Darwin: The Core of iOS and macOS

As an iOS developer, you’re well-versed in creating sleek interfaces, smooth animations, and efficient code to power your applications. However, beneath the surface of every iOS device lies a powerful operating system that forms the backbone of all your creations: Darwin. While you may have heard the term, understanding its significance can deepen your comprehension of iOS development and empower you to build even better apps. Let’s delve into the heart of iOS development and explore what Darwin is all about.

What is Darwin?

Darwin is the core operating system upon which iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS are built. It’s an open-source, Unix-like operating system that provides the foundation for Apple’s ecosystem. Named after Charles Darwin, the father of the theory of evolution, Darwin evolves with each iteration of Apple’s software, incorporating advancements in technology and security to deliver a seamless user experience.

Open Source Roots

The story of Darwin begins in the late 1990s when Apple sought to create a modern, Unix-based operating system to replace the aging Mac OS. In a bold move, Apple decided to base its new OS on open-source technologies, drawing inspiration from the Unix-like operating system FreeBSD and the Mach microkernel.