IOS

iOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc. It supports Apple products including iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Apple TV. Apple does not license iOS installation for non-Apple products. Apple’s App Store currently consists of over 700,000 iOS applications (apps). These applications are extremely popular and have been downloaded more than 30 billion times. Approximately once a year over iTunes, Apple provides updates to iOS.

Compatibility

Apple created a software development kit that is available to third-party developers which allows them to make apps for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. In order to load the application onto the devices the developer must pay an iPhone Developer Program fee. Users of OS X Lion can use Xcode which Apple released on its Mac App Store. Apple’s iOS system is proprietary and can only be used on Apple products.

Major Software Suites that Run On iOS

iOS is a Unix operating system. iOS is Apple’s mobile version of the OS X operating system used on Apple computers. In iOS, there are four layers for abstraction including: Core OS layer, Core Services layer, Media layer, and the Cocoa Touch layer.

Security

Apple takes it security very seriously. iOS is very secure with many features in place to ensure that the users identity does not become compromised.

User Interface

The user interface of iOS utilizes direct manipulation by the user. The user can also perform multi-touch gestures. Direct manipulation gestures that can be performed by the user includes swipe, tap, pinch and more. The user interface is also clear and easy to navigate. Updates bring wanted changes almost annually.

Features

The home screen displays application icons at the bottom of the screen. It is here where users can post their favorites or most frequently used. The iOS 4 operating system came with a simple folder program which makes organizing files, music and emails very easy. The iOS home screen contains default apps including Safari, YouTube and the App Store. They can be disabled at any time by the user. There are different features and apps to explore depending on what Apple device is being used. Apple also presents Siri which is a personal assistant that will work as an application with supported devices. The service utilizes voice command and can do a wide variety of things for the user including text, search the web, and call someone. iOS also features an online multiplayer social gaming network. This allows users to compete against friends, share high scores and track their own performances.

Final Thoughts

The iOS operating system has many great features and an ever-expanding catalogue of applications for users to utilize and create their own experience. Apple is dedicated to constantly improving iOS and this is showcased by the frequent updates to the operating system.