A Brief History of iOS and iPadOS
Key Highlights
- iOS, the core operating system for iPhones, has evolved significantly since its debut in 2007.
- Key milestones include the introduction of the App Store, Siri, and the first touch and gesture interface.
- In 2019, iPadOS branched off from iOS to cater specifically to iPads.
- The latest versions are iOS 18 (released September 2024) and iPadOS 18 (also released September 2024).
Evolution of iOS
Initially called iPhone OS, the operating system was later renamed iOS. The App Store's launch in 2008 with iOS 2 marked a pivotal moment. iOS 4 saw the iPad adopt the operating system. Siri was introduced with iOS 5 in 2011. iOS 11 in 2017 brought the first touch and gesture interface with the iPhone X. iOS 13 in 2019 marked the split between iOS and iPadOS.
iOS and iPadOS Version History
A detailed list of iOS versions, release dates, and latest updates is available. This includes versions from the original iPhone OS 1 to the current iOS 18. The list also covers iPadOS versions from iPadOS 13 to iPadOS 18. For further information on iOS 18.2 and related updates, see Customizing Apple Mail in iOS 18.2.
Supported iOS Versions
As of December 2024, Apple primarily supports iOS 18 with new features. Security updates are provided for iOS 17 and potentially iOS 16. Older versions are no longer supported. For insights into potential disruptions caused by service outages, refer to OpenAI Outage: Telemetry Service Disrupts AI Platforms. To understand the impact of USB-C mandates on iPhone sales, see iPhone SE, iPhone 14 EU Sales Ending Due to USB-C Mandate.
Checking and Updating Your iOS Version
To check your iOS version, go to Settings > General > About. To update to the latest version, go to Settings > General > Software Update. The process is similar for iPadOS.