List of the Top 5 IoT Operating Systems for Mac in 2025

Arm Mbed OS is a freely available operating system specifically designed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, equipping developers with the essential resources to create advanced IoT devices. This powerful operating system is optimized for smart and connected products that utilize Arm Cortex-M architecture, providing features like machine learning capabilities, secure connectivity options, an RTOS kernel, and drivers for a range of sensors and I/O devices. Tailored for the needs of the Internet of Things, Arm Mbed OS encompasses functionalities in connectivity, machine learning, networking, and security, along with an extensive library of software, development boards, tutorials, and real-world examples. It encourages collaboration within a broad ecosystem, supporting over 70 partners across various sectors, including silicon manufacturers, module developers, cloud service providers, and OEMs, thus broadening the options available for developers. By utilizing the Mbed OS API, developers can produce clean, portable, and easy-to-manage application code while also taking advantage of enhanced security, communication, and machine learning features. This integrated solution not only simplifies the development process but also significantly reduces costs, shortens development time, and mitigates risks. Moreover, Mbed OS facilitates innovation by allowing developers to quickly prototype and confidently deploy IoT solutions, ultimately driving technological advancement in the field. The comprehensive support provided by the Mbed community further enriches the development experience, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced developers alike.

Contiki-NG is an open-source operating system tailored for the emerging landscape of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, prioritizing dependable and secure low-power communication alongside standard protocols such as IPv6/6LoWPAN, 6TiSCH, RPL, and CoAP. The platform is supported by thorough documentation, practical tutorials, a defined roadmap, and a well-organized development process that encourages community contributions. By default, the source code for Contiki-NG is released under the 3-clause BSD license, allowing users the freedom to utilize and distribute the code in both binary and source formats, as long as the copyright notice is maintained. This licensing framework cultivates a collaborative atmosphere that inspires innovation and active participation in IoT advancements. Furthermore, Contiki-NG seeks to create a dynamic ecosystem for both developers and users, ensuring they have the tools needed to enhance and expand the existing frameworks. Ultimately, this commitment to community and collaboration positions Contiki-NG as a pivotal resource in the evolution of IoT technologies.

Raspberry Pi Imager provides an efficient and user-friendly way to install Raspberry Pi OS and a selection of other operating systems onto a microSD card, preparing it for use with your Raspberry Pi device. To get a clear sense of the installation steps, take a look at our concise video tutorial that lasts just 45 seconds. Start by downloading and installing Raspberry Pi Imager on a computer that has an SD card reader. After that, insert the microSD card that you plan to use for your Raspberry Pi into the reader and open Raspberry Pi Imager. Users have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of operating systems offered by both Raspberry Pi and various external sources, making it easy to download and install them as necessary. This utility simplifies the entire setup process, thereby improving your overall experience with Raspberry Pi. By utilizing Raspberry Pi Imager, even beginners can seamlessly transition into the world of Raspberry Pi without any complications.

At the heart of every embedded operating system is a kernel, which is essential for managing task scheduling and multitasking to meet the timing requirements of your application code, even as you continuously update and enhance this code with new features. In addition to its kernel, Micrium OS provides an array of additional modules that cater to the specific needs of your project. Notably, Micrium OS is fully free for use on Silicon Labs EFM32 and EFR32 devices, enabling you to seamlessly integrate Micrium’s high-quality components into your projects without any licensing fees. This open access fosters a culture of innovation and experimentation, allowing developers the freedom to concentrate on building reliable applications without the burden of financial limitations. Moreover, the comprehensive suite of tools offered by Micrium OS can significantly streamline the development process, empowering developers to bring their ideas to life more efficiently.

This system encompasses a wide array of devices, from fundamental embedded environmental sensors and LED wearables to sophisticated embedded controllers, smartwatches, and IoT wireless applications, featuring a configurable architecture that includes stack-overflow protection, permission tracking for kernel objects and device drivers, and enhanced thread isolation through thread-level memory protection across various architectures such as x86, ARC, and ARM, along with distinct userspace and memory domains. Additionally, for systems that do not have a Memory Management Unit (MMU) or Memory Protection Unit (MPU) and those constrained by limited memory, it facilitates the combination of application-specific code with a customized kernel to create a monolithic image that can be seamlessly loaded and executed on the hardware. Within this framework, both the application and kernel code function within a single address space, promoting efficient resource management and performance enhancements. Consequently, this architecture is adept at enabling even the most resource-limited environments to effectively utilize advanced applications and sophisticated functionalities, thereby broadening the scope of what can be achieved in embedded systems.