Quick Answer
The New York Times Mini crossword clue “What Apple smartphones run on” has the answer “IOS”, which is a 3-letter Down entry.
Clue: “What Apple smartphones run on”
Answer: IOS
Length: 3 letters
Clue number and direction: 5-Down
In the grid, you simply enter IOS.
Why IOS Is the Right NYT Answer
- Apple’s iPhone (and other mobile devices) run on iOS, Apple’s proprietary mobile operating system.
- Crossword solver and answer pages for the February 2, 2026 NYT Mini all list IOS as the 3-letter solution for this clue.
- The clue explicitly mentions “Apple smartphones,” which narrows it to iPhones, and there’s no other three-letter OS associated with them, so IOS is the only clean fit.
What IOS Means in Plain English
- iOS is the software platform (operating system) that powers Apple’s iPhones and, historically, other mobile devices like the iPod Touch and early iPads.
- It manages everything from the home screen and apps to system settings, security, and connectivity.
- In tech shorthand and in crosswords, the name is written as IOS—the capitalization doesn’t matter in a puzzle; what matters is the three-letter string.
Crossword-Specific Help: Pattern, Crossings, and Recurrence
- IOS is a very common modern crossword entry, especially in NYT and tech-aware puzzles, clued as “Apple mobile OS,” “iPhone software,” or exactly “What Apple smartphones run on.”
- In the February 2, 2026 Mini, crosses from entries like INARUT, CURIO, and SUFFIX give you the I and O quickly, so the full IOS becomes obvious.
- You might also see related clues like “Android alternative” or “Mobile OS for iPhone,” which likewise resolve to IOS.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- Any clue referencing iPhones, Apple smartphones, or Apple’s mobile OS is very likely aiming for IOS if the slot is three letters.
- When you see “run on” in a tech clue, think of operating systems (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Android, etc.) and match by length.
If your pattern looks like I _ S with Apple in the clue, filling in IOS is usually safe; crossings will lock it in.
More NYT Mini Crossword Answers for February 02, 2026
| Clue | Answer | |
| 1A | Rock band with albums like “High Voltage” and “Flick of the Switch” | View Answer |
| 5A | Stuck doing the same old, same old | View Answer |
| 7A | Burning up? | View Answer |
| 8A | -tion, for one | View Answer |
| 9A | Jared of 2025’s “Tron: Ares” | View Answer |
| 1D | Declare void, as a marriage | View Answer |
| 2D | ___ macchiato (espresso drink) | View Answer |
| 3D | Begin to veer off the road, say | View Answer |
| 4D | Odd little trinket | View Answer |
| 5D | What Apple smartphones run on | View Answer |
