Apple iOS is a proprietary mobile operating system that runs on mobile devices such as the iPhone and iPad.
Apple iOS stands for iPhone operating system and is designed for use with Apple's multitouch devices. The mobile OS supports input through direct manipulation and responds to various user gestures, such as pinching, tapping and swiping. The iOS developer kit provides tools that allow for iOS app development.
Apple iOS market share
As of 2023, the Apple iOS market share was 19.9% worldwide, according to IDC. The 2023 iOS market share marks a multi-year high for Apple, surpassing the 18.8% share reported in 2022 and significantly higher than it was in 2019 when IDC reported iOS as having a 13.4% market share.
Apple iOS features
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular connectivity, along with VPN support.
- Integrated search support, which enables simultaneous search through files, media, applications and email.
- Gesture recognition supports -- for example, shaking the device to undo the most recent action.
- Push email.
- Safari mobile browser.
- Integrated front- and rear-facing cameras with video capabilities.
- Direct access to the Apple App Store and the iTunes catalog of music, podcasts, television shows and movies available to rent or purchase. iOS is also designed to work with Apple TV.
- Compatibility with Apple's cloud service, iCloud.
- Siri is Apple's virtual assistant that can set reminders, offer suggestions or interact with certain third-party apps. Siri's voice has been modified recently to make it sound more natural.
- Cross-platform communications between Apple devices through AirDrop.
- Support for Apple Watch, runs watchOS 9 but requires iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16 or later.
- Apple Pay, which stores users' credit card data and allows them to pay for goods and services directly with an iOS device.
- CarPlay allows users to interact with an iOS device while driving. CarPlay supports Siri voice controls, and users can access apps through a connected vehicle's touchscreen. CarPlay provides access to maps, phone, calendar, messaging, and music apps.
- The HomePod feature allows Siri to identify family members by voice, giving everyone a personalized experience. HomePod's handoff feature allows users to hand off music, podcasts and phone calls so that they can listen on another device.
- HomeKit allows iOS to be used as a tool for controlling home automation. HomeKit accessories include routers, lights, security cameras and more. The Home app allows you to control these devices from iOS.
What are the security and privacy features of Apple iOS?
iOS includes the following security features:
- Apple ID support. Users can sign into websites and apps using their existing Apple ID. Additionally, iOS supports signing in using Face ID or Touch ID, which use biometric authentication methods. Apple IDs are protected with two-factor authentication.
- Privacy and security. iOS supports fine-grained controls that prevent apps from gaining location information or accepting AirDrop content from unknown senders. Apps can also be blocked from using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth without users' permission. Additionally, iOS devices use a secure boot chain to ensure that only trusted (signed) code is executed during the boot process. This allows iOS devices to verify the integrity of any code running on the device.
- Secure Enclave Support. Secure Enclave is a hardware-based feature that stores cryptographic keys in an isolated location to prevent those keys from being compromised. Secure Enclave is not exclusive to iOS devices. It also works with Apple TV, Apple Watch, Mac computers and other Apple products.
Apple iOS version history
Apple iOS was originally known as iPhone OS. The company released three versions of the mobile OS under that name before iOS 4 debuted in June 2010. Apple released iOS 2 on July 11, 2008. It premiered alongside Apple's iPhone 3G. This operating system was followed on June 17, 2009 by iOS 3. The fourth version of iOS was released on June 21, 2010, along with the iPhone 4.
On Oct. 12, 2011, Apple released iOS 5, which expanded the number of available applications to over 500,000. This iOS version also added the Notification Center, a camera app, Siri and more.
Unveiled on June 11, 2012, iOS 6 included a Maps application and the Passbook ticket storage and loyalty program application.
Released on Sept. 18, 2013, iOS 7 featured an entirely redesigned user interface. In September 2014, iOS 8 introduced Continuity, a cross-platform system that allows users of multiple Apple devices to pick up on one where they left off from another. Other new features included the Photos app and Apple Music.
Apple iOS 9 and iOS 10 -- released on September 16, 2015, and September 13, 2016 -- featured upgrades such as a revamped notifications section, improved iMessage capabilities and Siri integration with third-party apps.
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