What is the Android Operating System? | Linux-Based Structure, Features and Drawbacks, Differences from iOS, Market Share, and Future Outlook
Android began in 2003 and was later acquired and developed by Google. Built on the Linux kernel, it has become the most widely used mobile operating system in the world, powering over 70% of smartphones globally.
Thanks to its open-source nature, Android has been adopted across countless manufacturers and devices, offering users freedom and variety. However, it also faces challenges such as fragmentation and delayed updates.
Today, Android extends beyond smartphones into TVs, cars, and wearables, standing as a central platform in the digital era of cloud, AI, and IoT.
Hello, this is Jay.
In the previous article, we explored Linux. Now, let’s take a closer look at Android, the mobile operating system built on the Linux kernel.
If we think of the operating system we use most in our daily lives, the answer is clear: Android. It powers smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, TVs, and even cars. It is, by far, the world’s most popular mobile operating system. Every time we wake up and check our notifications, Android is silently running in the background to make those interactions possible.
The history of Android began in 2003, when Andy Rubin and his colleagues founded a company to create an operating system for digital cameras. This early concept evolved into what we now know as Android. In 2005, Google acquired the company and set its sights on building a smartphone OS. When Apple released the iPhone in 2007, sparking a mobile revolution, Google responded by unveiling Android as its own mobile platform. In 2008, HTC launched the first Android smartphone, and soon after, major manufacturers like Samsung, LG, and Motorola joined in. From there, Android’s growth skyrocketed.
Linux at the Core
At its heart, Android is built on the Linux kernel. The Linux layer manages hardware-level operations, while Google added the Android framework and services on top, tailoring it for mobile devices. In simple terms, Android is rooted in Linux but has evolved into a unique mobile platform complete with app execution, touch input, graphical interfaces, and Google services.
Another defining feature of Android is its open-source foundation. Anyone can access and modify the source code, which allows device manufacturers to adapt it to their hardware. This flexibility enabled Android to spread across countless brands and models, leading to its overwhelming global market share. Today, more than 70% of smartphones run on Android - a testament to its worldwide dominance.
Integration with Google Services
Android’s strong connection to Google’s ecosystem is another major advantage. The Google Play Store provides access to millions of apps, while Gmail, Google Drive, and YouTube come pre-installed. On top of that, each manufacturer customizes Android with their own user interface (UI) - Samsung’s One UI or Xiaomi’s MIUI, for example - offering variety and unique user experiences.
Challenges: Fragmentation and Updates
Of course, Android also has its drawbacks. Because manufacturers modify Android differently, fragmentation becomes an issue. Even if two devices run the same version of Android, their features and update schedules may vary. Security patches often arrive late, and older devices may not support the newest versions at all. By contrast, Apple’s iOS provides uniform updates across all supported devices.
Expanding Beyond Phones
Despite these challenges, Android’s strength lies in its freedom and flexibility. It runs on devices across all price ranges and allows users to customize settings and install apps with ease. Beyond smartphones, Android has expanded into digital ecosystems with Android TV, Android Auto, and Wear OS, deeply integrating itself into everyday life.
Currently, Android is effectively the global standard for mobile computing. Collaboration with manufacturers has created a vast hardware ecosystem, while millions of developers contribute to its rich app ecosystem. In emerging markets, affordable Android devices have also played a vital role in bridging the digital divide.
Looking Ahead
The future of Android is bright. As next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and the Internet of Things (IoT) take hold, Android continues to evolve. Google has already integrated AI-driven features - voice recognition, real-time translation, and personalized recommendations - directly into Android. This trajectory suggests that Android is no longer just an operating system but is becoming a core digital platform for the future.
For everyday users, Android is already a familiar and convenient environment. Installing apps, checking messages, browsing the web, playing games, and taking photos all feel effortless. For IT learners and enthusiasts, Android also provides an exciting playground for experimentation - whether that’s exploring its system structure, developing apps, or customizing devices. These experiences can serve as a stepping stone from being a regular user to becoming a developer or researcher.
Final Thoughts
Android is more than just the software that powers our smartphones - it is a global platform that combines mass accessibility with learning potential. For users, it offers convenience and variety; for developers, it provides openness and opportunity.
In this article, we explored Android’s history, features, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as its role today. Despite its flaws compared to iOS, Android’s flexibility and scalability ensure that it will remain at the center of the mobile world.
Next time, we’ll turn our attention to Apple’s operating systems.
Thank you for reading, and I wish you happiness always!
You can view the original Korean blog post at the link below
Comments
Post a Comment