The software empowering our computers, smartphones, and other devices are operating systems. They manage the hardware and software resources on these devices while providing us with the interface for interaction. Billions of people worldwide use these operating systems to accomplish an array of tasks, including productivity gaming entertainment; education is not excluded from this list either.
This article scrutinizes the world’s top 10 operating systems in 2024, delving into their features, benefits, and drawbacks. Additionally, it explores the prospective evolution of these operating systems in forthcoming years.
| Rank | Operating System Name | Developer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Android | |
| 2 | Windows | Microsoft |
| 3 | iOS | Apple |
| 4 | macOS | Apple |
| 5 | Chrome OS | |
| 6 | Desktop Linux | Various |
| 7 | iPadOS | Apple |
| 8 | Smart TV OS | Various |
| 9 | WatchOS | Apple |
| 10 | tvOS | Apple |
Table of Contents
Let’s discuss the top 10 operating systems in 2024 in detail below:
1. Android
Source – The Verge
Google develops Android, a popular mobile operating system; it is based on the Linux kernel and offers an open-source framework for modification and customization by all users. With over 40% market share worldwide, Android reigns as the most prevalent OS in use. From budget devices to high-end flagships, a wide variety of smartphones and tablets utilize it. Recognized for its user-friendly interface, an extensive array of features, and vast ecosystem of apps – Android endeared itself due to affordability and usability; these factors have propelled its popularity within developing countries.
Website – https://www.android.com/intl/en_in/
2. Windows
Source – Microsoft News
Microsoft develops Windows, the leading desktop and laptop operating system; it holds a dominant position as the world’s most popular desktop OS, with an estimated global market share of 28%. Windows boasts key characteristics–a user-friendly interface, extensive software compatibility, and robust security features–all known for their high-performance excellence. An array of tasks— productivity, gaming, and entertainment– motivates worldwide businesses and individuals to employ Windows; its use is further gaining popularity among educational institutions. Government agencies also actively promote the utilization of this operating system.
Website – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows
3. iOS
Source – Colegio Santa Ines |
iOS, a mobile operating system, is the brainchild of Apple; all iPhones and iPads harness its power. Notably acclaimed for its user-friendly interface–seamless performance being an added advantage–iOS boasts significant industry recognition due to its tight integration with other Apple products. Both consumers and businesses frequently prefer iOS: it offers unrivaled security features and reliability–not to mention unparalleled user-friendliness. The popularity of iOS further thrives on a robust ecosystem teeming with high-quality apps.
Website – https://www.apple.com/in/ios/ios-17/
4. macOS
Source – XpertLab
Apple develops the desktop and laptop operating system known as macOS; all Mac computers utilize it. Renowned for its user-friendly interface, sleek design–a hallmark of Apple products–and robust integration with other Apple software, macOS enjoys a substantial reputation in the technological landscape. Creative professionals and students frequently choose macOS due to its renowned performance, stability, and extensive software compatibility. Furthermore, a large ecosystem of high-quality apps bolsters the appeal of macOS.
Website – https://www.apple.com/in/macos/sonoma/
5. Chrome OS
Source – Zoom Partner
Google primarily designs Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system for laptops and tablets. It bases this system on the Linux kernel; moreover, it employs the Chrome web browser as its primary interface. The speed, simplicity, and security that Chrome OS offers set it apart from others in terms of reputation. Moreover, the appealing factors of Chrome OS include its affordability and user-friendliness. Both students and businesses often choose this operating system for its low cost and manageable interface: they find it an optimal choice, specifically due to these reasons – a significantly reduced price point coupled with effortless administration.
Website – https://chromeenterprise.google/os/
6. Desktop Linux
Source – Pakhotin
A variety of distributions offer Desktop Linux, an open-source and free operating system. Its flexibility, customization options, and security features are renowned in the industry. Power users and developers often favor Desktop Linux; some businesses and educational institutions also utilize it. Nevertheless, Linux is behind Windows and macOS in popularity.
Website – https://www.linux.org/
7. iPadOS
Source – Macworld
Designed specifically for tablets, iPadOS—a variant of iOS—boasts not only a more user-friendly interface but also superior multitasking capabilities compared to its counterpart. Further enhancing the tablet experience are features unique to iPadOS: Split View and Slide Over functionalities, among others. Both consumers and businesses frequently select iPadOS for its performance, stability, and extensive app variety.
Website – https://www.apple.com/in/ipados/ipados-17/
8. Smart TV OS
Source – PCMag
Smart TVs utilize the Smart TV OS as their operating system, providing users with access to streaming services, applications, and games. Additionally, features like voice search and screencasting are typically integrated into the Smart TV OS. Consumers desiring versatile content accessibility on their TVs, increasingly favor Smart TV OS. Its popularity burgeons within businesses as they utilize it for showcasing digital signage and diverse other content.
Website – https://www.android.com/intl/en_in/tv/
9. WatchOS
Source – Lifewire
WatchOS, the operating system for Apple Watches, enables app accessibility, tracks fitness on your wrist, and receives notifications. It operates harmoniously with other Apple products–specifically the iPhone and iPad: this is an integrative feature. Consumers prioritizing ease of use coupled with seamless integration often select WatchOS as their preferred smartwatch operating system.
Website – https://www.apple.com/in/watchos/watchos-10/
10. tvOS
Source – FlatpanelsHD
The operating system, tvOS, empowers users of Apple TV streaming devices to access a diverse range of services directly on their televisions: these include but are not limited to streaming platforms, applications – and games. TvOS further enhances this experience through its comprehensive support for features such as AirPlay and Siri—providing an interactive powerhouse par excellence. Desiring a user-friendly streaming device that integrates seamlessly with other Apple products, consumers often opt for tvOS.
Website – https://developer.apple.com/tvos/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. List the top 10 operating systems in 2024 used in the world.
The top 10 operating systems in 2024 in the world include Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, Chrome OS, Desktop Linux, iPadOS, Smart TV OS, WatchOS, and tvOS.
Q2. List the common features of these operating systems.
The operating systems have many basic features in common, such as memory management, process management, file system management, etc.
Q3. Is it a good choice to stick with one OS for a longer duration?
Generally, businesses should embrace a single operating system: this strategy cuts costs, bolsters efficiency, elevates security, and simplifies IT support. Yet–there may be instances where adopting multiple operating systems proves logical–notably in the development of software for diverse platforms.
Q4. What are the safety standards of these operating systems?
The world’s top 10 most used operating systems all implement a variety of safety standards: these protect users from cyber threats–measures which include, but are not limited to;
- Control of access: this is the fundamental principle in information security; it ensures that only authorized individuals can access specific resources or enter particular areas.
- Encryption of data.
- Updates to software: this is an essential aspect of maintaining optimal functionality and security within any system.
- Patches for security: these are essential updates designed to enhance the protection and integrity of a system; they safeguard against potential threats, vulnerabilities or breaches–both known and unknown.
- Detecting and preventing malware.
Q5. How are these operating systems embracing AI?
A multitude of ways exist in which operating systems embrace AI; these include:
- To enhance performance and efficiency
- Enhancing security
- The user experience is a personalized strategic approach that ensures maximum engagement and satisfaction.
- It seeks to facilitate the introduction of novel features and capabilities.
Conclusion
This article scrutinizes the world’s top 10 operating systems in 2024; it explores their features, advantages, and disadvantages. Further discussion involves predictions on their evolutionary trajectory over upcoming years. A multitude of operating systems, each boasting unique strengths and weaknesses, are readily accessible; you must discern the best fit for your individual needs and preferences. A multitude of trends will likely shape the future of operating systems: the ascendance of artificial intelligence, the proliferation in Internet of Things applications, and the escalating popularity of mobile devices. In coming years–with this landscape as a backdrop–we can anticipate a transformation in operating systems; they will evolve to be more intelligent, intimately connected, and deeply personalized.
