What is iOS?

Perhaps the first question you were asked when you were looking to buy a smartphone the last time, was whether you’re looking for an Android device or an iPhone. And chances are, you may have opted to buy an iPhone. Especially if you’ve been a seasoned Apple user.

And one of the biggest reasons for this perhaps, was iOS. If that’s not the case however, and you’re new to the Apple ecosystem though, here’s a little explainer we put together of just what iOS is, and what its advantages are.

Just what is iOS?

iOS is Apple’s proprietary operating system for its smartphones. Namely, iPhones. The operating system was first unveiled as iPhone OS in 2007 with the introduction of the first-gen iPhone. It wasn’t until 2010 however, with the launch of iOS 4, that Apple adopted the current naming convention.

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It has over 3.8 million applications built for it and is available to download, on the Apple App Store. Moreover, iOS, until 2019, also powered Apple’s iPads, as well as the iPod Touch series of MP3 players, which were discontinued in 2022.

Key advantages of iOS

iOS first and foremost, is known for its streamlined and intuitive user interface. With a minimalist design, as well as easy navigation and gestures, it offers not just visual appeal, but also everyday ease of use. Its seamless integration with Apple’s other operating systems and platforms is also another major plus point.

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Moreover, iOS is also known for its robust security feature suite. Some of these features include Lockdown Mode, Passkey support, Encrypted Notes, Safety Check, and more. What’s more, all third-party apps on the operating system are “sandboxed.” That is to say, they are restricted from accessing files stored by other apps, or from making changes to a device’s settings, to enhance security and privacy.

It comes as no surprise then, that iOS is one of the world’s most widely-used smartphone operating systems, second only to Android.