What kind of operating system does an iPhone use?

The iPhone utilizes an embedded operating system, specifically iOS, which is designed to run on mobile devices. An embedded operating system is optimized for specific hardware and tasks, providing efficient performance and power management, which is essential for the mobile nature of smartphones.

iOS is deeply integrated with the iPhone's hardware, allowing for smooth functionality and responsive user experiences. Additionally, this embedded approach enables enhanced security features and better resource management suited for the limited processing power and battery life of mobile devices.

While iOS is Unix-based, its classification as an embedded operating system better reflects its purpose and functionality in the context of smartphones, distinguishing it from general-purpose operating systems found on PCs or servers.