10.4 Mobile operating systems (Android and iOS)

Mobile operating systems like Android and iOS have revolutionized personal computing. These systems are designed for touch interfaces, power efficiency, and seamless integration with mobile hardware, offering unique features and challenges compared to desktop counterparts.

Android and iOS differ in architecture, customization options, and app ecosystems. While Android provides more flexibility and customization, iOS offers a uniform experience across devices. Both systems have shaped modern app development practices and user expectations for mobile computing.

Android and iOS Architecture

Core System Components

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• Android architecture incorporates Linux kernel, hardware abstraction layer, native libraries, Android runtime, application framework, and applications
• iOS architecture utilizes layered design including Core OS, Core Services, Media, and Cocoa Touch layers
• Android executes applications through Dalvik Virtual Machine (DVM) or Android Runtime (ART)
• iOS runs applications using Objective-C runtime and Swift
• Both systems implement sandboxing for application security
  • Android employs more flexible inter-app communication
  • iOS maintains stricter control over resource access

System Customization and Management

• Android's open-source nature allows customization by device manufacturers (Samsung, Google Pixel)
• iOS operates as a closed system tightly controlled by Apple
• Both employ power management techniques
  • Android's approach varies across devices due to hardware diversity (different battery capacities, processors)
  • iOS power management remains consistent across Apple devices

Android vs iOS Features

User Interface and Customization

• Android offers customizable interface with widgets and launchers (Nova Launcher, KWGT)
• iOS provides uniform, streamlined experience across devices
• Android typically includes separate app drawer from home screen
• iOS utilizes grid-based app layout without app drawer
• Android supports expandable storage and file system access
• iOS maintains more restricted file management system

Multitasking and Navigation

• iOS employs card-based app switcher for multitasking
• Android offers split-screen and floating window options on many devices (Samsung DeX)
• Both systems evolved gesture-based navigation
• Android allows more customization of navigation methods (back button, home gesture)
• Notification handling differs between platforms
  • Android provides more granular control over notifications
  • iOS focuses on centralized notification center

Mobile OS Advantages vs Limitations

Mobile-Specific Optimizations

• Mobile OSs optimize for touch interfaces and smaller screens
• Intuitive gesture-based interactions not typically found in desktop environments (pinch-to-zoom, swipe gestures)
• Critical power management features in mobile OSs
  • Aggressive battery saving techniques may limit background processes
• Mobile OSs offer better integration with device-specific hardware (GPS, accelerometers, cameras)

Functionality Constraints

• More restricted multitasking capabilities compared to desktop systems
• Often limit background app functionality to conserve resources
• App distribution and installation primarily managed through centralized app stores
  • Improved security but less flexibility than desktop systems
• Desktop OSs generally provide more robust file management systems
• Desktop OSs support complex, resource-intensive applications mobile OSs may struggle with (video editing software, CAD programs)

Mobile OS Impact on App Development

Development Environments and Tools

• Creation of platform-specific development environments (Android Studio, Xcode)
• Constraints of mobile devices drive efficient coding practices and optimization techniques
• Mobile OS APIs and SDKs enable easy integration of device-specific features
  • Location services, push notifications, biometric authentication

Distribution and Design

• App store model revolutionized software distribution
• Created new business models and opportunities for developers (freemium, in-app purchases)
• Cross-platform development frameworks address challenges of multi-platform development (React Native, Flutter)
• Mobile OSs influence UI/UX design principles
• Led to creation of mobile-first design approaches impacting web and desktop application development