WhAT IS iOS: Versions & What You Should Know

What is iOS
Image Credit: History-Computer

Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. With the introduction of numerous mobile operating systems, Apple Inc. isn’t left out, because it currently powers many of its mobile devices with many iPhone Operating System versions. Incredible, huh? But do you know what iOS is? This article, however, covers everything you need to know iOS; all the versions, such as 15, 16 (the latest version), Swift, and many more. Therefore, keep reading to learn more!

What Is iOS?

iOS is a mobile operating system created and developed by Apple Inc. It is an operating system that powers many of the company’s mobile devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. It was released to the public as iPhone OS on July 29, 2007, and has since been subject to several significant updates, as well as the second most popular mobile operating system in the world, after Android.

What Apple Inc does: they release new versions once every year, like iOS 15 comes before the latest version 16, which has a unique swift. This mobile operating system is proprietary, meaning it can only be used on devices manufactured by Apple. 

Furthermore, iOS is known for its user-friendly interface and its wide range of features. Some of the most popular features include its Siri voice assistant, its support for Apple Pay, and its wide selection of apps and games.

What Is The Full Form Of iOS? 

The full form of iOS is: iPhone Operating System. It is the operating system that presently runs on Apple devices.

How Does iOS Work? 

iOS works on Apple’s multi touch devices. The mobile OS allows direct control input and reacts to many user gestures, including pinching, tapping, and swiping. Then, its developer kit offers resources for creating iPhone apps.

Meanwhile, iOS is based on the Darwin operating system and the Mach kernel. It uses various open-source components. It is a proprietary operating system not available for licensing by other companies. 

In other words, Apple controls all aspects of the operating ecosystem, including the App Store, the only place to get iOS apps. The application is a very stable and user-friendly operating system. It is easy to use and has a lot of features. One of the best things about this application is that it is constantly being updated with new features and security improvements.

The Different Versions Of iPhone Operating System

iPhone Operating System was originally released on June 29, 2007, with the release of the iPhone. Since then, Apple has released a new major version approximately once every year. The latest version release is iOS 16.

Consequently, there are 16 versions of iOS because the operating system is constantly being updated with new features. Below is a list of all 16 versions of iOS, including their release date:

#1. iOS 1 – June 29, 2007

This is the first release of Apple’s mobile operating system. It was released on June 29, 2007, with the original iPhone. This operating system is a major release for Apple, introducing a new mobile operating system. It features a new user interface, new applications, and support for the first-generation iPhone.

#2. iOS 2 – July 11, 2008

iOS 2 is the first iPhone Operating System release to support third-party applications via the App Store. Its new features are support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, Push email, contacts, and calendars, as well as new features for the Safari web browser and the iPod Touch music player.

#3. iOS 3 – June 17, 2009

iPhone Operating 3 is the first major release exclusively under the “iPhone OS” moniker. It introduces support for third-party applications via the App Store, as well as the ability to wirelessly sync data with iTunes. In addition, it has features such as copy-and-paste, MMS support, and push email. It is the first version on iPad.

#4. iOS 4 – June 21, 2010

The fourth version introduces numerous new features, the most notable is the introduction of multitasking, folders, Game Center, AirPrint, AirPlay, and retina display support.

  • Multitasking allows users to run multiple applications simultaneously, while folders allow users to group related applications. 
  • Game Center was Apple’s new gaming-related social network, while AirPrint allows users to print documents wirelessly from their devices. 
  • AirPlay supports wireless stream audio and video content to compatible devices. And then retina display is for sharper text and images on compatible devices.

#5. iOS 5 – October 12, 2011

iPhone Operating System 5 introduces many new features and improvements, among them is the addition of Siri, a voice assistant capable of answering questions and performing various actions on the user’s behalf. Other notable new features include a redesigned Notification Center, support for iCloud, and a new messaging service called iMessage.

#6. iOS 6 – September 19, 2012

iOS 6 has features including an updated version of Safari, support for FaceTime video calling over cellular networks, and integration with Facebook. Other new features include Passbook, Shared Photo Streams, and improved support for the Chinese market.

#7. iOS 7 – September 18, 2013

iOS 7 has a completely redesigned user interface, a design many critics praised for its minimalism and flatness. New features of the operating system include AirDrop, Control Center, and Notification Center. It has support for 64-bit processors and is the first mobile operating system to do so.

#8. iOS 8 – September 17, 2014

This version supports third-party keyboards, new Messages, and Photos features, and a new Health app. It also has updates to the operating system’s design and functionality.

#9. iOS 9 – September 16, 2015

iOS 9 is the next version that incorporates many features that were first introduced in iOS 8, such as support for third-party keyboards, but also includes new features such as Proactive Assistant, transit directions in Maps, and a News app. 

#10. iOS 10 – September 13, 2016

It includes new features such as a redesigned Lock screen, a new Messages app, and a new Photos app. It also adds improvements to existing features, such as Siri and Apple Pay.

#11. iOS 11 – September 19, 2017

iOS 11 introduces a new app drawer in iMessage so that users can easily find and use stickers and emojis. It also introduces a new Files app, which provides a central place for users to access and manage their files. Additionally, it introduces support for ARKit, which allows developers to create augmented reality apps and games.

#12. iOS 12 – September 17, 2018

iOS 12 introduces new features including Memoji, Siri Shortcuts, Group Notifications, Screen Time, and improvements to the Camera and Photos apps. It is a free update for all users with compatible devices. To install iOS 12: go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the prompts. It is compatible with the iPhone 5s and later, the iPad mini 2 and later, the iPad Air and later, all iPad Pro models, and the sixth-generation iPod touch.

#13. iOS 13 – September 19, 2019

iOS 13 introduces many new features and improvements, including a dark mode, a new Photos app, a new Maps app, and more. It is a significant update that helps make several changes.

The most notable change is the dark mode, which users can activate on Settings > Display & Brightness. Furthermore, this 13 version introduces a new Photos app, which includes many new editing features, and a new Maps app, which offers improved navigation and search.

#14. iOS 14 – September 17, 2020

iPhone Operating System 14 introduces some new features and changes, including a redesigned home screen with widgets, a new App Library, Picture in Picture mode, and support for the Siri Shortcuts app. It also includes significant changes to many of Apple’s built-in apps, such as Safari, Messages, and Maps.

#15. iOS 15 – September 24, 2021

iOS 15 is the fifteenth major release of the mobile operating system and the successor to the 14 version. It includes many new features and improvements, such as a redesigned Notification Center, new widgets, an updated Siri interface, and more. In addition, the15 version is compatible with all devices that are compatible with the 14, except the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus.

#16. iOS 16 – September 12, 2022 

Many keep asking what iPhone Operating System 16 is like. Presently,  the 16 is the latest version of Apple Inc mobile operating system. It enhances the iPhone with all‑new personalization features, deeper intelligence, and seamless communication and sharing.

What Is iOS Swift?

iOS swift is a powerful and intuitive programming language developed by Apple Inc. It enables developers to create applications for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Additionally, swift is easy to use and open source, so anyone with an idea can create something incredible.

Do All iPhones Use iOS?

Yes, all iPhones use iPhone Operating System.

How Can I Download iOS On My Phone?

You can download iPhone Operating System on your phone by going to the App Store and searching for the update. Once you find the update, tap on it and then tap on the Download button. The update will then start downloading onto your phone. After that, you can install it by going to Settings > General > Software Update and then tapping “Install Now”.

How Can I Install iOS On My Phone? 

You can install iPhone Operating System on your phone by downloading the software and then connecting your phone to your computer. After downloading, open iTunes and select your phone from the list of devices and click on the “Summary” tab. Then, click on the “Check for Update” button and click on the “Install” button and then follow the prompts to complete the installation.

What Is An Example Of An iOS? 

An example of iPhone Operating System is the iPhone.

Is iPhone An iOS Or Android? 

iPhone is an iPhone Operating System device.

Where Is iOS On iPhone? 

You can go to Settings > General > About. This will show you the version of iPhone Operating System your iPhone is running.

Final Thoughts

iPhone Operating System is a powerful and popular mobile operating system that offers a great user experience and a wide range of features. If you are thinking of buying an iPhone or iPod Touch, then you should consider Apple’s iPhone Operating System as your mobile operating system of choice.

Reference

Macworld

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