privacy and improvements to Siri and the camera app. Specific feature improvements were made to FaceTime, including SharePlay, enhanced audio, Portrait Mode, and cross-platform support, allowing for FaceTime calling with Android devices.

iOS 16

iOS 16 brought a redesigned Lock Screen with new ways to customize and add widgets at a glance. Another new feature was Visual Look Up, which allows you to life the subject of an image from the background and copy and paste it in apps like Mail and Messages.

iOS 17

iOS 17, the current iOS version, brings StandBy view, which allows you to see information on your phone when it's on its side. In iMessage, you can now swipe to reply. Contact Posters allows you to customize what others see when they call you. Additionally, Apple has made improvements to existing features like autocorrect and Siri voice recognition.

Looking towards the future, the iPhone operating system is always innovating and sure to push the boundaries of technology, including implementing augmented reality, AI and machine learning, and more. In the coming years, we can expect to see more innovative updates when Apple announces the next versions of of their software.

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of iOS?

The term is an acronym for iPhone Operating System.

Where do I find iOS on my phone?

You can find your current operating system on your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Software Update.