What does the term "iOS" stand for?

The term "iOS" stands for "iPhone Operating System." This name reflects its origins, as iOS was initially developed for the iPhone, serving as a mobile operating system designed to run on Apple's handheld devices. Over time, iOS has evolved to power a range of Apple devices, including iPads and iPods, but its initial branding highlights its connection to the iPhone. This distinction is important because it denotes the specific ecosystem that developers and users engage with when using Apple’s mobile devices. The name encompasses not just the functionality of the operating system, but also its integration with Apple’s services and hardware designed for mobile computing.