The term refers to a smartphone designed and marketed by Apple Inc. that operates using the iOS operating system. These devices are characterized by a suite of integrated hardware and software features. As an example, the iPhone 15, a prevalent model, represents a manifestation of this product category.
Possessing such a device grants access to a specific ecosystem of applications and services, influencing user experience and security. The initial introduction of this type of phone revolutionized the mobile phone industry, setting new benchmarks for design and functionality, which other manufacturers have subsequently sought to emulate.