iOS is on the coronary heart of the iPhone expertise. It’s the working system on which all the things else sits, whereas additionally delivering loads of options and devoted apps constructed by Apple itself. In case you’ve ever puzzled about when variations got here out, how one can examine the one you’re at the moment utilizing, or learn how to replace to the most recent iteration, we have now the solutions. Right here’s our whistlestop tour of iOS together with particulars of iOS 18, the upcoming model of iOS launching in September 2024.
iOS model historical past
iOS made its debut in 2007 alongside the primary iPhone. Nevertheless, when Steve Jobs held the little gadget 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 technology of the software program when it was shortened to iOS in 2010.
Vital 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 with out a Residence button–the iPhone X.
One other main shift was with iOS 13 in 2019, because it marked the bifurcation of Apple’s cellular working programs, with iPhones staying on iOS however the newly introduced iPadOS powering the brand new iPads. This might 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 most recent variations of the software program and launched in September 2023. You may set up iOS 17 and get iPadOS 17 now.
Coming in September 2024 are iOS 18 and iPadOS 18.
Checklist of iOS variations and newest variations
Right here’s a breakdown of all of the variations of iOS which have been launched, once they have been launched, once they have been final up to date, and the most recent 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 Might 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 iOS 15.8.2 March 5, 2024)
- iOS 16 – Launched September 12, 2022 (Newest iOS 16.7.8 Might 13, 2024)
- iOS 17 – Launched September 18, 2023 (Newest iOS 17.5.1 Might 20, 2024)
- iOS 18 – Coming September 2024
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 quick 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 15.8.2 March 5, 2024)
- iPadOS 16 – Launched October 24, 2022 (Newest 16.7.8 Might 13, 2024)
- iPadOS 17 – Launched September 18, 2023 (Newest 17.5.1 Might 20, 2024)
- iPadOS 18 – Coming September 2024
Additionally see: How lengthy does Apple help iPads?
Which iOS variations are at the moment supported?
When it comes to new options, solely iOS 17 is at the moment supported by Apple (with iOS 18 coming later in 2024). For these with iPhones that solely run older variations of iOS, Apple helps iOS 16 and iOS 15 with safety updates. Nevertheless, when iOS 18 arrives it’s possible that Apple will cease help of iOS 15 – leaving the iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhones 7 and seven Plus unsupported. Assist for iOS 16 and the iPhones 8 and eight Plus is more likely to proceed for one more 12 months.
iOS 14 and iOS 13 are thought of 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 concern one other. Subsequently the iPhones 6, 6 Plus and 5S, and a few iPads are now not supported as they solely run iOS 12. Fortunately, many iPhones are in a position to run supported variations of iOS. See: How lengthy does Apple help iPhones?
We run by way of which iPhone helps which model of iOS in a separate article: iOS compatibility: Discover out the most recent model your iPhone can run.
How one can inform which model of iOS your iPhone is working
In case you’re unsure which model of iOS you’re at the moment utilizing, it’s very simple to search out out. Simply go to Settings > Basic > About and search for the iOS Model quantity. It’s the identical steps for iPadOS.
How one can set up the most recent model of iOS
Updating your iPhone to the most recent model of iOS is straightforward, as long as your gadget 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 search out out, go to Settings > Basic > Software program Replace, and your iPhone will examine to see if there are any out there. You might also see a notification on the Settings web page that claims ‘Software Update Available’, which you’ll click on to go straight to the replace web page. iPadOS works the identical manner.
If there are not any updates, you’ll see a message alongside the strains of ‘iOS is up to date’. Ought to there be one out there, it ought to let you know on the display screen and provide the choice to ‘Download and Install’. Do that and your iPhone will routinely apply the replace and convey your software program to the most recent model.
You can too learn our tutorial on learn how to replace iOS on iPhone for extra particulars.
So, there it’s. A potted historical past of iOS. Need to learn about all of the variations of macOS? Learn: Mac OS X and macOS: Each model launched to date. You can too discover out what the most recent model of macOS is.