The storage footprint of the operating system for Apple’s mobile devices, particularly concerning its compressed state and the resultant amount of space required on the device after installation, is a critical factor in user experience. This footprint influences the amount of available storage for apps, media, and user data. For example, a larger footprint leaves less space for other content.
A smaller operating system allows devices, especially those with limited storage capacity, to remain functional and useful for a longer period. Historically, optimizations in the operating system’s storage requirements have enabled broader adoption of software updates and prevented premature obsolescence of older hardware. This directly translates to increased user satisfaction and minimizes electronic waste.