iPhone Security: iOS System Lacks Traditional Antivirus Apps

Apps & Games / Mobile / iPhone Security: iOS System Lacks Traditional Antivirus Apps
13 Jun 2024

Apple’s iPhones are renowned for being some of the safest devices on the market, a reputation bolstered by the robust security features incorporated into its iOS system. A large group of Australians benefit from these features every day, enjoying a blend of convenience and security that is hard to match.

iOS Market Share in Australia

According to data portal Statista, iOS is the second most popular smartphone system in Australia, holding a market share of 47.1% compared to Android’s 52.9%. The data also reveals that iOS’s market share has grown steadily over the last decade, indicating a rising preference for Apple’s ecosystem among Australians.

Challenges to iPhone Security

While an iPhone’s in-built security can help keep your device secure from certain forms of malicious activity, threats like ransomware or phishing can still challenge its safety. This makes it crucial to have additional protection in the form of an antivirus. However, true antivirus apps for iPhones don’t exist. Unlike Windows and other operating systems, iOS sandboxes its apps, effectively isolating them from your sensitive data. This means traditional antiviruses, which require expansive system permissions to work, aren’t able to perform their normal functions such as in-depth scans.

Instead, major antivirus providers including Avast and McAfee have developed mobile security apps for iOS. These apps don’t function as traditional antiviruses; instead, they work more like VPNs, password managers, or safe browsers. To help you decide which of these apps is the best for you, Forbes Advisor put together a list of the best iPhone mobile security apps.

In summary, while iPhone security features are robust and the iOS system is designed to protect user data effectively, the landscape of digital threats continues to evolve. As such, it remains essential for users to stay informed and consider additional layers of protection to safeguard their devices and personal information.

Update: 13 Jun 2024