Ahmed Sherif
Research expert covering IT services and gaming hardware
Apple OS - statistics & facts
Apple has crafted an elaborate ecosystem of mobile and entertainment devices since it released the first Macintosh in 1984 with System Software 1, the spiritual predecessor to the classic Mac OS and macOS operating systems. Since then, Apple has released a handful of devices, the suite of devices, including iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, and notebooks, run on iOS and macOS, which are Apple's proprietary operating systems. Both operating systems are developed and maintained by Apple, ensuring seamless integration with the company's hardware and software ecosystem for a seamless user experience.
The latest iOS 17 powering all the new and some older iPhones, was released in 2023 during the Apple Wonderlust Event along with the iPhone 15. Some new features of iOS 17 include Focus mode, Live Text, FaceTime links, SharePlay, and a Safari redesign.
Lastly, the new visionOS platform was developed to power the recently released Apple Vision Pro extended reality (XR) headset. Apple’s new headset is expected to offer spatial computing functions an infinite spatial canvas for developers and the ability for users to utilize any physical space, as well as an unprecedented three-dimensional interface that allows users to control it with simply their eyes and fingers instead of the controllers.
iOS dominates the U.S. market
Originally launched as iPhone OS along with the first-gen iPhone in 2007, iOS is the operating system that powers Apple’s mobile devices, such as the iPhone and the iPad. Known for its simplicity, security, and performance, the mobile operating system has gone through several major updates since its inception. These updates introduced new features such as Siri, FaceTime, iMessage, Notification Center, Control Center, AirDrop, and Apple Pay among others. iOS also has its own App Store where users can download and install applications for various purposes, such as games, social media, productivity, education, and entertainment. iOS competes globally with Android. As of 2023, iOS was the leading mobile operating system in North America and has consistently maintained a slim majority of the UK’s mobile OS market.The latest iOS 17 powering all the new and some older iPhones, was released in 2023 during the Apple Wonderlust Event along with the iPhone 15. Some new features of iOS 17 include Focus mode, Live Text, FaceTime links, SharePlay, and a Safari redesign.
The rise of macOS, from Mac OS X to macOS Sonoma
Launched in 2001 to replace the classic Mac OS featured by Apple in their first Macintosh systems, the macOS (formerly Max OS X and OS X) runs exclusively on Apple’s Mac computers and has seen a steady rise in popularity since its release. As of 2023, macOS accounted for over 20 percent of all desktop operating systems globally, coming in second place behind Microsoft’s Windows. Its user-friendly interface, robust security features, and seamless integration with other Apple devices have contributed to its widespread adoption. Apple released macOS Sonoma in 2023 alongside iOS 17, with features such as aerial screensavers, interactive desktop widgets, a Presenter Overlay mode for video conferencing with third-party app support, and the ability to create custom apps for any website.Future of Apple OS’s Ecosystem
Apple’s diverse OS ecosystem caters to a range of devices and user needs. As of 2024, the ecosystem also included watchOS, audioOS, tvOS, and the newly released visionOS. The watchOS powers the Apple Watch, which accounted for over 40 percent of the global wearable market share in 2022. The audioOS is designed for Apple’s smart speakers, the HomePod, introducing features like AirPlay 2 and Siri. The tvOS brings a host of features to the Apple TV products, including FaceTime support as of 2023.Lastly, the new visionOS platform was developed to power the recently released Apple Vision Pro extended reality (XR) headset. Apple’s new headset is expected to offer spatial computing functions an infinite spatial canvas for developers and the ability for users to utilize any physical space, as well as an unprecedented three-dimensional interface that allows users to control it with simply their eyes and fingers instead of the controllers.
