In this modern era, many new technologies have emerged, one of which is the presence of an operating system called iOS (iPhone Operating System) along with the fame of a large company called Apple. From the name it may be quite clear that iOS is an OS that was developed specifically for iPhone devices. It was inaugurated in 2007 and immediately gained a place in the general public.
The existence of iOS also directly gives competition to Android which was previously used by smartphones, even though the price of the iPhone is more expensive. The difference is that Android is Open Source so it can be developed by all developers while iOS is closed (Close Source) so that until now it has only been developed by the company with the apple logo.
Since it was first inaugurated by founder Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, iOS has continued to develop almost every year, starting from iPhone OS version 1 until now called iOS version 12 which was launched in 2018 yesterday.
As a company that launches iPhone gadget products along with their own version of the OS, Apple also handles all existing features and applications such as music players, browsers, iCloud, iMessage and even its application store known as the App Store. In its design or UI also continues to improve in each version of the OS.
What is the iOS Means?
iOS is a software operating system developed by Apple, specifically to support the operation of mobile device products or handheld devices. iOS is not only used on iPhone phones, but also on other Apple handheld devices, such as iPad tablets and iPod music players. As a handheld operating system, iOS functions the same as Android which was developed by Google.
Basically, the function of iOS is to make the iPhone so that users can operate it. iOS is able to create a kind of bridge that can connect interactions between users and iPhone hardware.
iOS is tasked with interpreting user commands on applications on the iPhone, so that it is able to operate, move or activate features on the hardware. Simply put, iPhone users can take photos or videos, listen to music, make calls, and so on, as a result of the iOS function successfully receiving and interpreting these commands to the iPhone hardware.
Without iOS, the iPhone hardware and its features would not be able to run, as reported by Lifewire. Meanwhile, although iOS functions are generally the same as Android, there are actually a number of differences. The most obvious difference between iOS and Android is the openness of access to use.
iOS can only be used on Apple handheld devices, and is not freely developed for products outside the Apple brand. Meanwhile, the Android operating system from Google can be developed freely and used on handheld devices from various brands, such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and so on.
The iOS concept is known to be exclusive, meaning that only Apple products can use it, while others are not allowed. Even though it is exclusive, the name iOS has actually soared since its initial presence in 2007 with the first generation iPhone.
History of iOS in brief
iOS succeeded in outperforming the operating systems that dominated at that time, such as BlackBerry OS and Symbian OS. Quoted from the investment encyclopedia site Investopedia, iOS is growing rapidly and has succeeded in becoming the second most popular mobile operating system globally in 2021.
iOS holds 26.3 percent of the market share for mobile operating systems, being the second largest after Android which holds 73.3 percent of the market share. iOS can be this big because of its history in providing convenience for users.
A brief history of iOS. The first version of iOS, which Apple introduced in 2007 with the first generation iPhone, seems to have changed the user experience in operating a cellphone. iOS allows the iPhone to provide an experience that is different from other phones.
At that time, Apple dared to release a cellphone with full touch screen navigation, while other brands still used physical buttons. This innovation may occur due to the existence of a supporting operating system.
At that time, users could carry out various activities, from business to entertainment, just via the first generation iPhone screen. iOS is able to combine various functions in one device, including sending e-mail, listening to music, browsing, and so on. Even though it has a lot of capabilities, this first version of iOS is not yet equipped with an App Store application store.
So, users can only access Apple's default applications, they cannot download and install them from third parties. It was only in 2008 that Apple released the App Store application store on iOS, along with the launch of the Software Development Kit (SDK) or software platform for other developers who wanted to create applications on iOS.
Then, iOS 4 appeared in 2010, bringing the FaceTime feature which allows users to make video calls using an internet connection. Apple also introduced multitasking capabilities for the first time in this version of iOS.
Apple's innovation on iOS continues, in 2011, iOS 5 arrived with the Siri voice assistant feature, as well as iMessage as an instant messaging service between Apple device users.
Every year, since its appearance in public, Apple has always released an iOS version update. At the same time, iOS' capabilities are also growing through features that make things easier for users.
What Function does the iOS Perform?
The function of iOS is as an operating system on Apple devices, namely a link for user interaction with iPhone and iPad hardware. iOS functions to interpret user commands on applications on the iPhone, so that the device can operate, run features and applications on the hardware.
Without iOS, iPhone and iPad hardware cannot function. An operating system is needed that bridges the functions of the hardware, such as making phone calls, taking photos, listening to music, running applications and so on. All of this can run because iOS receives and interprets commands to the hardware.
Just like the Android operating system developed by Google. However, even though iOS functions in general the same as Android, there are a number of underlying differences. iOS is only used by Apple products.
a. Features on iOS
Following are several features on iOS that are generally available for all Apple hardware products along with feature updates for iOS version 12.
b. Performance
Apple improved their performance with this iOS 12 update. Applications such as the camera will be able to be opened more quickly using iOS. So, you will feel like you have a new cellphone!
c. Messages
In the message feature, you will get more than 70 new emojis. Additionally, you can now add filters to photos and videos you take using the camera in the Messages app. Not only that, you can also add Animoji to the image. Apple has also added new characters for Animoji as well as a new feature, namely Memoji, where you can create a character for yourself.
d. Facetime
With FaceTime on iOS 12, you can use stickers, filters, Animoji, and Memoji when making FaceTime video calls. Apple will also release support for group calls for FaceTime. You can facetime with 32 people in the same conversation. You can also launch a group call from iMessage.
e. Notifications and Do Not Disturb
In iOS 12, notifications received a significant update. Notifications from the same app will be grouped together automatically so you can manage and delete notifications at the same time. You can also set notifications from each application to be delivered or not.
If you choose to have notifications sent silently, they will be sent to the Notification Center directly without notifying you.
The Do Not Disturb feature has more granular controls. You can set Do Not Disturb to turn off after a certain period of time, after you leave a certain location, or an event on your calendar ends.
Do Not Disturb during Bedtime will hide all notifications on your lock screen at night, so even if you pick up your iPhone at night, you won't see any notifications until you unlock your phone.
f. Screen time
With this new feature, Apple can now see how long you have used your iOS device. Screen time gives you a breakdown of how often you use your iPhone or iPad.
See how often you select your device, how many notifications you get, and how much screen time you spend each day. You'll get a detailed report at the end of the week with total time, average time, and more. You can use this feature to limit the time you can access certain applications.
When you do, the app will automatically stop working for the rest of the day. If you use iCloud Family Sharing at home, you can also track how much time your kids spend on their devices. You can also set app limits for kids, and set usage allowances for their devices.
g. Augmented Reality
Applications created with the ARKit 2.0 framework can be shared with many users. For games, you can get multiplayer support for two people with a third user acting as a spectator. AR environments can now be persistent, saving something when finished with it and returning to it later.
With AR Quick Look, you can actually quickly bring objects you find in built-in apps like Safari and News into an augmented reality space.
g. Measure
To show off some of the new enhancements in ARKit, Apple has included a new app, Measure. You can use it to measure things just by using your iPhone or iPad thanks to object recognition. It's also the new home for the Levels feature, which normally resides in the Compass app.
h. Privacy
Apple has added something called Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Prevention to Safari in iOS 12. This prevents social media buttons and embedded content from tracking you across multiple sites. The company has also established fingerprinting, tracking practices and identifying users using unique device markers.
Your iPhone or iPad will now automatically suggest using strong passwords for new apps and websites, and will save them automatically to the iCloud keychain, and the system will flag passwords that you use multiple times.
When receiving a one-time security code via SMS for an app or website, iOS will now identify it, and offer suggestions with that code on the keyboard, letting you fill it in with just one tap, and without having to navigate to Messages to retrieve the code.
Siri also now supports navigating to a set of login credentials when asked, although it still requires authentication, so don't worry about other people getting easy access to your iCloud Keychain.
What are the Features of the iOS?
In a short time the presence of iOS has become a competitor to Android which was first present, although the market being explored tends to be in the upper class because of the expensive price of the device.
This is also supported by various features and advantages so that even though the price is expensive, the iPhone remains the most sought after brand. But it also does not rule out that there are still some shortcomings and sometimes it worries the users.
On this occasion the author will describe each of the advantages and disadvantages of iOS as reference material for those of you who are interested in trying or maybe just adding insight. Immediately, the full review can be seen below:
iOS can backup and restore better, so when you buy a new iPhone you don't have to worry about the data on the previous device. Supported by the iCloud feature, all data can be backed up and on devices that can be restored, all of that can be done in just a matter of minutes and without the hassle of having to use a memory card.
There is a connection between iOS and MAC OS X, but with certain updates, it can already be found on iOS 8 and Yosemite. MAC OS is an OS that is on a Macintosh PC or MacBook and is one of the products from Apple as well. This provides communication features to your phone that can be done by MAC OS devices, such as iMessage. In addition to Macbooks, it can also be integrated with iPad devices
External content presented on the App Store is also usually the most updated. This is because the developers tend to prioritize iOS first and then Android. For example, when Microsoft first released Office Suit on the iPad before finally entering the Android operating system.
Its use is more stable because on iOS its development is directly integrated into the hardware (mobile phone) and is always updated following the release of the iPhone. If on Android smartphones there are many mismatches between the OS and the type of phone so that sometimes the performance is not optimal.
Furthermore, specifically for the latest iOS releases, it is easier to sign in to a Google Account so there is no need to repeat, just Face ID or Touch ID. Apple had not previously used this feature, so in opening applications and websites they often re-login.
What are some Disadvantages for iOS?
Among the many advantages of using iOS, it turns out that its shortcomings can still be found and until now they can still be found. Apple may still be making repairs or it may be intentionally left to maintain connectivity to the iPhone itself. Every use of goods is natural, there are advantages and disadvantages of each.
The use of iOS is only available on the iPhone brand because of its Close Source nature, and almost all people know that this brand has an expensive price and is indeed a luxury brand for the upper class.
This may be reasonable because the technology used is also high enough to support all needs. In certain types, even the price of the iPhone can reach up to tens of millions of rupiah.
The process of sending data is also quite limited on iOS. This is also what users complain about the most because it is less effective in exchanging data, unlike Android smartphones equipped with Bluetooth. However, this can still be circumvented by downloading a special application from the App Store.
Another drawback is that the applications and games in the App Store are mostly paid, especially those managed by Apple itself. For users who are supposed to be from the upper classes, this shouldn't be too much of a problem, but it's still a concern for developers in the future.
Because it always updates along with the latest iPhone type, it often happens that old brand iPhones cannot upgrade to the latest iOS version. This is also very reasonable because the development of features on the latest iOS must adjust to the specifications of the released iPhone as well.
How do I Update my iPhone and iPad?
The easiest way to update the iOS operating system is to update it directly on the device. This is a fast, efficient and simple way to do it. Here's how to update iOS on iPhone and iPad:
- Make sure you have the most recent iCloud backup
- Select Settings from the Home screen
- Select General
- Select Software Update
- Select Download and Install
- Enter Passcode if requested
- Select Agree to Terms and Conditions
- Select Agree to confirm
The iOS update download process will start immediately. If it doesn't start immediately, usually the device will give a Preparing to Download notification. Give it a few minutes and the download will start immediately.
Closing
In this article, we have discussed what iOS is, its functions, the latest features, and how to update iOS. iOS is the operating system for devices from Apple, namely the iPhone and iPad. Updating iOS will help maintain device security. So don't forget to update your device! Hope this article helps!
That's the understanding of iOS along with the advantages and disadvantages of iOS that you need to know. Certainly different from Android, iOS seems premium and has excellent features that Android does not have. Hopefully the article above is useful and easy to understand!