iOS Operating System: Architecture

 

Overview

iOS, formerly known as iPhone OS or iPhone Operating System, is apple's mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc. specifically for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Apple TV. After Android, iOS is the second-most popular and widely used mobile operating system.

Scope

• In this article, we will learn about the most popular operating system the iOS operating system.
• We will discuss the features of the iOS operating system along with its applications.
• This article mainly focuses on the iOS architecture and its various layers
• We will also discuss the advantages as well as the disadvantages of the iOS operating system.

What is the iOS Operating System ?

The iOS operating system was first released in the year $2007$ for the first-generation iPhone, now it also supports many Apple devices , such as iPod Touch and iPad, and Apple TV. It has now become a mobile operating system for Apple's portable devices. iOS is based on the Macintosh OS X and supports the programming languages Swift, C, C++, and Objective-C. iOS provides a multi-touch interface to use the ios device.

For example, you can swipe your finger across the screen to go to the next page or pinch the screen to zoom in or out.

Apple releases a new major version of iOS every year. Although iOS comes with several default apps, including a Safari Web browser, an email client, iStore, iBooks, iTunes, the phone app, and many more, as of March 2018, Apple's App Store featured over 2.1 million iOS apps and more than 130 billion times these mobile applications have been downloaded.

Features of iOS Operating System

Let's discuss some popular features of iOS operating system :

• the iOS operating system provides Higher Security as compared to any other operating system.
• The iCloud service from Apple provides online data storage. iOS has a default Web Browser as Safari.
• iOS makes it simple to include social network activities into the app by displaying an activity stream and sharing content.
• As the default map provider for iOS devices, Apple provides online mapping services Maps. There are several functions available, including a flyover mode.
• iOS operating system has a very powerful camera. iOS also enables a user interface that includes multiple gestures like tap, swipe, pinch, Reverse pinch, etc.
• iOS has a feature called Notification Center that collects all of your app alerts in one place. It displays notifications till the user performs an associated action, rather than demanding an urgent solution.

iOS OS Layer Technologies

The iOS architecture is built on a layered based architecture. It does not have direct means of communication, the layer’s between the Hardware Layer and the Application layer help for Communication. All applications depend on the basic services provided at the lower level, while the higher-level layers offer services related to graphics and the user interface. The majority of system interfaces include a special package known as a framework.

A framework is a directory that contains helper apps, header files, images, and dynamic shared libraries like files that support the library.

In ios architecture, there are several frameworks available in each layer for developers :

iOS OS

Layer Frameworks

Let's understand each layer one by one with their frameworks.

CORE OS Layer :

The Core OS layer is the lowest level layer on which all IOS technologies are built. Below are some important frameworks available in the core os layer :

1. Core Bluetooth Framework
2. Accelerate Framework
3. Security Services Framework
4. External Accessories Framework
5. Local Authorization Framework etc.

The application can run more quickly because it supports 64-bit.

CORE SERVICES Layer :

It is the second-lowest layer in Architecture. The CORE SERVICES Layer of the iOS operating system contains some important frameworks that help in self-healing and better functionality.

These technologies include :

1. Address Book Framework : gives users access to the user's contact information.
2. Core Foundation Framework : gives ios apps data management and service functionality .
3. Core Data Framework : used to manage a `Model View Controller app's data model.
4. Core Location Framework : give the application the location and heading details.
5. Cloud Kit Framework : enables data transfer between an app and iCloud.
6. Foundation Framework : Too many Core Foundation framework functionalities are covered.
7. HomeKit Framework : provides communication with devices connected to the user's home.
8. HealthKit Framework : manages the health-related details of the user.
9. StoreKit Framework : a user interface for users' social media accounts.
10. Social Framework : enables in-app purchases for goods and services on iOS.

MEDIA Layer :

It is the second layer in the ios Architecture. We can enable all graphics, video, and audio features with the help of the media layer. includes the below frameworks :

1. ULKit Graphics
2. Core Animation
3. Core Graphics Framework
4. Media Player Framework
5. Open AL
6. AV Kit
7. GL Kit
8. Core Images

COCOA TOUCH :

It is the application layer that acts as the user's interface for interacting with the iOS Operating System. The different frameworks of the COCOA TOUCH layer are as follows :

1. MapKit Framework : provides a scrollable map that you can insert into your app's UI.
2. PushKit Framework : provides the registration support.
3. GameKit Framework : supports users to share game-related data online through a Game Center.
4. EvenKit Framework : shows the standard system interface for viewing and modifying events using a view controller.

Applications of IOS Operating System

There are various Applications for the iOS operating system. Some main applications of the iOS are discussed below :

• The iOS operating system, which is commercially owned by Apple Inc., is well-known for its security.

• For the development of apps that would run on the iOS operating system, the Swift programming language is used.

• Apple's iOS operating system includes pre-installed apps including Maps, Mail, Music, TV, Health, Wallet, and many others which were developed by Apple only.

• The iOS operating system provides multitasking features, Using the multi-finger gesture on an iPad or multitasking feature on an iOS-supported device, you can quickly go from one app to another.

Advantages of IOS Operating System

When compared to other operating systems on the market, especially the Android operating system, the iOS operating system has some advantages :

• iOS os provides an outstanding user interface and responsiveness.
• iOS is a most secure operating system than any other.
• the iOS operating system is best for Businesses and Professionals.
• Less Heat is Produced as Compared to Android while using.

Disadvantages of IOS Operating System

Although the iOS operating system has many advantages, here are some disadvantages of iOS os :

• Flexibility : It is not flexible since only iOS devices are supported to use ios os.
• Size : Compared to other mobile platforms, the size of the applications is relatively large.

Conclusion

• iOS, formerly known as iPhone OS or iPhone Operating System, is apple's mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc.
• iOS is based on the Macintosh OS X and supports the programming languages Swift, C, C++, and Objective-C.
• The iOS operating system is built on a layered-based architecture and does not have direct means of communication.
• the iOS operating system provides Higher Security as compared to any other operating system.
• After Android, iOS is the second-most popular and widely used mobile operating system.

Additional Resources

1. iOS Operating System Interview Questions