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.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Apple iOS is the proprietary operating system used on Apple mobile devices such as the iPhone and iPad.
- iOS ranks as the second-most used mobile device operating platform in the world, behind Android.
- iOS features an intuitive user-centered design and the ability for app developers to create apps, distributed through the Apple App Store
Understanding Apple iOS
Apple iOS is the second-most popular mobile operating system. According to Statecounter.com, As of January 2024, Apple iOS held a 30% share of the mobile operating system market, second only to Android which held a 70% market share.
iOS 17
On June 5, 2023, Apple announced new upgrades in the iOS 17 release. The first public beta of iOS 17 came out on July 12, 2023, with the general availability of the software update on Sept. 18, 2023. Feature updates in this release upgrade communication experiences through iPhone, FaceTime, and Messages with more personalization and aim to make sharing easier with AirDrop. iOS 17 also introduces new features such as Journal to practice gratitude and StandBy to view information when the iPhone is either charging or set down.
Other major updates include:
- Live voicemail. Users can see real-time transcription as someone is leaving a voicemail. Users will also have the option to pick up as the caller is leaving their message. Those calls identified as spam will not have this option and will be declined instantly.
- Audio and video messages on FaceTime. Users can now share a message if someone is not available. Calls also have new reactions, including fireworks, hearts, rain and balloons. FaceTime will be available to view on Apple TV 4K so users can see callers on their TV. Users can either call directly from Apple TV or start on the iPhone and transfer to the Apple TV.
- Messages. New stickers are available on messages through iOS 17, including Live Stickers, which users can create using photos. Check-In, a new feature that allows users to safely inform others of their location via end-to-end encryption, will also be available in messages.
- StandBy. Users will now benefit from a horizontal experience with iOS-powered devices, with a new display mode that will show widgets and notifications.
- AirDrop and NameDrop sharing. It will be simpler to send files or photographs quickly with AirDrop. Users will be able to share contact information by tapping two iPhones or Apple Watches together using NameDrop. Users can use the same motion to share material with SharePlay when they are nearby and watch a movie, play a game, or listen to music.
