Apple is the world’s leading tech giant that has created multiple devices. Each of the devices is unique, and to run them, they need a unique type of OS.

That’s why today, I’m going to explain the types of OS used by Apple. Because this way, you can make a better decision to jump from your current ecosystem to the Apple ecosystem.

In this article, I’ll be focusing on the following:

• What is an OS
• Types of OS used by Apple

Let’s start with what exactly an OS is.

What Is an OS

In this technological advance, every person knows that an OS is a short form of the operating system. An operating system (OS) is a set of software programs that manage the hardware components of a computer or other device. 

The most common type of OS is the one found on personal computers, such as Windows and macOS. However, there are some other operating systems as well, such as Android or iOS, which manufacturers install on phones.

An OS provides an interface for users to interact with the hardware components, allowing them to access data and applications stored in memory or on disk drives. It also controls the input/output operations between other devices connected to the system. 

It is impossible to communicate with a system without an OS, and by extension, with I/O devices (input/output devices). 

Additionally, an OS also manages network connections and provides various services for the applications running on the computer. 

In summary, an OS is effectively what makes a computer run. Without it, we would not have modern computing technology as we know it today.

Types of OS Used By Apple

Now that you know what an OS is and what its purpose is, let’s move on to the main topic, which is the types of OS used by Apple. Over the years, Apple has adopted various iterations of an OS with respect to its devices.

With every unique device, they launched a different OS so that they could bring something different to the table. Primarily, Apple has 3 types of OS that they use in their devices.

1. macOS
2. iOS
3. watchOS

Each OS has a unique purpose and device associated with them. Let’s go over them one at a time.

MacOS

It’s an Apple operating system, formerly known as OS X. It is designed to run exclusively on Mac computers and allows users to interact with their devices in an intuitive and user-friendly way. 

Users can use macOS for a variety of purposes, including downloading applications from the App Store, organizing files and folders, creating documents, browsing the web, and much more. 

The operating system comes with a pre-installed suite of productivity software such as Pages (word processor), Numbers (spreadsheet), and Keynote (presentation).

The main benefit of using macOS is that it provides both convenience and security due to its integration with other Apple products, such as iPhones and iPads. Additionally, it offers multiple customization options for users that allow them to personalize their user experience.

On the downside, macOS is only available for Macs, and some hardware components may not be compatible with it. 

Additionally, as a closed-source system, there are fewer third-party applications available for macOS compared to other operating systems such as Windows or Linux. Furthermore, due to its small market share, malware threats specifically tailored for macOS are rarer than those targeting other platforms.  

In conclusion, macOS is an easy-to-use and secure operating system that provides great integration with other Apple products. However, it has some limitations, such as its incompatibility with certain hardware components and fewer third-party applications than other OSs. 

Here are a few benefits and drawbacks of this operating system.

Benefits: 

• Easy-to-use and secure operating system.
• Great integration with other Apple products. 
• Wide range of customization options. 

Drawbacks: 

• Incompatible with certain hardware components. 
• Fewer third-party applications than other OSs. 
• Rarer malware threats due to its small market share.

iOS

This is one of the widely known operating systems after Android because both of them are competitors. Apple developed iOS (formerly iPhone OS) exclusively for its mobile devices. It’s the OS that powers many of the company’s mobile devices, which include the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. 

This OS is best known for its user interface based on direct manipulation using multi-touch gestures, such as pinch, swipe, and tap. 

Apple devices that use iOS include iPhones, iPads, and iPods. The latest version of this OS is iOS 16. It features an improved user experience with various performance enhancements, including Dark mode support, new photo editing tools, and more powerful voice control options for third-party applications.  

Overall, iOS provides users with an easy way to access Apple’s services on their mobile devices, as well as offering a smooth and secure operating system experience backed by powerful software developments such as Siri. 

Additionally, Apple offers a wide variety of devices that are iOS compatible. However, it’s important to consider all the pros and cons before choosing an iOS device since it might not be the best suited for everyone.

The benefits of iOS include the following: 

• High-security features.
• Highly efficient multitasking abilities.
• User-friendly interface.
• Offers a variety of applications not available on other platforms.
• Integration with iCloud makes it easier to store photos, videos, and documents across devices. 

On the other hand, some drawbacks of iOS include: 

• Limited customization options compared to Android and other hardware. 
• The App Store has stricter guidelines compared to Google Play, which makes it more difficult to get apps approved. 
• No support for Flash, meaning access to some websites and video content is blocked. 
• More expensive than other brands on the market.
• Difficult to sync data between Apple and non-Apple devices. 
• Expensive accessories, such as chargers and cases. 

WatchOS

It’s a mobile operating system developed by Apple specifically for its line of smartwatches, known as the Apple Watch. One of the most widely known smartwatches that use this OS is the Apple Watch Series 7.

It’s based on the iOS operating system and provides an easy way to access various apps and services via the watch itself. It was first released in April 2015 in conjunction with the first-generation Apple Watch. 

The latest version of this OS is watchOS 9, which includes improved performance, health tracking features like Cycle Tracking and Noise Measurement, new watch faces, expanded support for third-party applications, Siri Shortcuts integration, and other exciting features. 

The benefits of using watchOS include its intuitive user interface (UI), which makes navigating around your device easier than ever before. Additionally, it offers access to thousands of third-party apps and services that extend the capabilities of the watch. 

It features an easy-to-use voice control system in the form of Siri, Apple’s intelligent personal assistant. Additionally, it has health-tracking features that make keeping track of your daily activities easier than ever. 

The drawbacks of watchOS include its limited battery life (around 18 hours when used normally), its lack of full feature parity with iOS, and a relatively large price tag compared to other smartwatches. 

Additionally, as watches are still relatively new technology compared to traditional computers, they tend to have fewer options available for customization or troubleshooting. 

Overall, watchOS is an incredibly powerful operating system designed specifically for the Apple Watch that provides users with a convenient and intuitive way to manage their devices. 

With its wide range of features, third-party app support, and health-tracking capabilities, watchOS 9 is the perfect choice for anyone looking to take advantage of what the Apple Watch has to offer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are 3 types of OS used by Apple, each with its affiliated devices and features. If you understand all of the features of Apple’s OS, you can decide if this is an ecosystem for you.

If you’re planning on buying an iPhone with the latest iOS, then I’ll recommend iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro Max, or iPhone 12 Pro because all of these devices are still going to receive OS updates for the next few years.

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