OPERATING SYSTEM

7 min readDec 16, 2022

An Operating system or OS is software installed on a computer’s hard drive that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. Without a computer operating system, a computer and software programs would be useless.

Examples of Operating systems:

Windows OS
Apple MacOS
Linux
Android
Apple IOS

In this blog we are going to discuss Apple iOS or iPhone Operating System

iOS or IPHONE OPERATING SYSTEM:

iOS is the Operating system for iPhones made by Apple Inc. It was first released as iPhone OS in June 2007. It was first called “iPhone OS” for the first 3 years (2007–2009) later on in 2010 the Operating system was renamed “iOS”.

HISTORY OF iOS VERSIONS:

Below you will find the history of each version of iOS with system and app features

iOS 1:

iOS is the first released of Apple’s mobile operating system. It initial version was released on June 29, 2007 and its final version 1.1.5 was released on July 15, 2008. Pre-installed apps included Calendar, Photos, Camera, Notes, Safari, Mail, Phone, and iPod (which was later split into the Music and Videos apps). Its key new features included Visual Voicemail, Multitouch interface, Safari browser and Music app

iOS 2:

It was released on July 11, 2008 and its final version 2.2.1 was released on January 27, 2009. Apple released iOS 2.0 (then called iPhone OS 2.0) to coincide with the release of the iPhone 3G. IOS 2 key new features are App Store and Improved Maps app.

iOS 3:

It was released on June 17, 2009 and its final version 3.2.2 was released on Aug. 11, 2010. IOS 3 introduced the spotlight and search indexing features that are designed to help the users to connect with specific information on their devices. IOS 3 key new features are Copy & Paste, Recording videos & Spotlight search.

iOS 4:

It was released on June 22, 2010 and its final version 4.3.5 was released on July 25, 2011. IOS 4 introduced folders on the home screen and increased the number of apps that can be displayed. Features that are now widely used debuted in various updates to this version, including FaceTime, multitasking, iBooks, organizing apps into folders, Personal Hotspot, AirPlay, and AirPrint.

iOS 5:

It was released on October 12, 2011 and its final version 5.1.1 was released on May 7, 2012. iOS 5, by introducing new features. Among those was iCloud, the ability to activate an iPhone wirelessly (previously it had required a connection to a computer), and syncing with iTunes via Wi-Fi. More features that are now central to the iOS experience debuted here, including iMessage and Notification Center.

iOS 6:

It was released on September 19, 2012 and its final version 6.1.6 was released on Feb 21, 2014. IOS 6 introduced the world to Siri. Apple introduced its own Maps app, which initially had problems due to bugs, bad directions, and problems with certain features. New features of this update included Apple Maps, Do Not Disturb and Passbook (now Wallet).

iOS 7:

It was released on September 18, 2013 and its final version 7.1.2 was released on June 30, 2014. IOS 7 was completely designed for User Interface. The system feature of this version are AirDrop, Touch ID, Activation Lock and CarPlay.

iOS 8:

It was released on Sept 17, 2014 and it s final version 8.4.1 was released on Aug 13, 2015. Apple once again focused on delivering major new features. Among these features was its secure, contactless payment system Apple Pay. Key features are Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud Drive, Handoff , Family Sharing, Third-party keyboards & HomeKit.

iOS 9:

It was released on Sept 16, 2015 and its final version 9.3.6 was released on July 22, 2019. This release was generally aimed at solidifying the foundation of the OS for the future. Major improvements were delivered in speed and responsiveness, stability, and performance on older devices. Key features are Night shift, Low power mode and Public beta program.

iOS 10:

It was released on Sept 13, 2016 and its final version 10.3.4 was released on July 22, 2017. The major themes of iOS 10 were interoperability and customization. Apps could now communicate directly with each other on a device, allowing one app to use some features from another without opening the second app. Siri became available to third-party apps in new ways. Key features are iMessage apps and Delete Built-in-apps.

iOS 11:

It was released on Sept 19, 2017 and its final version 11.4.1 was released on July 9, 2018. iOS 11 contains lots of improvements for the iPhone, but its major focus is turning the iPad Pro series models into legitimate laptop replacements for some users. Key new features are Augmented Reality, AirPlay 2 and Major enhancements on iPad.

iOS 12:

It was released on Sept 17, 2018 and its final version 12.5.6 was released on Aug 31, 2022. The new features and improvements added in iOS 12 aren’t as extensive or revolutionary Instead, iOS 12 focused more on making refinements to commonly used features. Some of the key features of iOS 12 included improvements to Siri like Siri Shortcuts, enhanced Augmented Reality with ARKit 2, and giving users and parents ways to monitor and control their device use with Screen Time.

iOS 13:

It was released on Sept 19, 2019 and its final version 13.7 was released in Sept 1, 2020. Perhaps the biggest change introduced with iOS 13 is that the OS no longer runs on the iPad. iOS 13 shores up some core features, including launching apps faster, unlocking devices with Face ID faster, and overhauling pre-installed apps like Reminders, Notes, Safari, and Mail. The most obvious new feature is the Dark Mode, and Portrait Lightning.

iOS 14:

It was released on Sept 17, 2020 and its final version 14.8.1 was released on Oct 26, 2021. iOS 14 is a collection of numerous small and medium-sized changes to the user interface, features, and overall ease of use that add up to making the experience of using an iPhone even better. The most notable changes are around customization, the addition of Home screen Widgets, the ability to choose default apps in some cases, improved privacy controls and picture in picture mode.

iOS 15:

It was released on Sept 24, 2021 and its latest version is 15.7.2 released on Dec 13, 2022. iOS 15 is more of a collection of improvements to the iPhone platform than it is a themed release. Some of the biggest steps forward are influenced by the recent remote-work trend. Features in that area include improvements to FaceTime audio, support for FaceTime conferencing on the web and Android, improvements to the Messages app, and more.

iOS 16:

It is the latest version of iOS. It was released on Sept 12, 2022 and its latest version is 16.2 released on Dec 13, 2022. iOS 16 will also allow an Apple Maps redesign and new features, such as cycling, look around, and multi-stop routing. The iOS upgrade also offers improvements to Spatial Audio that allow for personalization of audio on AirPods.

CONCLUSION:

Apple’s operating system is known for its security features, regular updates & security patches and support for older versions of devices. Apple’s ecosystem provides a interconnection of Apple devices wirelessly that let you sync messages, calls and files across devices.