If you’ve used an iPhone or iPad, you’ve come across Apple’s mobile operating system, but you might not know what iOS stands for or even what it is.
What is Apple iOS?
Apple iOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple exclusively for its smartphones. It was unveiled in January 2007 for the first-generation iPhone, launched in June 2007.
iOS stands for iPhone operating system and is designed for use with Apple’s multitouch devices. The mobile OS supports input through direct manipulation and responds to various user gestures, such as pinching, tapping, and swiping. The iOS developer kit provides tools that allow for iOS app development.
iOS is based on macOS. Like macOS, it includes components of the Mach microkernel and FreeBSD. It is a Unix-like operating system. Although some parts of iOS are open source under the Apple Public Source License and other licenses, iOS is proprietary software.
What is the release history of iOS?
The major versions of iOS are released annually.
Release | Initial release date |
iPhone OS 1 | June 29, 2007 |
iPhone OS 2 | July 11, 2008 |
iPhone OS 3 | June 17, 2009 |
iOS 4 | June 21, 2010 |
iOS 5 | October 12, 2011 |
iOS 6 | September 19, 2012 |
iOS 7 | September 18, 2013 |
iOS 8 | September 17, 2014 |
iOS 9 | September 16, 2015 |
iOS 10 | September 13, 2016 |
iOS 11 | September 19, 2017 |
iOS 12 | September 17, 2018 |
iOS 13 | September 19, 2019 |
iOS 14 | September 16, 2020 |
iOS 15 | September 20, 2021 |
iOS 16 | September 12, 2022 |
iOS 17 | September 18, 2023 |
iOS 18 | September 2024 |
What is the latest version of iOS?
The latest version of iOS is iOS 17, it was released to the public on September 18, 2023. iOS 18 will be released in Apple’s 2024 Announced event on September.
What features does Apple iOS have?
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular connectivity, along with VPN support.
- Integrated search support, which enables simultaneous search through files, media, applications, and email.
- Gesture recognition supports — for example, shaking the device to undo the most recent action.
- Push email.
- Safari mobile browser.
- Integrated front- and rear-facing cameras with video capabilities.
- Direct access to the Apple App Store and the iTunes catalog of music, podcasts, television shows and movies available to rent or purchase. iOS is also designed to work with Apple TV.
- Compatibility with Apple’s cloud service, iCloud.
- Siri is Apple’s virtual assistant that can set reminders, offer suggestions or interact with certain third-party apps. Siri’s voice has been modified recently to make it sound more natural.
- Cross-platform communications between Apple devices through AirDrop.
- Support for Apple Watch runs on WatchOS 9, but requires an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16 or later.
- Apple Pay, which stores users’ credit card data and allows them to pay for goods and services directly with an iOS device.
- CarPlay allows users to interact with an iOS device while driving. CarPlay supports Siri voice controls, and users can access apps through a connected vehicle’s touchscreen. CarPlay provides access to maps, phone, calendar, messaging, and music apps.
- The HomePod feature allows Siri to identify family members by voice, giving everyone a personalized experience. HomePod’s handoff feature allows users to hand off music, podcasts and phone calls so that they can listen on another device.
- HomeKit allows iOS to be used as a tool for controlling home automation. HomeKit accessories include routers, lights, security cameras and more. The Home app allows you to control these devices from iOS.
How to Update iOS on iPhone?
Updating the iOS on your iPhone is a straightforward process. Here’s the guide:
Update via Settings
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to General > Software Update.
- Your iPhone will check for available updates. If an update is available, you’ll see a description of the update.
- Tap “Download and Install.“
- If prompted, enter your passcode.
- Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- The update will begin downloading. Once it’s finished, your iPhone will restart to complete the installation.
Automatic Updates
You can also enable automatic updates in Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. This will allow your iPhone to automatically download and install updates overnight when it’s connected to Wi-Fi and charging.