What Is iOS All About?

iOS Operating System

When it comes to mobile operating systems, iOS is undoubtedly one of the most coveted names. It’s the second most popular mobile operating systems in the world today. Just ask any smartphone user what do ios stand for.

The most common reply will be “the operating system for Apple’s phone and tablets.” Well, interestingly, while the answer is right, there is a deeper meaning for iOS.

So, what does iOS stand for?

Let’s go back to the year 1998 when the legendary Steve Jobs launched the iMac. During the official release, Mr. Jobs had explained the underlying meaning of “iOS.” While the “OS” part refers to “Operating System,” the “i” part means “internet. The celebrated founder-father of Apple described it as the “marriage between the excitement of internet & simplicity of the Macintosh.”

However, this is just the basic or primary meaning of iOS. The great Jobs had also explained an elaborate meaning of the Apple’s famous operating system. iMac was primarily focused on the educational sector, and hence the “i” here implies 4 other themes- instruct, individual, inform as well as inspire.

iPod’s mammoth popularity made “i” a sought-after name and the craze leveraged with iPhone’s release in the year 2007.

What is iOS?

iOS is the operating system for all the Apple mobile products like iPad, iPhone as well as iPod touch. The UI of iOS is themed on direct manipulation which uses multi-touch gestures. There are several interface control items including buttons, switches, and sliders.

The most common interactions with iOS mostly involve a series of gestures such as pinch, tap, reverse pinch, and swipe. One of the most acclaimed advantages of iOS is its accessibility functions that facilitate easy operations for users with hearing and vision disabilities.

iOS apps

The Apple App Store is one of the biggest marketplaces for iOS apps. This is exactly the place where IOS developers publish their work for users. At present, it’s bustling with 2.2 million+ iOS applications of which there are 1 million native iPad apps. The most popular iOS app categories are:

  • Games
  • Education
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Utilities
  • Food and drink
  • Books
  • Health and fitness

iOS versions

Apple releases new iOS versions annually. The latest one is iOS 12 that was unveiled recently on 17th September 2018. The latest version is compatible for all kinds of iOS systems carrying 64-bit processors. The most compatible Apple devices for iOS 12 are iPhone models from 5S, iPad 2017, iPad Pro devices, iPad Mini 2, iPad Air devices and also the 6th-gen iPod Touch.

Top Advantages of iOS

Apple’s iOS stands out in the market with a series of unique and state-of-the-art features. Here is a brief on some of the major advantages of the iconic operating system.

Better security

Whenever there is a discussion on iOS, a comparison is inevitable with Android. While Android shines in its merit, iOS stands out with some of its highly beneficial features. One of them is better security.

IOS operating system security

Android is based on open-source software programs that make it vulnerable to cyber threats and hacking attempts. Android apps have easy access to the user’s contact details and location. Thus, Android carries serious security concerns. But it’s not the case with iOS. Apple is extremely rigid about extending the user’s contact info or location to the apps. It’s this stern approach that helps to prevent misuse of user’s data by apps and makes things more secure for consumers.

Spam message filtration

This is one of the greatest benefits offered by the new versions of iOS. The operating system’s Messages app has been equipped with a convenient spam message filtration ability. The feature uses the advanced technology of machine learning to keep spam messages at bay. It eventually helps to prevent the risks of accidentally clicking on scam messages that may otherwise lead to a malware link.

Easy Sync Of Messages Across Devices

The iOS 11 comes with iCloud support. iCloud is Apple’s cloud platform for storing device data on a safe virtual network. Thanks to iCloud support, all the data from iOS devices can be easily uploaded to the cloud can be accessed through all iOS devices easily. You will need one single Apple ID to access the stored data on iCloud from any Apple device. Android does not offer this particular facility yet.

Money Transaction via Messages App

This is certainly one of the most functional features of iOS devices. Yes, the new upgraded Messages app in Apple systems enables users to receive or send money right within it through basic text messages. Moreover, you can even transfer the money you receive on the Messages app to a bank account. Android has not come up with any such functionality to date.

Space-saving  video recording format

When you shoot a video on an Android device, you have to store it in its exact capacity inside the system. It becomes a problem for large files as you can’t compress them. But this is no more a problem with Apple’s iOS. Yes, the tech giant has recently introduced a new video recording format in its recent iOS versions which is called HEVC/HEIF. The new feature will enable you to record your video in a compressed format so that it consumes less space in your iOS device. The good news is the video quality will stay top-notch despite the compressed recording.

Does not get heated up fast

This is another area where Apple’s iOS tops over Google’s Android. You will often find Android users complaining about heated phone issues. There is no denying of the fact that Android devices get heated up very fast. But there is no such issue with iOS models.

Let’s wind up the discussion with some key facts on the iOS system:

  • Around 700 million+ iPhones are used worldwide at present
  • 33.33% of smartphone users use iPhone
  • Apple sold around 216 million+ iPhones in 2017
  • iOS is mostly popular in developed nations such as Australia, North America, and Europe

iOS mobile applications have been collectively downloaded 130 billion+ times.