iOS is a popular operating system created by Apple for its devices. This operating system is designed for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch and has many features that distinguish it from other operating systems. Here are some of the key features of iOS.
High Security
Apple’s iOS operating system is one of the most peaceful operating systems on the market. In the design of the iOS operating system, Apple has provided many security tools to protect users from security threats. Some of the security features of the iOS operating system include:
1- Disk encryption
The iOS operating system uses disk encryption to protect user data. In fact, iOS by default, encrypts any communication between the device and the computer and also encrypts the data on the device using AES 256 encryption.
2- TOUCH ID and FACE ID
By providing fingerprint identification (Touch ID) and face identification (Face ID) technologies, Apple allows its users to access their devices more easily and securely and prevent unknown people from accessing them.
3- APP STORE and SANDBOX
By creating an environment called Sandbox for each application, Apple provides its users with the possibility that each application only has access to the resources it needs to function and cannot access others. Also, all apps submitted to the App Store go through a rigorous process to be approved for security. These things make it easy for users to avoid apps that improperly collect user data or are weak.
4- Support for security updates
Apple regularly releases security updates for the iOS operating system. In this way, it helps its users to receive security updates and have the best possible protection for their devices.
An example of a security feature of the iOS operating system is the existence of a rigorous review process for applications submitted to the App Store. Before an app is added to the App Store, it is thoroughly reviewed to ensure it is safe from security. Security reviews include code reviews, full functionality reviews, and various security tests. This review process helps users avoid applications that may improperly collect user information or are weak. In addition, by creating an environment called Sandbox for each application, the iOS operating system provides its users with the possibility that each application only has access to the resources it needs for its operation and cannot access other resources. These things make it easy for users to reduce security threats to their devices greatly.
Apple Apps
It has default applications Apple creates, such as SMS, email, calendar, library, browser, etc. Also, using the App Store application, users can search for new applications and install them. Before presenting these programs to users, they are reviewed and tested by Apple to provide the best quality and performance for users.
Apple’s default apps are often known as high-quality and high-performance apps offering users various features. For example, the iMessage messaging app allows Apple users to send text messages, images, audio, and video files with high-quality and two-way encryption. FaceTime video calling app allows Apple users to make high-quality video calls with others worldwide. Apple’s default email allows users to send and receive high-quality emails, create different mailboxes, and provide advanced settings. Its Music app allows users to play high-quality music, manage their music library, and access Internet radio. Apple’s default photo program provides users with features such as cropping and editing images, creating different albums, sharing images with other users, and displaying images on other devices.
Default apps are very popular among Apple users because of their high quality and performance. And they are installed and usable as default applications on Apple devices.
Speed and battery life
Regarding battery life, Apple is continuously improving the iOS operating system to extend the battery life of its devices. For example, in iOS 12 and later, Apple uses a feature called “Optimized Battery Charging” that uses machine learning and analyzes user usage patterns to optimize battery charging to extend battery life. Also, in iOS 13 and later, Apple has introduced a feature called “Optimized Battery Health,” which allows Apple users to have a permanent visitor to the battery management page in the device settings to improve the device’s battery life.
Regarding speed, iOS is fast because of the optimizations it makes for Apple devices. Apple used a series of optimizations to design the iOS operating system. It increases the performance of Apple devices. For example, the iOS 14 operating system supports a feature called “App Library.” This allows Apple users to use a special virtual screen to access their applications, reducing the number of home screen pages and increasing the speed of access.
In general, the iOS operating system has access to a high speed for Apple devices due to its special optimizations. In addition, the battery life of Apple devices has seen a good improvement due to the continuous developments made in the iOS operating system.
User design
The user design of the iOS operating system uses a series of design principles embedded for the design’s simplicity and user-friendliness. For example, the iOS operating system uses a simple and symmetrical home screen design allowing users to access their apps easily. Besides, the iOS operating system uses a quick controls menu design allowing users to access their device settings easily.
One of the outstanding examples of user design in the iOS operating system is the design of the quick controls menu. This menu opens by touching the button at the bottom of the device screen, allowing users to access settings such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, camera, sound, lighting, etc. With a simple and user-friendly design, this menu allows users to access their devices’ settings easily and increases the speed of accessing these settings.
In addition, the iOS operating system locks screen design is one of the outstanding examples of user design in this operating system. This page allows users to access the programs and tools they need by using a series of simple operations such as touch, drag and move. Also, by default, the iOS lock screen displays information such as date, time, battery status, and incoming messages, allowing users to quickly and easily access the information they need.
In general, the user design of the iOS operating system is known as one of the best user designs in the mobile world due to its simplicity, user-friendliness, and high speed.
iOS application development
To develop iOS applications, Apple provides developers with efficient tools. These tools include the Xcode app, an integrated development environment, and technologies like Swift, Objective-C, and C++ for developing iOS apps.
Languages
Some of the most popular iOS programming languages are:
1- SWIFT
It is a dynamic, secure, and fast programming language created by Apple for developing iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS applications. The language is specifically designed for developing iOS apps and supports new features such as annuities, type descriptors, and interactive default sets. Also, Swift has a simpler syntax than Objective-C and offers facilities to reduce runtime errors and increase the speed of program execution.
2- OBJECTIVE-C
Apple uses an object-oriented programming language for developing iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS applications. This language is widely used for developing iOS applications and has a special syntax. Also, Objective-C supports object-oriented, dynamic, and advanced capabilities for building iOS apps.
3- C++
It is a high-level programming language widely used in developing iOS applications. This language has a syntax similar to C and advanced iOS application development capabilities.
4- C#
As an object-oriented programming language, C# was created by Microsoft for the .NET platform, but this language can also be used to develop iOS applications. To develop iOS apps using C#, you can use tools like Xamarin.
Overall, you can use multiple programming languages to develop iOS apps, but Swift is recommended as the primary language for iOS app development.
Frameworks
In the following, we will introduce some frameworks used in this operating system.
1- UIKIT
It is one of the most important iOS frameworks for developing applications with a graphical user interface (GUI). This framework includes classes for creating and managing buttons, texts, tables, toolbars, etc.
2- CORE DATA
is an object-oriented data framework that stores application data on an iOS device. This framework is capable of creating SQLite databases and allows developers to retrieve and manage data in their applications easily.
3- METAL
It is a graphics framework used to create complex animations and 3D games on iOS. With Metal, developers can take advantage of fast graphics processing to draw game scenes and create complex animations.
4- SIRIKIT
It is a framework for communication between iOS applications and the Siri smart system. Using this framework, iOS applications can send the user’s voice commands to the Siri smart system to analyze and perform the desired operations.
5- HEALTHKIT
It is a framework that communicates between iOS applications and user health data. Using this framework, iOS apps can collect and manage data related to sports activities, nutrition, sleep, and other health data.
In general, iOS, as one of the leaders in the field of operating systems for mobile devices, has many features that are very attractive and efficient for users and developers.