6 Mobile Operating Systems Used on Smartphones

Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, and most of them run on two dominant operating systems: Android and iOS.

However, have you ever considered the other mobile operating systems besides Android and iOS? In reality, there are several alternative OSs that have been or are still used on smartphones today.

In this article, Carisinyal will explore some of the mobile operating systems that have shaped the smartphone landscape.

1. Android

Android made its debut on September 20, 2008. Initially called Astro, this operating system is based on Linux and was developed by Andy Rubin.

Later acquired and further developed by Google, Android adopted alphabetical names inspired by desserts, such as Donut, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Pie. After Android 9 (Pie), Google switched to using numeric naming conventions.

One of Android’s remarkable features is its flexibility, allowing users to install applications not only from the Google Play Store but also from other sources.

While some smartphone manufacturers have developed their own operating systems, most are still based on Android. They usually use stock Android as the foundation and customize it with unique features.

2. iOS

Introduced on June 29, 2007, iOS is Android’s closest competitor. Unlike Android, iOS is a closed operating system, developed exclusively by Apple for its devices. This exclusivity makes iOS a cornerstone of Apple’s ecosystem.

Apple has since expanded iOS into a specialized operating system for iPads, known as iPadOS. Both iOS and iPadOS are optimized for their respective devices and offer robust security.

As a closed system, iOS emphasizes performance, enabling Apple devices to deliver exceptional results even with comparatively modest specifications. This focus on efficiency and seamless integration with Apple’s hardware makes iOS a favorite among many users.

3. HarmonyOS

The trade war between the United States and China adversely affected Huawei. The conflict resulted in the smartphone manufacturer losing access to Android as its primary operating system. In response, Huawei took proactive steps by developing its own OS.

In a surprisingly short period, Huawei launched HarmonyOS. This development was not entirely unexpected; reports suggest that Huawei had started working on its initial operating system back in 2019.

Differing from HongMeng OS, which targets IoT devices, HarmonyOS is designed primarily for mobile platforms such as smartphones and tablets—a focus that Huawei continues to expand.

4. Windows Phone

The launch of Windows 8 marked a significant transformation within Microsoft’s ecosystem. Eager to extend beyond the PC market, Microsoft adapted its acclaimed Windows operating system for mobile devices.

Originally named Windows Phone (previously Windows Mobile), it was unveiled in October 2010 with Windows Phone 7, targeting smartphone users.

Nokia, as a leading cellphone brand at the time, benefited from this development. In 2011, Nokia formed a partnership with Microsoft and adopted Windows Phone as the main OS for its smartphones.

The system featured a distinctive interface with Live Tiles and was integrated with other Microsoft products, including Office and OneDrive. Despite its innovative features, Windows Phone struggled to attract sufficient support from popular app developers, leading to a decline in its market presence.

Ultimately, Microsoft ceased support for Windows Phone. However, its legacy continues to influence certain aspects of the modern Windows interface.

5. Tizen

Though not as prominent in some market, Tizen has successfully driven the sales of 64 million Z series smartphones in India.

Developed in 2012, Tizen is a Samsung initiative based on Linux, specifically merging the Samsung Linux Platform (SLP) with the Linux mobile (LiMo) under a collaboration with Intel.

Samsung branded Tizen as “The OS of Everything,” highlighting its versatility. Beyond smartphones, Tizen has been implemented in a range of IoT devices.

Samsung has incorporated Tizen into their televisions and extensively across smart home devices, vehicles, and other technologies.

Interestingly, the first iteration of Tizen, version 1.0, debuted on the Samsung NX300M camera. Subsequently, Tizen 2.0 was launched in 2013, emerging from the integration of Samsung's Bada OS with the Tizen project.

Despite the initial success, Samsung discontinued the development of the Z series for smartphones, opting instead to focus on Android. Nevertheless, Tizen remains integral in Samsung’s other IoT products like Smart TVs.

6. KaiOS

Recognizing that not everyone has access to robust internet services, KaiOS was introduced in 2017. Developed by KaiOS Technologies Limited, this Linux-based mobile OS enables even basic feature phones to offer functionalities akin to smartphones.

KaiOS supports essential apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Google Maps, providing connectivity options that allow users to remain online without a traditional smartphone.

Devices such as some Nokia and JioPhone models utilize KaiOS, targeting markets that demand cost-effective devices while still offering contemporary features.

This overview sheds light on various mobile operating systems and their distinctive features. While Android and iOS currently dominate the market, other platforms like HarmonyOS could potentially reshape market dynamics in the future.