What operating system powers most Samsung smartphones?

Android powers most Samsung smartphones. Samsung's Galaxy phone family has used Android as its main smartphone operating system since the original Galaxy devices appeared in 2009.

Android is developed by Google and is based on the Linux kernel. Samsung adds its own interface and services on top of Android, now commonly known as One UI. That customization changes the look and adds features, but the underlying mobile platform remains Android.

A common mix-up is Tizen, another operating system used by Samsung in products such as some smartwatches and older smartphones. Samsung has also made Windows laptops and ChromeOS devices, but those are not its mainstream Galaxy phones. Apple's iOS is exclusive to Apple hardware, so it does not run on Samsung smartphones.

Samsung's Galaxy range includes flagship Galaxy S models, foldable Galaxy Z phones, and more affordable Galaxy A, M, and F models. Despite their different prices and features, these smartphone lines are overwhelmingly Android-based.