The term refers to an operating system developed and marketed by Apple Inc. for its mobile devices. It is the software foundation that powers many of Apple’s popular products, including the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. For example, when a user interacts with an application on an iPhone, the operating system manages the hardware resources and provides the environment for the application to run.
This system is central to the user experience on Apple mobile devices. Its intuitive design and robust security features have contributed significantly to the popularity of these devices. Historically, it evolved from a version of macOS, initially known as iPhone OS before being renamed. Its ongoing development involves continuous enhancements to performance, security, and user interface, providing users with a reliable and efficient mobile computing platform.