Smartphones are more than just phones. These modern-day marvels can carry out a whole range of functions besides phone calls. With a smartphone, you can surf the web, send and receive emails and texts, record video, take photos, watch movies and much more.   

Here is a glossary of some basic smartphone terms and their meanings.

• Operating system: The software that powers smartphones and other devices, such as tablets and PCs (personal computers). Examples of operating systems are iOS (iPhone), Android and Windows.
• Apple: The U.S. company that makes iPhones and iPads. iPhones run on the iOS operating system.
• Android: The operating system that most non-Apple smartphones run on. Common Android smartphone brands include Samsung, Google, Sony and Nokia.
• Apps (short for applications): Software programs on your smartphone that help you do certain tasks. There are apps for social media (like Facebook), banking, games, the latest news or to access an account like the BCBSIL App. While on your phone, download apps from the Apple App Store  (if you have an iPhone) or from the Google Play Store  (if you have an Android phone).
• Hyperlink: A hyperlink is a quick shortcut that takes you to a specific webpage or document when you click or tap on it. It usually appears underlined in an article. (See the blue links above for examples. Click on them to see where they take you.)
• Mobile data: How your phone connects to the internet when you’re on the go. You buy a certain amount of mobile data per month from your phone carrier.
• Wi-Fi: How your phone connects to the internet when you’re at home or somewhere you regularly visit and have signed into their Wi-Fi. You want to be connected to Wi-Fi when possible. This will help limit your mobile data usage.
• Bluetooth: A technology that creates a local wireless connection. It allows smartphone users to exchange data over short distances. You can link your phone to wireless headphones using Bluetooth.

For more details on how to use your smartphone, you can find free informational classes and resources at Senior Planet from AARP.  

Sources: Smartphone Basics Explained for Seniors & Beginners,  Green Smartphones, 2023; A layman’s guide to mobile phone jargon,  USwitch, 2024.

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