APPLE's iOS

**iOS** (formerly called **iPhone OS**) is a mobile operating system from Apple Inc. Originally developed for the iPhone, it has since been extended to support other Apple devices including the original Apple TV, iPod touch, and iPad. Apple does not license iOS for installation on third-party hardware. iOS was developed from Mac OS X and has since been spun off into iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS.

Apple's App Store contains more than 650,000 iOS applications, which have collectively been downloaded more than 18 billion times. In May 2010, it accounted for 59% of mobile web data consumption in the United States (including use on the iPod touch and the iPad). By the last quarter of 2010, it had a 26% share of the smartphone operating system units sold, behind both Google's Android and Template:W's Template:W.

## User interface

The user interface (UI) of iOS, the operating system developed by Apple, is renowned for its elegance, simplicity, and intuitive design. It is one of the key elements that have contributed to the widespread popularity of Apple's mobile devices.

One of the standout features of the iOS user interface is its clean and visually appealing aesthetic. The design incorporates a minimalist approach, focusing on simplicity and clarity. The interface elements are thoughtfully crafted, utilizing clean lines, subtle animations, and vibrant colors to create a visually engaging experience. The attention to detail in the UI design elevates the overall user experience, making iOS devices a pleasure to interact with.

The home screen, with its iconic grid of app icons, is the gateway to the iOS experience. This layout provides users with a familiar and organized way to access their applications, allowing for easy navigation and quick access to frequently used apps. The ability to rearrange and customize the home screen layout further enhances the user's ability to tailor the interface to their needs.

Another notable aspect of the iOS UI is its consistency across different devices. Whether it's an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, the fundamental principles of the iOS interface remain the same. This uniformity creates a sense of familiarity and makes transitioning between devices seamless. Users can easily navigate and use iOS features across various Apple devices, enhancing the overall user experience and reducing the learning curve.

iOS is derived from Mac OS X, with which it shares the foundation of Darwin core technology, and is, therefore, a Unix-like operating system by nature. There are four abstraction layers: the Core OS layer, the Core Services layer, the Media layer, and the Cocoa Touch layer. iOS 8.1.3, uses under 50 megabytes of the device's storage, varying for each model.

## History

The operating system was unveiled with the iPhone at the Macworld Conference & Expo on January 9, 2007, and released in June of that year. At first, Apple marketing literature did not specify a separate name for the operating system, stating simply that the "iPhone runs OS X". Initially, third-party applications were not supported. Steve Jobs argued that developers could build web applications that "would behave like native apps on the iPhone.On October 17, 2007, Apple announced that a Software Development Kit (SDK) was under development and that they planned to put it "in developers' hands in February". On March 6, 2008, Apple released the first beta, along with a new name for the operating system: "iPhone OS".

The previous September, Apple had released the iPod touch, which had most of the non-phone capabilities of the iPhone. Many people have also called the iPod touch "an iPhone without the phone". Apple also sold more than one million iPhones during the 2007 holiday season. On January 27, 2010, Apple announced the iPad, featuring a larger screen than the iPhone and iPod touch, and designed for web browsing, media consumption, and reading iBooks.

In June 2010, Apple rebranded iPhone OS as "iOS". The trademark "IOS" had been used by Template:W for over a decade for its operating system, IOS, used on its routers. To avoid any potential lawsuit, Apple licensed the "IOS" trademark from Cisco.

## Features

### Home Screen

The home screen (rendered by SpringBoard) displays application icons and a dock at the bottom of the screen where users can pin their most frequently used apps. The home screen appears whenever the user switches on the device or presses the "Home" button (a physical button on the device). The screen has a status bar across the top to display data, such as time, battery level, and signal strength. The rest of the screen is devoted to the current application.

### Folders

With iOS 4 and for iPod touch 4.2.1 came the introduction of a simple folder system. When applications are in "jiggle mode", any two can be dragged on top of each other to create a folder, and from then on, more apps can be added to the folder using the same procedure, up to 12 on iPhone and iPod touch and 20 on iPad. A title for the folder is automatically selected by the type of applications inside, but the name can also be edited by the user.

### Notification Center

In the iOS 5 update, the notifications feature has been completely redesigned. Notifications now collate in a window which can be dragged down from the top of the screen. And if you touch a received notification, you go to the application that sent the notification.

### Multitasking

Before iOS 4, multitasking was limited to a selection of the applications Apple included on the devices. Starting with iOS 4, on 3rd-generation and newer iOS devices, multitasking is supported through seven background APIs:

* Background audio - application continues to run in the background as long as it is playing audio or video content
* Voice over IP - application is suspended when a phone call is not in progress
* Background location - application is notified of location changes
* Push notifications
* Local notifications - application schedules local notifications to be delivered at a predetermined time
* Task completion - application asks the system for extra time to complete a given task
* Fast app switching - application does not execute any code and may be removed from memory at any time

### Game Center

Game Center is an online multiplayer "social gaming network" released by Apple. It allows users to "invite friends to play a game, start a multiplayer game through matchmaking, track their achievements, and compare their high scores on a leaderboard."

Game Center was announced during an iOS 4 preview event hosted by Apple on April 8, 2010. A preview was released to registered Apple developers in August. It was released on September 8, 2010, with iOS 4.1 on iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch 2nd generation through 4th generation. Game Center made its public debut on the iPad with iOS 4.2.1. There will be no support for the iPhone 3G and original iPhone. However, Game Center is unofficially available on the iPhone 3G via a hack

## Jailbreaking

Main article: Jailbreaking

Jailbreaking Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPads, refers to the process of bypassing the limitations imposed by Apple's operating system, iOS. It allows users to gain root access to their devices, enabling them to install unauthorized third-party applications, modify system settings, and customize their user experience beyond what is permitted by Apple.

One of the primary reasons individuals choose to jailbreak their Apple devices is to expand the range of available apps and features. By accessing third-party app stores, users can explore a wider selection of software that may not be available through the official App Store. This flexibility allows for greater customization and the ability to tailor the device to personal preferences.

Jailbreaking also enables users to tweak and modify various aspects of the operating system. From adjusting the appearance of the user interface to enhancing system performance, jailbreaking offers a level of control and personalization that is not typically available within the confines of Apple's strict guidelines.

However, it is essential to consider the potential risks and drawbacks associated with jailbreaking. One significant concern is the compromise of device security. By jailbreaking a device, users may inadvertently expose it to greater vulnerability to malware and other security threats. Apple's stringent app review process helps ensure a higher level of security for iOS devices, and bypassing these safeguards may open the door to potential risks.

Additionally, jailbreaking may void the warranty of the device. Apple explicitly states that jailbreaking is not supported, and any issues arising from a jailbroken device may not be covered under warranty or eligible for official support. This means that users assume the responsibility for any technical problems that may occur as a result of jailbreaking.

Furthermore, with each iOS update, Apple introduces new features, enhancements, and security fixes. Jailbroken devices often face compatibility issues and may not receive these updates, leaving them susceptible to security vulnerabilities and missing out on the latest features and improvements.

In conclusion, jailbreaking Apple devices can offer users greater flexibility, customization, and access to a wider range of apps. However, it also comes with potential risks, including compromised security, voided warranties, and the inability to receive official software updates. Before deciding to jailbreak, it is crucial for individuals to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks and consider the potential impact on their device's functionality and security.