iOS is on the coronary heart of the iPhone expertise. It’s the working system on which all the pieces else sits, whereas additionally delivering loads of options and devoted apps constructed by Apple itself. When you’ve ever puzzled about when variations got here out, how one can verify the one you’re at present utilizing, or replace to the newest iteration, we now have the solutions. Right here’s our whistlestop tour of iOS.
iOS model historical past
iOS made its debut in 2007 alongside the primary iPhone. Nonetheless, when Steve Jobs held the little machine 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 referred to as iPhone OS, till lastly gaining its now legendary identify within the fourth era of the software program when it was shortened to iOS in 2010.
Important milestones are scattered throughout the iOS timeline, with the primary being the introduction of the App Retailer in iPhone OS 2 in 2008. 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 in 2011, 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 in 2017 because it introduced the primary contact and gesture interface, permitting the primary iPhone and not using a Residence button–the iPhone X.
One other main shift was with iOS 13 in 2019, 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 could proceed by means of to the current day, though the model numbers have stayed in sync, with the newest ones being iOS 16 and iPadOS 16.
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 are the newest variations of the software program. You may set up iOS 17 and get iPadOS 17 now.
Checklist of iOS variations and newest variations
Right here’s a breakdown of all of the variations of iOS which have been launched, after they have been launched, after they have been final up to date, and the newest iOS model.
- iPhone OS 1 – Launched June 29, 2007 (Newest 1.1.5 July 15, 2008)
- iPhone OS 2 – Launched July 11, 2008 (Newest 2.2.1 January 27, 2009)
- 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 14.8.1 October 26, 2021)
- iOS 15 – Launched September 24, 2021 (Newest 15.7.9 September 11, 2023)
- iOS 16 – Launched September 12, 2022 (Newest iOS 16.6.1 September 7, 2023)
- iOS 17 – Launched September 18, 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 ability of its bigger units. Right here’s the brief launch historical past of iPadOS:
- iOS 12 – Launched September 17, 2018 (Newest 12.5.7 January 23, 2023)
- 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 15.7.9 September 11, 2023)
- iPadOS 16 – Launched October 24, 2022 (Newest 16.6.1 September 7, 2023)
- iPadOS 17 – Launched September 18, 2023.
Additionally see: How lengthy does Apple assist iPads?
Which iOS variations are at present supported?
By way of new options, solely iOS 17 is at present supported by Apple. For these with iPhones that solely run older variations of iOS although, Apple does nonetheless assist iOS 16, and presumably iOS 15, with safety updates. It’s seemingly that Apple will proceed to assist iOS 15 for the iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhones 7 and seven Plus, and iOS 16 for the iPhones 8 and eight Plus.
iOS 14 and iOS 13 are thought-about out of date by Apple as a result of the identical telephones that may run these working programs can run iOS 15. In January 2023 Apple issued a safety replace for iOS 12, however it’s unlikely to difficulty one other. The iPhones 6, 6 Plus and 5S, and a few iPads, will seemingly be not noted within the chilly as they solely assist iOS 12. Fortunately, many iPhones are capable of run supported variations of iOS. See: How lengthy does Apple assist iPhones?
We run by means of which iPhone helps which model of iOS in a separate article: iOS compatibility: Discover out the newest model your iPhone can run.
The best way to inform which model of iOS your iPhone is working
When you’re unsure which model of iOS you’re at present utilizing, it’s very straightforward to seek out out. Simply go to Settings > Basic > About and search for the iOS Model quantity. It’s the identical steps for iPadOS.
Foundry
The best way to set up the newest model of iOS
Updating your iPhone to the newest model of iOS is straightforward, as long as your machine is appropriate. 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 > Basic > Software program Replace, and your iPhone will verify to see if there are any accessible. You might also see a notification on the Settings web page that claims ‘Software program Replace Out there’, which you’ll be able to click on to go straight to the replace web page. iPadOS works the identical manner.
Foundry
If there are not any updates, you’ll see a message alongside the strains of ‘iOS is updated’. Ought to there be one accessible, it ought to inform you on the display screen and provide the choice to ‘Obtain and Set up’. Do that and your iPhone will robotically apply the replace and convey your software program to the newest model.
You can too learn our tutorial on replace iOS on iPhone for extra particulars.
So, there it’s. A potted historical past of iOS. Need to find out about all of the variations of macOS? Learn: Mac OS X and macOS: Each model launched thus far.