Why don’t Apple Mac computers get viruses?

Macs can get viruses, but there are a few factors that ensure it’s a rare occurrence. The operating system run by a computer is what gets the virus. Windows is the most common OS, with an estimated 90% of people using it. As more people have exposure to Windows, any malware (malicious software such as a virus) written for Windows will affect more people. Macs also use a Unix-based system, which means that users have less privileges to install software. Recent Mac operating systems update daily with a list of recognised malware, which means that if a malicious site is visited that tries to install malware, the user will be notified. It’s thought to be impossible to get a virus on an iPhone or iPad, because they only accept software approved by Apple. Happy computing!

Answered by David Houston.