iOS is on the coronary heart of the iPhone expertise. It’s the working system on which every thing else sits, whereas additionally delivering loads of options and devoted apps constructed by Apple itself. Should you’ve ever puzzled about when variations got here out, how one can test the one you’re presently utilizing, or the right way to replace to the most recent iteration, we have now the solutions. Right here’s our whistlestop tour of iOS.
You probably have comparable questions on macOS, you possibly can learn our complete information to Mac OS X and macOS.
Historical past of iOS
iOS made its debut in June 2007 alongside the primary iPhone. Though, when Steve Jobs held the little system aloft revealing it to the world for the primary time, it wasn’t working iOS 1. As a substitute, it was reported by Apple to be powered by OS X, the software program for the Mac. Over time it was known as iPhone OS, till lastly gaining its now legendary title within the fourth technology of the software program when it was shortened to iOS.
Vital milestones are scattered throughout the iOS timeline, with the primary being the introduction of the App Retailer in iPhone OS 2 (iOS 2). iOS 4 noticed the iPad becoming a member of the scene and utilizing the working system alongside the iPhone.
iOS 5 was launched together with the iPhone 4S, which noticed the debut of Siri as a built-in a part of the working system. Sadly, this was the final model of the software program to be launched when Apple CEO and Founder Steve Jobs was nonetheless alive.
Apple
Issues modified considerably in iOS 11 because it introduced the primary contact and gesture interface, permitting the iPhone X to seem with out the Dwelling button that had include each iPhone up till that time.
One other main shift was with iOS 13, because it marked the bifurcation of Apple’s cell working programs, with iPhones staying on iOS however the newly introduced iPadOS powering the brand new iPads. This is able to proceed by way of to the current day, though the model numbers have stayed in sync, with the most recent ones being iOS 16 and iPadOS 16.
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 are the subsequent anticipated variations of the software program, and we stay up for getting a preview of what Apple has to supply when WWDC 2023 comes round in June.
Checklist of iOS variations and present variations
Right here’s a breakdown of all of the variations of iOS which have been launched, together with the final updates they acquired.
- iOS 1 (known as iPhone OS 1) – Launched June 29, 2007 (Newest 1.1.5 July 15, 2008)
- iOS 2 (known as iPhone OS 2) – Launched July 11, 2008 (Newest 2.2.1 January 27, 2009)
- iOS 3 (known as iPhone OS 3) – Launched June 17, 2009 (Newest 3.2.2 August 11, 2010)
- iOS 4 – Launched June 22, 2010 (Newest 4.3.5 July 25, 2011)
- iOS 5 – Launched October 12, 2011 (Newest 5.1.1 Could 7, 2012)
- iOS 6 – Launched September 19, 2012 (Newest 6.1.6 February 21, 2014)
- iOS 7 – Launched September 18, 2013 (Newest 7.1.2 June 30, 2014)
- iOS 8 – Launched September 17, 2014 (Newest 8.4.1 August 13, 2015)
- iOS 9 – Launched September 16, 2015 (Newest 9.3.6 July 22, 2019)
- iOS 10 – Launched September 13, 2016 (Newest 10.3.4 July 22, 2019)
- iOS 11 – Launched September 19, 2017 (Newest 11.4.1 July 9, 2018)
- iOS 12 – Launched September 17, 2018 (Newest 12.5.7 January 23, 2023)
- iOS 13 – Launched September 19, 2019 (Newest 13.7 September 1, 2020)
- iOS 14 – Launched September 17, 2020 (Newest 14.8 September 13, 2021)
- iOS 15 – Launched September 24, 2021 (Newest 15.7.4 March 27, 2023)
- iOS 16 – Launched September 12, 2022 (Newest 16.4 March 27 2023)
Checklist of iPadOS variations
Whereas iOS was the preliminary working system for iPad, this modified with the discharge of iPadOS 13 in 2019. Since then, iPads have had their very own platform, enabling Apple to higher harness the facility of its bigger gadgets. Right here’s the brief launch historical past of iPadOS:
- iPadOS 13 – Launched September 24, 2019 (Newest 13.7 September 1, 2020)
- iPadOS 14 – Launched September 16, 2020 (Newest 14.8.1 October 26, 2021 )
- iPadOS 15 – Launched September 20, 2021 (Newest 15.7.3 January 23, 2023)
- iPadOS 16 – Launched October 24, 2022 (Newest 16.3.1 February 13, 2023)
Which iOS variations are presently supported?
When it comes to new options, solely iOS 16 is presently supported by Apple. For these with older variations although, Apple does assist the three most up-to-date variations of its working programs with safety updates. In reality when mandatory Apple will go additional again–for instance, in January 2023 there was a safety replace for iOS 12. iOS 14 can run on the identical iPhones as iOS 13 so safety updates are maybe much less mandatory.
This implies you’ll nonetheless obtain safety updates to maintain your programs protected from bugs or vulnerabilities even when your iPhone can’t run the most recent model of iOS. Apple has completed an excellent job of constructing the newer iOS variations suitable with iPhones from older generations, therefore the flexibility to supply improve paths somewhat than having to proceed supporting a number of variations.
iOS 12 is due to this fact the present protected harbour for extra senior iPhones, with the working system prolonging the lives of gadgets way back to the iPhone 5S which was launched in September 2013. Nonetheless, we anticipate that Apple is not going to assist iOS 12 for for much longer. See: How lengthy does Apple assist iPhones?
Easy methods to inform which model of iOS your iPhone is working
Should you’re undecided which model of iOS you’re presently utilizing, it’s very straightforward to seek out out. Simply go to Settings > Normal > About and search for the iOS Model quantity. It’s the identical steps for iPadOS.
Foundry
Easy methods to set up the most recent model of iOS
Updating your iPhone to the most recent model of iOS is straightforward, as long as your system is suitable. This doesn’t require a lot detective work although, as your iPhone will know whether or not it’s eligible for the improve or not.
To seek out out, go to Settings > Normal > Software program Replace and your iPhone will test to see if there are any obtainable. You might also see a notification on the Settings web page that claims ‘Software program Replace Out there’, which you’ll click on to go straight to the replace web page. iPadOS works the identical method.
Foundry
If there aren’t any updates, you’ll see a message alongside the traces of ‘iOS is updated’. Ought to there be one obtainable, it ought to let you know on the display screen and provide the choice to ‘Obtain and Set up’. Do that and your iPhone will mechanically apply the replace and convey your software program to the most recent model.
You may as well learn our the right way to replace iOS on iPhone tutorial for extra particulars.
So, there it’s. A potted historical past of iOS. Little doubt there’s loads of pleasure within the years forward and you’ll see what we expect Apple would possibly carry to the desk by studying iOS 17: each new function we hope to see unveiled at WWDC.
Wish to learn about all of the variations of macOS? Learn: Mac OS X and macOS: Each model launched thus far.
