iPhone OS 1 to iOS 16 – A Brief History of iPhone Software

Apple’s iOS operating system has come a long way since its first release in 2007. Over the years, each new version has brought revolutionary features and improvements. From the introduction of the App Store in iPhone OS 2 to the addition of 5G connectivity in iOS 14, the history of iOS is full of great stories.

In this editorial, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and look at Apple’s versions of iOS, from the first ever iPhone OS to the latest iOS 16. We’ll delve into the key features and improvements each version brings, highlighting important milestones in the evolution of the iOS operating system.

iOS 16 – September 12, 2022

iOS 16 was announced at the WWDC event in June 2022 and released in September 2022.

The most notable update in iOS 16 is the supported Dynamic Island features for iPhone 14 Pro models. This made the new notch design more fun by displaying animated notifications and offering controls around the camera.

In addition, “Crash Detection”, “Always On Display”, “Satellite SOS Emergency Call”, etc. are iPhone 14 series exclusive features supported by iOS 16.

Key features of iOS 16:

• Customizable lock screen
• Live events
• Improved focus filters
• New messaging features
• Redesigned Apple Maps.
• Apple Pay later
• Apple Order Tracking
• Shared iCloud Photo Library
• Live lyrics on video
• Access keys
• Security check function
• Spatial Sound Improvements
• Voice isolation in phone calls
• Advanced data protection for iCloud
• Apple Music Sing Karaoke

iOS 15 – September 24, 2021

Unlike iOS 16, the iOS 15 update focused more on software bug fixes, system improvements, and built-in app feature enhancements.

In addition, the pandemic era has affected feature updates. Apple has been working to improve security and privacy, prevent ad tracking, and improve Siri, Camera, FaceTime, Messages, and more.

As of this writing, iOS 15 is supported on iPhone 6S series and later and iPod touch 7 Gen.

Key features of iOS 15:

• New FaceTime features – spatial audio, SharePlay, FaceTime Link, microphone modes, portrait modes, and more.
• iMessage Share with you
• Improved focus filters with notification summary, your status alert, and more.
• Live Text and Memory features in the Photos app
• Advanced Search Spotlight
• App privacy report
• Mail privacy protection
• Siri on the device
• Digital Heritage Program
• Updated design of Safari tabs.
• detailed maps
• Improved Health & Wallet App

iOS 14 – September 17, 2020

The iOS 14 version lists similar system improvements very similar to iOS 15. There were no significant changes. Apple has added several improvements such as privacy controls, home screen widgets, customization options, etc.

Key features of iOS 14:

• Home Screen Widgets
• Application Library
• Improved call notifications
• Picture in picture mode
• Redesigned Siri
• Translation, password monitoring and website privacy report in Safari
• Pinned conversations and improved group text messaging in Messages
• New styles and Memoji stickers
• Bicycle routes and electric vehicle routing in Maps
• Translate application
• Application Clips

iOS 13 – September 19, 2019

Prior to iOS 13, the iPad also ran iOS. But Apple has taken a big step by introducing a new iPadOS to make the iPad more productive and possibly replace a laptop. Since then, iOS and iPad have always been released at the same time.

The most notable new feature is the dark mode. In addition, iOS 13 brings improvements to key features such as faster app launches, Face ID, Portrait Lightning, redesigned pre-installed apps, and more.

Key features of iOS 13:

• System-wide dark mode
• 30% faster Face ID unlock
• Updated Apple Maps
• Smart home kit
• Sign in with an Apple user account
• New privacy and security options
• Portrait lighting effects
• New, improved Siri voice
• System apps such as Photos, Mail, Reminders and Notes have been redesigned.

iOS 12 – September 17, 2018

Version 12 of the iPhone software had only a few new additions. First of all, it has improved regularly used features to provide a better user experience. Apple introduced Siri Shortcuts, ARKit 2, screen time tracking, etc.

Key features of iOS 12:

• Grouped notifications
• screen time
• ARKit 2 for enhanced augmented reality
• Siri improvements
• Reminders

iOS 11 – September 19, 2017

iOS 11 introduces special features to support iPod touch, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.

So its core features included more iPad-specific features like split screen apps, drag and drop features, a file viewer app, and Apple Pencil handwriting support, etc.

Key features of iOS 11:

• iPad features
• Airplay 2
• Support for augmented reality

iOS 10 – September 13, 2016

The release of iOS 10 marked a watershed moment for the Apple ecosystem. It offered several APIs for integrating third-party solutions into system applications. Thus, the iPhone received a compatibility boost and customization of the user interface and applications. Also, Siri has become more accessible to third-party applications. The best part is that Apple has allowed users to uninstall built-in apps.

Key features of iOS 10:

• Built-in iMessage apps
• Remove built-in apps
• Split the Control Center into multiple panels
• Siri integration with third-party apps
• Smart Keyboard QuickType
• 3D touch widgets

iOS 9 – September 16, 2015

iOS 9 prioritized building a solid operating system foundation to improve the speed, responsiveness, stability, and performance of older devices. After significant changes in the design and technology base of iOS, users began to feel that iOS was no longer as reliable, trustworthy and competent as it used to be.

So, Apple decided to work on solidifying the foundation of the OS rather than introducing new features, laying the groundwork for bigger improvements in the next iOS updates. To gain public reaction and acceptance, iOS received a public beta testing feature. So before the actual release of the upcoming iOS version update, people can try it out.

Key features of iOS 9:

• Night shift
• Low Power Mode
• Public beta program

iOS 8 – September 17, 2014

In the history of iOS, iOS 8 was a significant update as it introduced a contactless payment system called Apple Pay and an Apple Music subscription service. In addition, iCloud features have been improved for a more reliable and stable experience. The most useful feature presented was the Handoff function for seamless switching between Apple devices.

Apple introduced iCloud Drive, similar to Dropbox, with the addition of iCloud Picture Library and iCloud Music Library. To save on subscription fees, Apple has introduced Family Sharing to enjoy content individually with a single subscription. In addition, HealthKit and HomeKit features are focused on the daily life of users.

Main features of iOS 8:

• Apple Music
• Apple Pay
• iCloud Drive
• Transfer
• family exchange
• Offers in the spotlight
• QuickType on the keyboard
• HomeKit and HealthKit
• Extension platform for third party extensions

iOS 7 – September 18, 2013

The iOS 7 update was problematic and users were frustrated that things didn’t work as expected. It included a significant UI redesign in the update and opted for a flat look. But some users found it difficult to read due to the tiny, thin letters, while others experienced motion sickness due to the constant animations.

In addition, Apple has provided quick access to the most frequently used functions using the Control Center and launched AirDrop, Activation Lock and CarPlay. In addition, Siri has new voices and an updated look.

Main features of iOS 8:

• Activation Lock
• AirDrop
• carplay
• Control center
• Thumbnails in the app switcher
• Improved Notification Center
• Smarter than Siri
• Touch ID

iOS 6 – September 19, 2012

In iOS version history, iOS 6 was the most controversial version due to Apple’s escalating rivalry with Google. Although the recently released Siri was a real breakthrough in technology, problems with it led to significant changes.

In addition, starting with iPhone OS version 1.0, Google includes preinstalled Maps and YouTube applications. But this time, Apple has replaced Google Maps with new Apple Maps. But it was not up to the mark due to crashes, inaccurate instructions, and issues with other features.

To fix the shortcomings, iOS 6 got the Podcast app, more powerful Siri, panorama mode in the camera, and access to FaceTime calls over cellular data.

Main features of iOS 6:

• Apple Maps
• Please do not disturb
• Passbook (now wallet)
• New Siri features such as launching apps
• Panoramic photos
• FaceTime over Cellular Data

iOS 5 – October 12, 2011

iOS 5 was a turning point for Apple as it introduced important new features such as Siri, iCloud, iPhone wireless activation, and iTunes sync over Wi-Fi. Users could download and install software updates on their iPhones without a computer. In addition, for convenience and accessibility, the iPhone received the Notification Center and iMessage.

Main features of iOS 5:

• Siri
• iCloud
• iMessage
• Notification Center
• Redesigned Reminders and Newsstand apps.
• Wireless sync and activation

iOS 4 – June 22, 2010

With iOS 4, futuristic iOS began to take shape as Apple labeled “iPhone OS”as “iOS”for the first time. Many of the changes in this version included features such as FaceTime, multitasking, iBooks, Game Center, app folders, custom wallpapers, personal hotspot, AirPlay, and AirPrint.

What’s more, Apple has included Bing as a search engine for Safari and allowed users to combine multiple email accounts into one mailbox. This was the first iteration of iOS that ended support for all iOS devices. It was not compatible with the iPod touch or the first generation iPhone.

Main features of iOS 4:

• face time
• multitasking
• Airplay
• AirPrint
• iBooks
• game center
• personal hotspot
• System-Wide Spell Checker
• 5x digital zoom

iPhone OS 3 (iOS 3) – June 17, 2009

iOS 3 was the first operating system for the iPad and came free with the iPhone 3GS. Users could copy and paste text throughout the system. In addition, Spotlight search, MMS support in the Messages app, and the ability to shoot movies using the Camera app are just some of the new features it’s included.

Key features of iOS 3;

• Copy and paste
• Spotlight search
• Voice memo app
• Video recording

iPhone OS 2 (iOS 2) – July 11, 2008

iPhone OS 2 was intended for the iPhone 3G model, which included 3G network support. When the iPhone became a big hit, app developers tried to jailbreak the iPhone to install third party apps. Thus, Apple has introduced development tools such as APIs and SDKs for software companies to run applications on the App Store to prevent applications from being installed from the Internet.

At its debut, there were about 500 apps in the App Store. In addition, important additions to iPhone OS 2 were support for podcasts, walking and transit directions in Maps, an iTunes Genuine playlist, and improvements to Mail, Calculator, and Contacts using Microsoft Exchange support.

Main features of iOS 2:

• App store
• API and SDK for developers
• Support for Microsoft ActiveSync and Microsoft Exchange
• Improved Maps app

iPhone OS 1 (iOS 1) – June 29, 2007

iOS debuted with the first iPhone in June 2007. However, she mostly worked on OS X, the Mac software. It had the basic iOS user interface, iTunes integration, Multi-touch gestures, Mobile Safari, iPod, visual voicemail, and maps that evolved into advanced smartphones at the time.

But it lacked support for real third-party apps, and it came with major pre-installed apps like Calendar, Pictures, Camera, Notes, Mail, and Phone.

Key features of iOS 1:

• Visual Voicemail
• Multi-touch interface
• Calculator
• Calendar
• Camera
• Watch
• ipod
• iTunes
• Mail
• Cards
• Music (iPod Touch)
• Notes
• Telephone
• Photo
• Safari
• Settings
• Stock
• Text
• Video (iPod Touch)
• Weather
• YouTube

What to expect from iOS 17?

By viewing the Apple iOS version update history, you can see how far Apple has come to provide the most advanced technology as a new feature in every update. So, you should be excited to know what’s coming with the iOS update.

The new update, due to be released at WWDC 2023 on June 5th, may get features such as call recording, lock screen widgets, split screen, dual apps, third party app store, etc. To learn more, go through our Rumors article and waiting for iOS 17.

Long live iOS!

Apple’s iOS has evolved a lot over the years, from humble beginnings in iPhone OS 1 to the latest iOS 16. With each new release, Apple has introduced innovative features and improvements that have changed the way we use our iPhones and continually push the boundaries of what’s possible. what is possible in mobile technologies.

Given Apple’s commitment to innovation, it’s safe to say that the best for iOS users is yet to come. So, let’s look forward to the next chapter in Apple’s iOS journey and continue to marvel at the remarkable achievements of this revolutionary operating system.