ELI5. Why can’t phones get viruses from websites that normal computers do? And why don’t computers use whatever technology the phones operating systems use?

Question

ELI5. Why can’t phones get viruses from websites that normal computers do? And why don’t computers use whatever technology the phones operating systems use?

In: Technology

Answer 1

Phones are very locked down. You can only install apps from specific sources, and apps have very limited access to change the phone.

Computers are very open. You can install apps from anywhere, and apps can do a lot.

If your phone was very open, you could get viruses on it. If your computer was locked down, you would be much more restricted.