iPhone OS 1 to iOS 18 – A brief history of the iPhone software

Apple’s iOS operating system has improved considerably since its original release in 2007. Every new edition has introduced new technology and enhancements over the years. iPhone OS 2 brought the App Store, while iOS 14 incorporated 5G connectivity and iOS 18 introduced AI features.

In this editorial, we will revisit history and discuss different versions of iOS, from the initial iPhone OS to the recently launched iOS 18. You will learn about the major specifics of various versions and the turning points in the evolution of the iOS operating system.

iOS 18 – September 16, 2024

Apple gave iPhone users a preview of iOS 18 at WWDC 2024 and officially launched on September 16, 2024, along with the iPhone 16 series. This major update significantly boosts personalization options across the system and apps. You can customize the Home Screen layout and change the app icon theme.

Additionally, the Control center can be customized to accommodate new quick controls. For advanced privacy, iOS 18 lets users lock apps and choose which app can access which contacts.

The native apps, especially the Photos, Notes, and Mail apps, also received a major overhaul. Further, the company introduced a powerful AI-powered feature called Apple Intelligence. Last but not least, the iOS 18 Accessibility features make it easier to navigate the iPhone.

Key features of iOS 18

Apple Intelligence features such as Genmoji, Math Notes, etc.
Call recording
Customizable Home Screen
Redesigned Control Center
New controls on the Lock Screen
Lock and hide apps
A new Passwords app
Collections and Clean Up tool in the Photos app
iPhone Game mode
Text effects in Messages
New emojis in Tapback
Schedule messages with Send Later
Messages via Satellite
Categories in the Mail app
Highlights in Safari
Redesigned Reader in Safari
Calculator history
Download topographic maps
Tap to Cash in the Wallet app
Live audio transcription in Notes
Integrated Reminders in Calendar
Enhanced Journal app

iOS 17 – September 18, 2023

iOS 17 is announced on June WWDC 2023. The focus of iOS 17 was redesigning and upgrading the system apps and features. The Message, FaceTime, and Phone apps have several enhancements. Besides, Apple worked on connectivity by introducing NameDrop and FaceTime on Apple TV.

The most highlighted features of iOS 17:

Personalized Contact Posters
Live Voicemail
Video voicemail and Reactions on FaceTime
Search Filter, Catch up arrow, Swipe to reply, Transcription of voice messages, Check-in features in Messages app
Live Stickers
StandBy feature
Share contact card using NameDrop
Journal app
The mindfulness feature on the Health app
Create Profiles on Safari
Collaborated playlist on CarPlay
Upgraded Autocorrect and Dictation abilities

iOS 16 – September 12, 2022

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

The most noticeable upgrade in iOS 16 was the supported features for Dynamic Island for iPhone 14 Pro models. It made the new notch design more fun by displaying animated notifications and offering controls around the camera.

Also, Crash Detection, Always-on display, Emergency SOS via Satellite, and other exclusive features of the iPhone 14 series supported with iOS 16.

Key features of iOS 16:

Customizable Lock Screen
Live Activities
Better Focus Filters
New Message features
Redesigned Apple Maps
Apple Pay Later
Apple Order Tracking
iCloud Shared Photo Library
Live Texts on videos
Passkeys
Safety Check function
Improvements to Spatial Audio
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 was more focused on software bug fixes, system improvements, and polishing features of built-in apps.

Additionally, the pandemic era influenced the feature upgrades. Apple worked on increasing security and privacy, preventing ad tracking, and improving Siri, Camera, FaceTime, Messages, etc.

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

Key features of iOS 15:

New FaceTime features – Spatial audio, SharePlay, FaceTime Link, Mic modes, Portrait modes, etc.
iMessage Share with you
Better Focus Filters with Notification Summary, Signal your status, etc.
Live Text and Memory features in the Photos app
Advanced Spotlight search
App Privacy Report
Mail Privacy Protection
On-device Siri
Digital Legacy program
Redesigned Safari tabs
Detailed Maps
Improved Health and Wallet app

iOS 14 – September 17, 2020

iOS 14 version lists similar system improvements very much like iOS 15. There were no significant changes. Apple added a few enhancements like privacy controls, Home Screen widgets, customization options, etc.

Key features of iOS 14:

Widgets on the Home Screen
App Library
Improved call notifications
Picture in Picture Mode
Redesigned Siri
Translation, Password monitoring, and Website Privacy Report in Safari
Pinned Conversations and improved group texting in Messages
New Memoji Styles and Stickers
Cycling directions and Electric vehicle routing in Maps
Translate app
App Clips

iOS 13 – September 19, 2019

Before iOS 13, iPad also ran iOS. But Apple took a big step by introducing a new iPadOS to make the iPad more productive and a possible laptop replacement. Since then, iOS and iPad OS have always been rolled out simultaneously.

The most visible new feature was the Dark Mode. Additionally, iOS 13 improved essential functions, like faster app start, Face ID, Portrait Lightning, and redesigned pre-installed apps.

Key features of iOS 13:

System-wide Dark Mode
30% faster Face ID unlocking
Revamped Apple Maps
Smarter HomeKit
Sign In With Apple user account
New privacy and security options
Portrait Lighting effects
New, improved Siri voice
Overhauled system apps like Photos, Mail, Reminders, and Notes

iOS 12 – September 17, 2018

The 12th iteration of the iPhone software had just a few new additions. Primarily, it improved regularly used functionality for providing 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
Memoji

iOS 11 – September 19, 2017

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

Therefore, its primary features included more iPad-specific features like split-screen apps, drag-and-drop functionality, a file browser app, and support for Apple Pencil handwriting, etc.

Key features of iOS 11:

iPad functions
AirPlay 2
Support for Augmented Reality

iOS 10 – September 13, 2016

The release of iOS 10 was a watershed moment for the Apple ecosystem. It offered several APIs to integrate third-party solutions into the system apps. Thus, the iPhone got a boost of interoperability and customization in its UI and applications. Also, Siri became more accessible to third-party apps. The best part was Apple allowed users to uninstall built-in apps.

Key features of iOS 10:

Embedded iMessage apps
Delete built-in apps
Split Control Center into multiple panels
Integration of Siri with third-party apps
Smarter QuickType keyboard
3D touch displayed widgets

iOS 9 – September 16, 2015

iOS 9 prioritized building a solid base for the operating system to improve the speed, responsiveness, stability, and performance of older devices. After significant modifications to iOS’s design and technological base, users started to feel that iOS was no longer the reliable, trustworthy, and competent it previously was.

So, Apple decided to work on strengthening the OS’s basis rather than introducing new features, laying the framework for the larger enhancements in the next iOS updates. To get a public reaction and acceptance, iOS got the Public Beta feature. So, before the actual release of the upcoming iOS version update, people can get a taste of it.

Key features of iOS 9:

Night Shift
Low Power Mode
Public beta program

iOS 8 – September 17, 2014

In iOS history, iOS 8 was a significant update as it introduced the contactless payment system Apple Pay and the Apple Music subscription service. It also polished the iCloud features for more reliable and consistent performance. The most useful feature unveiled was the Handoff feature to seamlessly switch between Apple devices.

Apple walked in with a Dropbox-like iCloud Drive and the addition of an iCloud Picture Library and an iCloud Music Library. To save subscription costs, Apple offered Family Sharing, which allows users to enjoy content individually with a single subscription. Moreover, the HealthKit and HomeKit features focused on users’ daily lives.

Key features of iOS 8:

Apple Music
Apple Pay
iCloud Drive
Handoff
Family Sharing
Spotlight Suggestions
QuickType in keyboard
HomeKit and HealthKit
Extensibility framework for third-party extensions

iOS 7 – September 18, 2013

iOS 7 was a troublesome update, and users were dissatisfied as things didn’t operate as expected. It included a significant redesign of the user interface in the update and opted for a flat look. But some users found it difficult to read because of the tiny, thin letters, and others experienced motion sickness because of the constant animations.

Besides, Apple provided quick access to the most used features with Control Center and launched AirDrop, Activation Lock, and CarPlay. Additionally, Siri got new voices and a redesigned look.

Key features of iOS 8:

Activation Lock
AirDrop
CarPlay
Control Center
Thumbnails in App Switcher
Improved Notification Center
Smarter Siri
Touch ID

iOS 6 – September 19, 2012

In the history of iOS versions, iOS version 6 saw the most controversies because of Apple’s escalating rivalry with Google. Although the newly launched Siri was a real breakthrough technology, issues with it resulted in significant revisions.

Besides, from iPhone OS version 1.0, Google has included the Maps and YouTube applications pre-installed. But this time, Apple replaced Google Maps with a new Apple Maps. It was not up to the mark because of glitches, inaccurate instructions, and issues with other functionalities.

Sidelining the flaws, iOS 6 has a Podcast app, a more capable Siri, a Panoramic mode in the Camera, and access to make FaceTime calls over cellular data.

Key features of iOS 6:

Apple Maps
Do Not Disturb
Passbook (now Wallet)
New features in Siri like launching apps
Panoramic photos
FaceTime over cellular data

iOS 5 – October 12, 2011

iOS 5 was a turning point for Apple as it introduced crucial new features like Siri, iCloud, wireless iPhone activation, and Wi-Fi iTunes syncing. Users could download and install software updates on their iPhones without a computer. Besides, for better user experience and accessibility, iPhone got Notification Center and iMessage.

Key features of iOS 5:

Siri
iCloud
iMessage
Notification Center
Redesigned Reminders and Newsstand apps
Wireless syncing and activation

iOS 4 – June 22, 2010

With iOS 4, the futuristic iOS started to take form as Apple tagged the “iPhone OS” as “iOS” for the first time. Many revisions to this version included features like FaceTime, multitasking, iBooks, Game Center, arranging programs into folders, custom wallpapers, Personal Hotspot, AirPlay, and AirPrint.

Moreover, Apple included Bing as a search engine for Safari and allowed users to merge multiple email accounts in one inbox. It was the first iteration of iOS to stop supporting all iOS devices. It was incompatible with the first-generation iPod touch or the iPhone.

Key features of iOS 4:

FaceTime
Multitasking
AirPlay
AirPrint
iBooks
Game Center
Personal Hotspot
System-wide spell checking
5x digital zoom

iPhone OS 3 (iOS 3) – June 17, 2009

iOS 3 was the first operating system for the iPad and came out of the box with the iPhone 3GS without any charge. Users were able to copy and paste text system-wide. Besides, Spotlight search, MMS support in the Messages app, and the capability to shoot films using the Camera app are just a few of the new features it included.

Key features of iOS 3;

Copy and paste
Spotlight search
Voice Memo app
Recording videos

iPhone OS 2 (iOS 2) – July 11, 2008

iPhone OS 2 was meant for the iPhone 3G model, which included support for the 3G network. As the iPhone became a big hit, app developers tried to jailbreak the iPhone to install third-party apps. So, Apple introduced development tools like APIs and SDKs for software companies to launch apps in the App Store to prevent installing apps from the web.

The App Store had around 500 applications when it debuted. Podcast support, walking and public transportation instructions in Maps, an iTunes Genuine playlist, and enhancements to Mail, Calculator, and Contacts using Microsoft Exchange support were other significant additions to iPhone OS 2.

Key features of iOS 2:

App Store
Developer APIs and SDKs
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. Nevertheless, it was mostly powered by OS X, the Mac software. It had core iOS UI, iTunes integration, Multi-touch gestures, Mobile Safari, iPod, Visual Voicemail, and Maps, which emerged as advanced smartphones at that time.

However, it lacked support for actual third-party applications and came with basic pre-installed apps like Calendar, Pictures, Camera, Notes, Mail, and Phone.

Key features of iOS 1:

Visual Voicemail
Multitouch interface
Calculator
Calendar
Camera
Clock
iPod
iTunes
Mail
Maps
Music (iPod Touch)
Notes
Phone
Photos
Safari
Settings
Stocks
Text
Videos (iPod Touch)
Weather
YouTube

Long live iOS!

Apple’s iOS has evolved significantly over the years, from its humble beginnings in iPhone OS 1 to the latest iOS 18. All the new features and improvements have revolutionized how iPhone users use their phones and have consistently stretched the limits of what mobile technology can do.

iOS users can expect more good things in the future because Apple is not stopping at anything in developing their devices. Let us anticipate the following chapter of the Apple iOS journey and be surprised by the remarkable advancements in the iPhone experience.

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