View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you
  1. Technology
  2. Software
October 2, 2017

Apple open sources macOS and iOS kernel, but what does it mean?

Following the latest iPhone release, Apple reveals its kernel code.

By April Slattery

Apple has released its second kernel open source code for iOS software, but with a twist to the information it normally reveals.

For the first time, Apple has released the kernel source code of iOS and macOS for ARM processors. The source code has been published by Apple on GitHub.

The kernel source code also runs on iOS devices. Following the release of the latest smartphones and new products, Apple would share the kernel of macOS.

Apple open sources macOS and iOS kernel, but what does it mean?

Apple release Kernel source coding following latest product release.

However, the tech company wouldn’t normally release the ARM version of coding of the kernel, but as the source code only displays the code that operates the most important functions for smartphones and iPads.

Releasing the information gives demonstrates their open source work and attracts developers to take a closer look, resulting in Apple’s source code will have much more benefit to developers more than users.

It gives developers and security operates a deeper look at how iOS operates. Developers may want to use the information details to assess the software before embedding their element of the XNU code.

However, if users are interested in seeing how iOS and macOS operates the code will give users that information. It doesn’t give anyone much reason to get excited because there’s not a lot you can do with the information.

Content from our partners
The hidden complexities of deploying AI in your business
When it comes to AI, remember not every problem is a nail
An evolving cybersecurity landscape calls for multi-layered defence strategies

The source code doesn’t reveal the interface, developer frameworks or application systems for Apple software but still gives developers and users a brief insight into how the systems operate across the devices.

Apple partners with Accenture in iOS apps
Why should you buy the iPhone 8

By publically revealing the code gives app and OS developers a wider knowledge of how Apple takes on tasks across the systems, more precisely across iOS.

Users and developers can download the ARM-optimized source code, although it doesn’t mean much the company has released the code for some reason and it gives people around the world the opportunity to see just how the software is ran.

Apple’s first version of macOS was released in 2001, on top of the operating system created by NeXT that Apple now uses as the foundation for Mac OS X.

Topics in this article : , , ,
Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU