IPhone OS

Infobox OS
name = iPhone OS



caption = iPhone OS version 2.1 on an iPhone 3G
developer = Apple Inc.
family = Mac OS X / NEXTSTEP / UNIX
supported_platforms = ARMv6 (iPhone and iPod touch)
source_model = Closed source (with open source components)
latest_release_version = 2.1 (5F138/5F137/5F136)
latest_release_date = release date|2008|9|9
preview_version =
working_state = Current
kernel_type = Hybrid
ui = Cocoa Touch (Multi-touch, GUI)
license = Proprietary EULA
website = [http://developer.apple.com/iphone/ iPhone Dev Center]

iPhone OS or OS X iPhone is the operating system developed by Apple Inc. for the iPhone and iPod touch. [cite web | url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/03/06iphone.html | title=Apple Announces iPhone 2.0 Software Beta | author=Apple Inc. | date=March 6, 2008 | work=Apple.com|publisher=Apple Inc. | accessdate=2008-03-07] [cite web | url= http://developer.apple.com/iphone/library/documentation/UserExperience/Conceptual/MobileHIG/Introduction/chapter_1_section_1.html | title= iPhone Human Interface Guidelines: Introduction | author=Apple Developer Connection | date=February 29, 2008 | work=Apple.com|publisher=Apple Inc. | accessdate=2008-03-07] Like Mac OS X, from which it was derived, it uses the Darwin foundation.cite web | url=http://nessence.wordpress.com/2008/03/07/iphone-sdk-overview/ | title=iPhone SDK - Overview (the SDK, not the Event) | first=Benson|last=Gary | date=2008-03-07 | accessdate=2008-03-10] iPhone OS has four abstraction layers: the Core OS layer, the Core Services layer, the Media layer, and the Cocoa Touch layer. The operating system takes less than half a gigabyte (GB) of the device's total memory storage. cite web | url=http://www.macworld.co.uk/ipod-itunes/news/index.cfm?newsid=16927 | title=Macworld Expo: Optimised OS X sits on 'versatile' flash | first=Karen|last=Haslam | publisher="Macworld" | date=January 12, 2007 | accessdate=2007-10-15 ]

This operating system did not have an official name until the release of the first beta version of the iPhone SDK on March 6, 2008. Before then, Apple marketing literature simply stated that the "iPhone runs OS X", a reference to iPhone OS's ancestor, Mac OS X. [ [http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/index.html#macosx iPhone - Features - OS X] - Apple Inc.]

As of September 9, 2008, there are over 3,000 applications officially available for the iPhone, not including the ones built into the iPhone.

Version history

The latest released version of iPhone OS is 2.1, announced at Apple's Let's Rock keynote presentation. It was released on September 9, 2008 for the iPod touch and on September 12, 2008 for the iPhone and iPhone 3G.

iTunes is used to manage many of the functions of the iPhone and iPod touch, including updates to iPhone OS. Security patches, as well as new and improved features, are released in this fashion. [Kharif, Olga. [http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/techbeat/archives/2007/07/coming_soon_iph.html Coming Soon: iPhone Software Updates] , "BusinessWeek", (2007-07-10)accessdate|2007-07-24] iTunes runs on modern versions of Mac OS X and Windows.

User interface

The iPhone OS's user interface is based on the concept of direct manipulation, using multi-touch gestures. Interface control elements consist of sliders, switches, and buttons. The response to user input is supposed to be immediate to provide a fluid interface. Interaction with the OS includes gestures such as swiping, tapping, pinching, and reverse pinching. Additionally, using internal accelerometers, rotating the device on its y-axis alters the screen orientation in some applications.

A home screen with application icons, and a dock at the bottom of the screen, showing icons for the applications the user accesses the most, is presented when the device is turned on or whenever the home button is pressed. 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. There is no concept of starting or quitting applications, only opening an application from the home screen, and leaving the application to return to the home screen. It is possible to force an application to quit by holding down the home button, however. While some multitasking is permitted it is not obtrusive or obvious. Third-party apps are quit when left, but notifications can be pushed from Apple's servers to the iPhone or iPod touch. Many of the included applications were designed to work together; allowing for the sharing or cross-propagation of data from one application to another (e.g., a phone number can be selected from an email and saved as a contact or dialed for a phone call.)

Application support

The central processing unit used in the iPhone and iPod touch is an ARM-based processor instead of the x86 (and previously PowerPC) processors used in Apple's Macintosh computers, and it uses OpenGL ES 1.1 [ [http://www.ddj.com/mobile/209600498] ] rendering by the 3D graphics hardware accelerator co-processor [ [http://developer.apple.com/iphone/index.action iPhone Dev Center ] ] . Mac OS X applications cannot be copied to and run on an iPhone OS device. They need to be written and compiled specifically for the iPhone OS and the ARM architecture. However, the Safari web browser supports "web applications," as noted below. Authorized third-party native applications are available for devices with iPhone OS 2.0 through Apple's App Store.

Included applications

In version 2.0, the iPhone home screen contains these default applications: SMS (Text messaging), Calendar, Photos, Camera, YouTube, Stocks, Maps (Google Maps), Weather, Clock, Calculator, Notes, Settings, iTunes (with access to the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store), App Store and Contacts. Four other applications delineate the iPhone's main purposes: Phone, Mail, Safari, and iPod. [cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306003|title=iPhone Applications|author=Apple Inc.|date=2008-07-10|accessdate=2008-07-11]

Web applications

At the 2007 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference Apple announced that the iPhone and iPod touch will support third-party "applications" via the Safari web browser, referred to as web applications. The applications can be created using web technologies such as AJAX. [Ziegler, Chris. [http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/11/apple-announces-third-party-software-details-for-iphone/ Apple announces third-party software details for iPhone] , "Engadget", (2007-06-11)accessdate|2007-06-20] Many third-party iPhone web applications are now available. [ [http://www.apple.com/webapps/ Web Apps] - Apple Inc.]

Unsupported third-party native applications

Currently, the iPhone and iPod touch can only officially install full programs through the App Store. [Baig, Edward C. [http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/edwardbaig/2007-06-26-iphone-review_N.htm Apple's iPhone isn't perfect, but it's worthy of the hype] , "USA Today", (2007-06-26)accessdate|2007-06-28] However, many unauthorized third-party native applications are now available. [cite news|last=Healey|first=Jon|title=Hacking the iPhone|publisher="Los Angeles Times"|date=2007-08-06|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oew-healey6aug06,0,3456267.story|accessdate=2007-08-06] Such applications face the possibility of being broken by any iPhone OS update, though Apple has stated it will not design software updates specifically to break native applications (other than applications that perform SIM unlocking). [ [http://www.gearlog.com/2007/09/apples_joswiak_we_dont_hate_ip.php Apple's Joswiak: We Don't Hate iPhone Coders] ] These are available through the Installer or Cydia applications, which can be installed on the iPhone after major methods of jailbreaking.

iPhone SDK

On October 17, 2007, in an open letter posted to Apple's "Hot News" weblog, Steve Jobs announced that a software development kit (SDK) would be made available to third-party developers in February 2008. [cite web |last=Jobs| first=Steve |authorlink=Steve Jobs|url=http://developer.apple.com/iphone/devcenter/third_party_apps.php |title=Third Party Applications on the iPhone |publisher=Apple Inc. |date=2007-10-17] The SDK was released on March 6th, 2008, and allows developers to make applications for the iPhone and iPod touch, as well as test them in an "iPhone simulator". However, loading an application onto the devices is only possible after paying a iPhone Developer Program fee.

Developers are free to set any price for their applications to be distributed through the App Store, of which they will receive a 70% share. Developers can also opt to release the application for free and will not pay any costs to release or distribute the application except for the membership fee. [cite web|url=http://developer.apple.com/iphone/program/details.html|title=Introducing the iPhone Developer Program|publisher=Apple Inc.]

DK history

The iPhone SDK was officially announced on March 6, 2008, at an Apple Town Hall meeting. [ [http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/live-from-apples-iphone-press-conference/ Live from Apple's iPhone SDK press conference] - Engadget 2008-03-06.] The first Beta release of the SDK, with iPhone OS version 1.2b1 (build 5A147p), was made available immediately, while the launch of the App Store required a firmware update which was released on July 11, 2008. This update is free for iPhone users; however, there is a charge for iPod touch owners. [ [http://www.macrumors.com/2008/06/09/apple-previews-iphone-firmware-2-0-additional-sdk-notes/ Apple previews iPhone firmware 2.0, additional SDK notes] - MacRumors 2008-06-09.]

On March 27, 2008, Apple released the Beta 2 release of the SDK, build 9A2151 with iPhone OS version 2.0b2 (build 5A225c), [cite web| url=http://iphone.macworld.com/2008/03/iphone_sdk_now_with_100_more_i.php| title=iPhone SDK: now with 100% more Interface Builder| first=Moren|last=Dan | publisher="Macworld"| date=2008-03-27| accessdate=2008-03-27] which added Interface Builder, an application for building graphical user interfaces for iPhone applications. [cite web| url=http://developer.apple.com/tools/interfacebuilder.html| title=Interface Builder| publisher=Apple Inc.| accessdate=2008-03-27]

On April 8, 2008, Apple released the Beta 3 update to the SDK, build 9M2158a with iPhone OS version 2.0b3 (build 5A240d). [ [http://www.macrumors.com/2008/04/08/apple-seeds-new-iphone-os-2-0-beta-5a240d-sdk-update/ Apple Seeds New iPhone OS 2.0 Beta (5A240d), SDK Update (Beta 3)] - MacRumors 2008-04-08.]

On April 23, 2008, Apple released the Beta 4 update to the SDK, build 9M2165 with iPhone OS version 2.0b4 (build 5A258f). This version of the SDK supports OpenGL 3D graphics, primarily used to make games, [ [http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgizmodo.com%2F383430%2Fiphone-sdk-beta-4-now-available-comes-with-opengl-es-3d-graphics-support&ei=EjAQSL2DFKbopATu9OHpBg&usg=AFQjCNGcZDiV8JRvn43e10KJNCT-b1Swrw&sig2=X0ng1s5xJ33VsL56JkeUGQ iPhone SDK Beta 4 Now Available, Comes with OpenGL ES 3D Graphics Support] - Gizmodo.] and indications that some applications will be allowed to run in the background (as the iPod, Phone, and Mail applications do), something that Apple had previously stated was not possible.

On May 6, 2008, Apple released the Beta 5 update to the SDK, build 9M2173a with iPhone OS version 2.0b5 (build 5A274d). [ [http://gizmodo.com/387892/iphone-sdk-beta-5-now-up-bug-fixes-updated-os-support iPhone SDK Beta 5 Now Up: Bug Fixes, Updated OS Support] - Gizmodo.]

On May 29, 2008, Apple released the Beta 6 update to the SDK, build 9M2192 with iPhone OS version 2.0b6 (build 5A292g). The code in this update gave hints about updates to Apple's .Mac [ [http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/30/apples-mac-service-to-be-renamed-revamped/ MacRumors - Apple's .Mac Service to be Renamed, Revamped?] - MacRumors 2008-05-30.] service and also gave a first reference to the upcoming version of Mac OS X, version 10.6 Snow Leopard. [ [http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/29/mac-os-10-6-reference-in-iphone-sdk-beta-6/ Mac OS 10.6 reference in iPhone SDK beta 6] - MacRumors 2008-05-29.]

On June 9, 2008, Apple released the Beta 7 update to the SDK, build 9M2199 with iPhone OS version 2.0b7 (build 5A331), which unlocked Apple's .Mac replacement, MobileMe. This release was for WWDC, Apple's developer's conference, which is noted as part of the name of the iPhone OS beta download.

On June 26, 2008, Apple released the Beta 8 update to the SDK, build 9M2199a with iPhone OS version 2.0b8 (build 5A345). [cite web | url=http://adcdownload.apple.com/iphone/iphone_sdk__beta_8__9m2199/iphone_sdk_beta8_readme.pdf | title=iPhone SDK beta release 8 - Download Notes | author=Apple Inc. | date=June 26, 2008 | work=Apple.com|publisher=Apple Inc. | accessdate=2008-06-27]

On July 24, 2008, Apple released the first Beta SDK for targeting iPhone OS version 2.1 (build 5F90). [cite web | url=http://www.gearlive.com/news/article/q208-apple-beta-testing-iphone-21-firmware/ | title=iPhone SDK 2.1 beta release 1 released | author=GearLive | date=July 25, 2008 | work=Gearlive.com|publisher=Gearlive | accessdate=2008-07-25 ] Apple notes that applications built using the 2.1 SDK will not run on the iPhone 2.0 software, and will not yet be accepted into the App Store.

On July 30, 2008, Apple released the Beta 2 update to the 2.1 SDK, and iPhone OS version 2.1. [cite web | url=http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/30/apple-seeds-2nd-beta-of-iphone-2-1-firmware-to-developers/ ]

On August 8, 2008, Apple released the Beta 3 update to the 2.1 SDK, and iPhone OS version 2.1. [cite web | url=http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/08/08/apple-releases-iphone-firmware-2-1-beta-3/ ]

On September 25, 2008, Apple released the first Beta SDK (labeled Build 9M2611) for targeting iPhone OS version 2.2 (Build 5G29). [ [http://iphone.cazisoft.com/2008/09/iphone-os-22-developers-beta-released.html The iPhone - iPhone OS 2.2 Developers beta released] ]

DK contents

As the iPhone is based on a variant of the same XNU kernel that is found in Mac OS X, the tool chain used for developing on the iPhone is also based on Xcode.

The SDK is broken down into the following sets: [cite web| url=http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/06/apple-releases-iphone-sdk-demos-spore-instant-messaging/| title=Apple Releases iPhone SDK, Demos Spore, Instant Messaging| first=Kim|last=Arnold | publisher=MacRumors.com| date=2008-03-06| accessdate=2008-03-10]
*Cocoa Touch
**Multi-touch events and controls
**Accelerometer support
**View hierarchy
**Localization (i18n)
**Camera support
*Media
**OpenAL
**Audio mixing and recording
**Video playback
**Image file formats
**Quartz
**Core Animation
**OpenGL ES
*Core Services
**Networking
**Embedded SQLite database
**GeoLocation
**Threads
*OS X Kernel
**TCP/IP
**Sockets
**Power management
**File system
**Security

Along with the Xcode toolchain, the SDK contains an iPhone emulator called Aspen. Aspen Simulator was renamed to iPhone Simulator with the Beta 2 release of the SDK.

The SDK requires an Intel Mac running Mac OS X Leopard. Other operating systems and versions are not supported.

Licensing

The SDK itself is a free download, but in order to release software, one must enroll in the iPhone Developer Program, a step requiring payment and Apple's approval. Signed keys are given to upload the application to Apple's App Store. Applications can be distributed in three ways: through the App Store, through enterprise deployment to a company's employees only, and on an "Ad-hoc" basis to up to 100 iPhones.

This distribution model for iPhone software appears to make it impossible to release software based upon code licensed with GPLv3. Any code that modifies code licensed under GPLv3 must also be licensed as GPLv3. Also, a developer is not able to distribute an application licensed under the GPLv3 without also distributing the signing keys (which Apple owns) to allow upload of modified versions of that software to be run. [cite web |url=http://www.linux.com/feature/131752 |title=The iPhone SDK and free software: not a match |publisher=Linux.com |last=Willis |first=Nathan |date=2008-04-15 |accessdate=2008-06-05]

Java

Apple has not announced any plans to enable Java to run on the iPhone. Sun Microsystems announced plans to release a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) for iPhone OS, based on the Java Platform, Micro Edition version of Java. This would enable Java applications to run on iPhone and iPod touch. [cite web|url=http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/03/07/sun-iphone-java_1.html|title=Sun: We'll put Java on the iPhone|publisher="Infoworld"|last=Krill|first=Paul|date=2008-03-08|accessdate=2008-03-08] If successful, Sun plans to release the software some time after June 2008.

Soon after the announcement, developers familiar with the SDK's terms of agreement believed that by not allowing 3rd-party applications to run in the background (answer a phone call and still run the application, for example), [cite web|url=http://www.news.com/8301-13579_3-9888722-37.html
title=The iPhone SDK: The day after |publisher=CNet|last=Krazit|first=Tom |date=2008-03-07 |accessdate=2008-03-29] allowing an application to download code from another source, or allowing an application to interact with a 3rd-party application (Safari with JVM, for example), it could hinder development of the JVM without Apple's cooperation. [cite web|url=http://www.thestandard.com/news/2008/03/14/suns-plan-java-iphone-could-hit-roadblock|title=Sun's plan for Java on iPhone could hit roadblock |publisher="The Industry Standard"|last=Krill|first=Paul |date=2008-03-14 |accessdate=2008-03-29] .

However, some iPhone users have shown that it was possible to install and use a J2ME stack on a iPhone, though it involved jailbreaking [cite web
url=http://weblogs.java.net/blog/brunogh/archive/2008/05/java_on_iphone.html
title=First steps with iPhone and Java
last=Guisi|first=Bruno
date=2008-05-25
accessdate=2008-08-31] [cite web
url=http://blog.taragana.com/index.php/archive/how-to-install-compile-run-java-on-iphone/
title=How To Install, Compile, Run Java On iPhone
last=Chakraborty|first=Angsuman
date=2008-06-10
accessdate=2008-08-31] .

It has also been revealed that there were talks between Sun and Apple concerning the availability of Java on the iPhone, and that Sun was working in that intent with a company called Innaworks [cite web
url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/20080428/apple-sun-java-iphone.htmould-hit-roadblock
title=Apple, Sun Talks Gives Hope for Java on iPhone
publisher=ibtimes.com
last=Kizito Kasozi|first=Emmanuel
date=2008-04-28
accessdate=2008-08-31] [cite web
url=http://www.innaworks.com/News.html#News-AlcheMoForIPhoneBeta
title=Innaworks announces Java Development Solution for iPhone
publisher= [http://www.innaworks.com Innaworks]
date=2008-03-28
accessdate=2008-08-31] .

Flash

The iPhone OS does not support Flash. Adobe announced that it is working on a FlashLite player as a third-party application for iPhone, though it has not yet launched.cn|date=September 2008 Adobe has also announced that it has its FlashLite working on the iPhone simulator but has not successfully ported it to the actual device.cn|date=September 2008

SVG

Mobile Safari supports SVG starting with the iPhone firmware 2.1. The SVG support features scripting and most of the static parts of the SVG 1.1. specification. SMIL animation is not yet supported for SVG graphics. It will be delivered after the Webkit SMIL implementation is mature enough. In addition to SVG, the HTML Canvas is supported.

Hacking and jailbreaking

The iPhone OS has been subject to a variety of different hacks for a variety of reasons, centered around adding functionality not supported by Apple.

With the advent of iPhone OS 2.0, the focus of the jailbreaking community has shifted somewhat. Prior to iPhone 2.0's release, jailbreaking was the only way to allow third-party applications on the device. Now with iPhone 2.0, native applications are allowed under certain rules imposed by Apple.This has lead to the jailbreaking community focusing on providing functionality disallowed on the device, under Apple's SDK terms.fact|date=August 2008 These functions include background applications, or the ability for third-party applications to run after appearing to have closed, and the ability to alter the applications written for the device by Apple, also they thought could disable the Apple kill switch (that allows Apple to remotely delete malicious or inappropriate applications stored on the device). [ [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/connected/main.jhtml?xml=/connected/2008/08/08/dlapple108.xml Apple iPhone 'kill switch' discovered - Telegraph] ] The kill switch was later proven to be less invasive, and the only control Apple had over applications was killing the use of core location (location based services). There has been a notable shift away from jailbreaking with the new App Store's debut, in most part due to users' acceptance of Apple's compromise on opening up the platform,fact|date=August 2008 although there has still been substantial interest from the jailbreaking community, especially with the release of Pwnage Tool from the "iPhone Dev Team" which was released soon after firmware 2.0 for the iPod Touch and iPhone.

References

External links

* [http://developer.apple.com/iphone iPhone Dev Center] - on the Apple Developer Connection website
* [http://developer.apple.com/iphone/gettingstarted/docs/iphoneosoverview.action iPhone OS Overview] from Apple Inc. (requires developer registration)