Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

iOS VS Sailfish OS

Compare iOS VS Sailfish OS and see what are their differences

iOS logo iOS

iOS is the operating system associated by default with all Apple mobile devices.

Sailfish OS logo Sailfish OS

At the heart of Jolla is Sailfish OS, the independent mobile operating system offering an alternative to the existing dominant systems. Sailfish OS is the perfect solution for country ecosystem and corporate mobile projects, or for consumer devices.
  • iOS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-27
Not present

iOS features and specs

  • User Interface
    iOS 17 continues to offer a sleek and intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate, with a strong focus on aesthetics and user experience.
  • Consistency
    The operating system offers a consistent experience across all Apple devices, ensuring that users have a seamless experience whether on an iPhone, iPad, or other Apple hardware.
  • Security
    Apple places a high focus on privacy and security, with frequent updates and strict app store guidelines providing robust protection against malware and unauthorized access.
  • App Ecosystem
    The Apple App Store offers a wide range of high-quality applications that are often exclusive to iOS, providing users with a rich assortment of tools and entertainment options.
  • Integrations
    iOS features seamless integration with other Apple services and products, including iCloud, Apple Watch, and MacBook, creating a comprehensive ecosystem.

Possible disadvantages of iOS

  • Cost
    Apple devices are generally more expensive compared to their Android counterparts, which can make the iOS ecosystem less accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
  • Customization
    iOS offers limited customization options compared to Android, which can be a downside for users who prefer to personalize their device extensively.
  • Battery Life
    Some users report that frequent updates and background processes may impact battery life, requiring more frequent charging cycles.
  • App Store Restrictions
    While the App Store is heavily curated to ensure security, this can also restrict the availability of certain apps and functionalities that are more easily accessible on Android.
  • Fixed Hardware
    iOS is exclusive to Apple hardware, providing less flexibility for users who might want to mix and match components from different manufacturers.

Sailfish OS features and specs

  • Privacy
    Sailfish OS is known for its strong focus on user privacy and security. Unlike many other operating systems, it avoids integrating extensive tracking and data-gathering features.
  • Unique UI/UX
    The OS features a distinct and gesture-based user interface, which many users find intuitive and enjoyable to use.
  • Linux-based
    As a Linux-based OS, Sailfish provides flexibility and openness, making it a good option for tech enthusiasts and developers.
  • Compatibility with Android Apps
    Sailfish OS has support for running Android applications through its compatibility layer, expanding its software ecosystem.
  • Community Support
    The Sailfish OS community is active and supportive, providing resources, forums, and community-driven applications.

Possible disadvantages of Sailfish OS

  • Limited App Ecosystem
    While it does support Android apps, Sailfish OS has a smaller native app ecosystem compared to mainstream operating systems like iOS and Android.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Limited hardware options are available. Compatibility can be an issue, as the OS officially supports only a handful of devices.
  • Learning Curve
    The unique gesture-based user interface can be challenging for new users who are accustomed to traditional mobile OS navigation.
  • Software Updates
    Software updates for Sailfish OS may not be as frequent or as extensive as those for more popular operating systems.
  • Market Penetration
    With a smaller market share, Sailfish OS lacks the widespread recognition and developer support enjoyed by larger competitors.

Analysis of Sailfish OS

Overall verdict

  • Sailfish OS is a solid alternative for those looking for a unique mobile operating system experience outside of the mainstream Android and iOS platforms.

Why this product is good

  • Privacy: Sailfish OS is known for its strong focus on privacy and security, making it a good choice for users concerned about data protection.
  • Linux-based: Being a Linux-based OS, it offers a robust and flexible platform that appeals to tech enthusiasts and power users.
  • User Interface: The interface is unique and intuitive with a gesture-based navigation system, which can be refreshing for users familiar with traditional mobile OS layouts.
  • Compatibility: Sailfish OS can run Android apps to a certain degree, providing access to a vast range of applications.

Recommended for

  • Tech enthusiasts who like to explore and tinker with Linux-based systems.
  • Privacy-conscious users who prioritize data security over a mainstream app ecosystem.
  • Individuals seeking an alternative operating system with the ability to run some Android applications.
  • Users who appreciate gesture-based navigation and unique user interface designs.

iOS videos

iOS 13 Final Review! A Perfect Update

More videos:

  • Review - iOS 13.4 Released! Final Review
  • Review - iOS 14 Beta 1 Review!

Sailfish OS videos

Librem5 VS Sailfish OS

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to iOS and Sailfish OS)
Mobile OS
66 66%
34% 34
Operating Systems
70 70%
30% 30
Mobile SDK
0 0%
100% 100
Linux
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare iOS and Sailfish OS

iOS Reviews

Top 5 Mobile Operating Systems 2023 (Alternatives to Android)
So, if you want to have a state-of-the-art mobile OS and you do not care about the prices, iOS is for sure the best one for you. Let us now have a look upon some of the pros and cons of iOS-
Android Alternative: Top 12 Mobile Operating Systems
Not to mention, iOS is much more respectful of your privacy in comparison to Android. Recently, Apple added privacy report to the App Store where it displays all the user data the app is trying to collect. It also lets you request apps to disable tracking which is a great privacy feature to have. iOS is also simpler to use, although Google is working on Android to make it...
Source: beebom.com

Sailfish OS Reviews

Android Alternative: Top 12 Mobile Operating Systems
Sailfish OS has been one of the oldest alternatives to Android, competing and developing a mobile operating system since 2013. It is currently in its 4th generation and is being actively developed by a Finnish company Jolla Ltd. Sailfish OS has been built on top of Linux along with many other open-source projects. While it’s not built on Android, Sailfish OS can run Android...
Source: beebom.com
Open Source Mobile OS Alternatives To Android
When Nokia decided to ditch the MeeGo mobile OS project, few unsatisfied Nokia employees decided to keep MeeGo alive in the form of Sailfish OS. Their flagship product Jolla has met with moderate success, and has a dedicated fan following. MeeGo was supposed to be continued by Linux Foundation in the form of Tizen, but over the time Tizen evolved on its own and cannot be...
Source: itsfoss.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Sailfish OS seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 5 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

iOS mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of iOS yet. Tracking of iOS recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Sailfish OS mentions (5)

  • Sailfish Mobile OS
    > Jolla had to close From the best I can tell, Jolla is still an active company: https://jolla.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
  • Mercedes-Benz previews its operating system MB.OS
    Is this using Jolla's Android AppSupport? https://jolla.com/ I use a Sailfish OS phone and it works amazingly well. I know they have been pushing hard into the auto industry after pulling out of Russia because of the war. I would be very pleased if Mercedes is helping fund Jolla. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Jolla.com down?
    Anybody got any intel on why jolla.com is down? I purchased the Sailfish OS licence for Xperia 10 ii but the links to installing instructions are nowhere to be found. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • The Deceptive PR Behind Apple’s “Expanded Protections for Children”
    There was one but people wouldn't "put their money where their mouth is". The Jolla phone was made by ex-MeeGo/Maemo devs from Nokia, but nobody bought them. Now they're focusing on just the OS and they don't make any full fledged devices: https://jolla.com/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 4 years ago
  • On Apple's “Expanded Protections for Children” - A Personal Story
    Sailfish OS is mobile Linux and can run on smartphones. I didn't personally use it but the website claims to in on the Sony Xperia 10 II from 2020. It costs $50, though. https://jolla.com. - Source: Hacker News / almost 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing iOS and Sailfish OS, you can also consider the following products

Android - Android is an open source mobile operating system initially released by Google in 2008 and has since become of the most widely used operating systems on any platform.

Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a Debian Linux-based open source operating system for desktop computers.

Ubuntu Touch - Read more about Ubuntu Touch. Our free and open source mobile OS is made and maintained by UBports! We care about your freedom and privacy.

Windows 10 - Windows 10 unveils new innovations & is better than ever. Shop for Windows 10 laptops, PCs, tablets, apps & more. Learn about new upcoming features.

Mobian - Mobian, Debian for mobile devices

CentOS - CentOS is a community-supported, free and open source operating system based on Red Hat Enterprise...