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Which and how many versions of Apple’s iOS Operating System are there to date? 2022 list

UPDATED ✅ Do you want to know what all the versions of Apple’s iOS operating system have been? ⭐ ENTER HERE ⭐ and discover each one ✅ EASY and FAST ✅

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It is no secret to anyone that, just as Android is a mobile operating system of great importance worldwide, iOS is too. This was originally developed for the iPhone OS by the multinational Apple Inc. And later, it began to be used in devices such as iPad and iPod Touch.

For its part, much is said about all the versions of iOS that have existed to date, but exactly, most users do not know which ones and how many they are. For this reason, in this post, we want to let you know the most interesting features of the versions of this Apple operating system.

It should be noted that many users wonder if an iOS version and an update is the same, so here we will also focus on indicating the main differences between a version and an update of such an OS. Thus, later, you will know the most relevant versions.

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What are the differences between an iOS version and an update?

Before specifying each and every one of the versions of iOS, in detail; it’s important to have on mind the distinction between a version and an update of this operating system. Since, although in other systems it is the same, in Apple’s this does not happen.

In this sense, basically, a version refers to a new official release by Apple. Which, brings with it certain modifications in the operation and structure of the operating system in general in a device, be it an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. These versions, for example, are: iPhone OS 1.0, iPhone OS 2.0, iPhone OS 3.0, iOS 4, iOS 5, iOS 6, etc.

On the other hand, when talking about an iOS update, it refers to a new degree of modernization of a version, as such. That is, under a iPhone modelWhat are all the iPhone models out there to date and their prices? List 2022, certain improvements or changes are made that are known as updates and operate with the same version in question. For example, the iOS 7 version contains several updates and these are: 7.0, 7.0.1, 7.0.2, 7.0.3, 7.0.4, 7.0.5, 7.0.6, 7.1, 7.1.1 and 7.1.2.

Timeline of all versions of Apple’s iOS mobile operating system in existence

Now it’s time to know what are all the versions that the renowned Apple iOS operating system has had, until this moment. In such a way that you can also know how many they are in total and of each of them, which have been their most important and valuable updates.

Timeline of all versions of Apple's iOS mobile operating system in existence

iPhone OS 1.0

Release date: June 2007

Also known as iOS 1, this is the first version of the OS in question. Which, at first, did not have a specific name and then adopted the one we indicated. Among its most relevant characteristics, we find that it was only compatible with the first generation of iPhone and iPod Touch.

For its part, thanks to the fact that the SDK was released in March of the following year, iOS allowed all developers to make applications for these devices, that is, the iPhone and iPod Touch. It should be noted that its updates are the following: 1.0, 1.0.1, 1.0.2, 1.1, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4 and 1.1.5.

Among these updates, the updates that showed better development and excellent features were the 1.1.1 and 1.1.3.

Update
Details
1.1.1
  • It was also known as “September 7”
  • Added support for output to TV
  • New time intervals for code lock
  • Louder volume for speaker and receiver
1.1.3
  • Also called “January 08”
  • Icons on the home screen can be rearranged and placed on up to 9 screens
  • Downloading movies through iTunes now supports chapters
  • Now the keyboard supports multi-touch

iPhone OS 2.0

Release date: June 2008

A year after the first version, iOS 2.0 was published, which by default, it came pre-installed from the factory on the iPhone 3G. It should be noted that, for the first time and thanks to this version, users were able to start make use of the App Store; since he brought it with him. In such a way that it allowed downloading third-party apps.

Among other details, it is a version that had the ability to be updated on devices running version 1.x. However, regarding your updatesthey are classified in the ones that we indicate here: 2.0, 2.0.1, 2.0.2, 2.1, 2.2 and 2.2.1.

Below, we detail the characteristics of the most significant updates:

Update
Details
2.0
  • Fully enhanced security policies
  • It has a camera that now supports Geotagging
  • Includes parental controls
  • Offers a paid upgrade option for iPod touch
2.1
  • Became free for iPod Touch users running iPhone OS 2.0
  • Provides a faster software update with iTunes 8
  • Browsing with Safari is smoother with this update
  • Ensures better battery life for most users
2.2
  • In the App Store, an “Update All” button is introduced in the “updates” section
  • Safari stability and performance have been optimized
  • Podcasts are now available via download or steam in the iTunes app
  • Improves overall productivity, especially in Notes and Camera apps

iPhone OS 3.0

Release date: June 17, 2009

A year later, they gave way to the third version of this operating system, which is also identified as iOS 3.0. It should be noted that, through the iPhone 3GS device, it was made available and among its different new features, I include the copy-paste and MMS function. Apart from that, he stood out for being the first version adapted for the iPad.

For his part, he admitted that devices running iOS 2.x will be updated to this firmware. Regarding the updates of the iPhone OS 3.0 version, we indicate that they are: 3.0, 3.0.1, 3.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.2, 3.2.1 and 3.2.2. Taking into account that the last three of these versions were only for iPad and the most important, in general, are 3.1 and 3.1.3.

Update
Details
3.1
  • It allowed to lock the iPhone remotely with a passcode through MobileMe
  • Contains anti-phishing in Safari
  • It offered the possibility of downloading Ringtones without cables
  • You could organize applications directly from iTunes 9
3.1.3
  • Improved compatibility with Japanese Kana keyboard
  • Was able to optimize the battery indicator on iPhone 3GS
  • Resolves issues with third-party apps closing unexpectedly

iOS4

Release date: June 21, 2010

In the year 2010, this new version of iOS was created, which stands out from the rest by changing everything again. Since, first of all, it is the first version that stops supporting older devices, that is, the first generation iPhone and iPod Touch. Therefore, it only supports the newest and additional, stop charging ipod touch to update.

Now, around the updates that iOS 4 showed, we have that they are: 4.0, 4.0.1, 4.0.2, 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3. Bearing in mind that, the most relevant are updates 4.0, 4.1 and 4.2.

updates
Details
4.0
  • New preview for the wallpaper, both on the Home Screen and on the Lock Screen
  • Introduced support for multiple Exchange accounts
  • Adds Airplane Mode for the iPod Touch
  • 5x digital zoom feature in the Camera app
  • Ability to gift apps in the App Store
  • Added Bing as a search option, along with Google and Yahoo
4.1
  • Initial output on Apple TV
  • Allows FaceTime calls via email
  • Add support for P2P applications
  • iTunes added Ping (a music social network)
4.2
  • It is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad
  • Allows text search on web pages
  • AirPlay offers streaming of video, music and photos over Wi-Fi
  • Contains new parental controls to delete applications, change email accounts and location services

iOS5

Release date: June 06, 2011

Subsequently, iOS 5 was released, which is distinguished by being the second version of the operating system that does not support updates on older devices, that is, on the iPhone 3G and iPod Touch 2G. Thus, it was specially released for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPod Touch 3G, iPod Touch 4G, iPad, iPad 2 and iPad 3.

On the other hand, it did not have as many updates as the other versions of iOS. So, they are only the following: 5.0, 5.0.1, 5.1 and 5.1.1; the most relevant of these are 5.0 and 5.1.

updates
Details
5.0
  • The order of the notifications can be sorted manually or chronologically
  • All iMessages and conversations will be synced between all iOS devices under the same Apple ID account
  • It has support for animated images of GIF format
  • On iPad, tabbed browsing is included in Safari
  • iCloud syncs events across all your devices
5.1
  • Up to 50 MB can now be downloaded with 3G (max was 20 MB)
  • Contains Face Detection
  • Location services are optimized
  • Includes Siri

iOS 6

Release date: June 12, 2012

From this version, iOS was cataloged as the most advanced mobile operating system in history. Being, in the same way, the third version not accepting updates on certain older devices (In addition to those detailed above, the first generation iPad and the third generation iPod Touch are also included).

In this sense, iOS 6 was released specifically for the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPod Touch (4th and 5th generation), iPad (from 2nd to 4th generation) and includes iPad mini stand in September of this year. Regarding its updates, they were 6.0, 6.0.1, 6.0.2, 6.1, 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.1.3, 6.1.4, 6.1.5, 6.1.6; the most relevant are:

updates
Details
6.0
  • More languages ​​added to Siri and international search
  • Shows great integration with Facebook
  • The “do not disturb” option was introduced
  • Allows making FaceTime calls with 3G (iPhone 4S and later)
  • New user interface in the App Store
6.1
  • Introduces a new design of music controls on the lock screen
  • How the button works to restart advertising
  • Security bug fixes
  • LTE becomes compatible with many more operators worldwide

iOS 7

Release date: June 10, 2013

It refers to the fourth version of iOS that does not allow updating on older devices and has been considered the one that managed to give a new perspective to the mobile operating system. It should be noted that, it had support for: iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPod Touch 5th generation, iPad from 2nd to 5th generation, iPad mini and iPad mini with retina screen in September of the same year.

As for all the updates you had, they are based on the following: 7.0, 7.0.1, 7.0.2, 7.0.3, 7.0.4, 7.0.5, 7.0.6, 7.1, 7.1.1, 7.1.2 . But, the most significant were 7.0, 7.0.3 and 7.1.

Here are some of its features:

Update
Details
7.0
  • Added a new user interface
  • Control Center is now accessible from the lock screen
  • The transfer is securely encrypted and no network or configuration is required in AirDrop
  • Introduces the contact blacklist option
  • Full screen browsing in Safari
  • Automatic updates in the App Store
7.0.3
  • Improved system stability for iWork apps
  • Includes password generator in Safari for more security
  • Features update to bold text settings
7.1
  • New, more natural male and female Siri voices for Mandarin Chinese, Australian English, British English, and Japanese
  • Contains new accessibility options: show button shapes, darken app colors, and reduce white point
  • Optimize fingerprint recognition with Touch ID
  • Exhibits continuous improvement of the user interface.

iOS 8

Release date: June 02, 2014

During the annual WWDC, this version of Apple’s operating system was launched. In the case of the fifth version of iOS that does not allow updating in old devices of the company. Thus, it supports the following: iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPod Touch (5th and 6th generation), iPad (2nd to 6th generation), iPad mini ( 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation).

Its updates were the following: 8.0, 8.0.1, 8.0.2, 8.1, 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 and 8.4.1. Thus, the most important of all, basically they are 8.1, 8.3 and 8.4.

updates
Details
8.1
  • Ability to use iCloud Photo Library as a beta service
  • Fixed bugs that caused screen rotation to stop working
  • Includes AirDrop support for Passbook cards
  • Improved reliability when using handwriting, Bluetooth keyboards, and braille displays with VoiceOver
8.3
  • Adds the ability to filter iMessages not sent by your contacts
  • Features a redesigned Emoji keyboard with over 300 new options
  • Fixes an issue that prevented call volume from being adjusted
  • Cloud Photo Library has been optimized to work with the new Photos app in OS X 10.10.3
8.4
  • iTunes Store is optimized and the best place to buy your favorite music
  • Allows you to listen to and download audiobooks from iBooks
  • Fixes an issue where GPS accessories could not provide location data

iOS 9

Release date: September 16, 2015

Although its launch was announced at the WWDC annual conference held on June 8, 2015, it was not until September 16 of that year that the official version of iOS 9 was released. Being one of the most significant, because along with it also some devices like the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus and the iPad Mini in its 4th generation.

For its part, it also stands out for being the version of Apple in which it was decided, for the first time, not to skip its updates for old devices. In this way, it supports all mobile phones, iPod and iPad from iPhone 4s onwards. Regarding all its updates, we indicate that they are: 9.0, 9.0.1, 9.0.2, 9.1, 9.2, 9.2.1, 9.3, 9.3.1, 9.3.2, 9.3.3, 9.3.4, 9.3.5 and 9.3.6.

The most important are:

updates
Details
9.0
  • Siri is now able to search for your personal photos and videos by date, location, and the name of each photo album
  • Apple Pay and Wallet improvements (multi-card support)
  • It is based on the extended battery life
  • Improved security through two-factor authentication and codes defaults
9.2
  • Notable improvements in Apple Music
  • iPhone compatibility with USB camera adapter to import photos and videos
  • Improved Safari stability
  • Arabic Siri support added (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates)
9.3
  • Optimizing Apple Music and Apple Education
  • iBook enhancements, including: Audiobook and Apple Pencil support
  • Fixes an issue that could unlock an iPad using a hardware keyboard
  • You were able to improve 3D Touch performance with the switch control accessibility option
9.3.5
  • It was released on August 25, 2016
  • It was the last version available on iPod Touch (5th generation) and exclusive versions with Wi-Fi connectivity for iPad 2 and iPad 3, iPad Mini (1st generation)
9.3.6
  • Released on July 22, 2019
  • It stands out for being the latest official version for iPhone 4S and models with Wi-Fi and Data functionality for iPad 2, iPad 3 and iPad Mini (1st generation)

iOS 10

Release date: September 2016

A year after version 9, version 10 of Apple’s mobile operating system was released. Which, at the same time, was released with the launch of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Notably, this version is available for the iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s Plus, and of course, the two iPhones released with it.

On the other hand, it was not available for each and every device that will use the A5 or A5X processors. That is, the iPhone 4s, iPad 2, iPad 3rd generation, iPad mini 1st generation and also iPod Touch 5th generation. It is appropriate to point out that only three updates were released and these are: 10.0.2, 10.0.3, 10.1, 10.1.1, 10.2, 10.2.1, 10.3, 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4.

The most relevant of these, below:

Update
Details
10.1
  • Improved display of wide color gamut photos in the Photo app grid
  • Optimizing Bluetooth connectivity with third-party accessories
  • Fixed a bug in Safari that caused websites to incorrectly preview in tabbed view
10.2
  • Emojis have been carefully redesigned to show an even higher level of detail
  • Provides compatibility with more RAW digital cameras
  • VoiceOver is now compatible with BraillePen devices14
  • Notifications for HomeKit accessories are displayed
10.3
  • Siri now allows you to pay bills and check their status through payment applications
  • Notable stability improvements to VoiceOver in Phone, Safari, and Mail
  • Podcast support for 3D Touch and Today widget for access to updated shows

iOS 11

Release date: September 2017

Along with the launch of iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, this new version of iOS was released. Which limits many features for devices such as the iPhone 5s, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3 and the iPad Air. In addition, those devices do not receive an update. with 32 bit processors, A6 and also A6X (For example, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, and iPad 4th generation.)

Now, as for its updates, we limit that they are the following: 11.0.1, 11.0.2, 11.0.3, 11.1, 11.1.1, 11.1.2, 11.2, 11.2.1, 11.2.2, 11.2.5 , 11.2.6, 11.3, 11.3.1, 11.4 and finally 11.4.1.

We detail the most relevant, here:

Update
Details
11.1
  • They add more than 70 new emoji characters
  • Resolves an issue that caused some photos to look blurry
  • Optimize VoiceOver access to multi-page PDF files
11.3
  • Includes augmented reality under various parameters
  • Now displays an icon along with a link to detailed information explaining how your data will be used and protected, when requested by an app
  • Safari helps you protect privacy only by autofilling usernames and passwords
11.4
  • Fixes an issue where certain character sequences can cause messages to crash
  • Lets you play music simultaneously on multiple AirPlay 2-enabled speakers in your home, all in sync

iOS 12

Release date: September 17, 2018

It is one of the latest versions of this operating system that was announced during the WWDC annual conference on June 4, 2018. But, it was not until September 17 of that year that it was published together with the launch of the renowned iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.

For its part, it refers to a version that does not skip its updates for older devices. Being so, the second version of iOS that implemented this. However, it has limited support for some devices, especially on Apple A7 and Apple A8 processors. On the other hand, its updates are: 12.0, 12.0.1, 12.0.2, 12.1, 12.1.1, 12.1.2, 12.1.3, 12.1.4, 12.2, 12.3, 12.3.1, 12.3.2, 12.4 and 12.4.1.

In the following list, we name the most special of them:

Update
Details
12.0.1
  • Introduces support for audio and video calls with up to 32 participants simultaneously
  • Support for two SIM cards is included via an eSIM
  • Improves the mobile connection of the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR
  • Optimize the reliability of VoiceOver in Camera, Siri and Safari
12.2
  • Apple Pay Cash users can now transfer money from their bank accounts instantly using their Visa debit cards
  • You can automatically log in to websites using Safari password autofill
  • Add support for the new AirPods
  • Improves stability and performance of Apple TV Remote on iOS

iOS 13

Release date: September 19, 2019

iOS 13

To this day, very recently, the latest version of this OS from the Apple company was published. Which was announced since June of this year, but it was not until September that it was offered to the public. In this way, it stands out for not offering support to a large number of devices, including all those with 1GB RAM and has limited support for those with processors A8 and A9 or A9X.

However, this version is compatible with iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone X, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, as well as iPod Touch in its 7th generation, iPad Pro 2nd generation , iPad 6th generation and also the iPad Mini 5th generation.

On the other hand, we highlight some of your most important news, below:

  • A system-wide dark mode that is available for stock apps and iOS system interfaces.
  • Siri now reads messages to you when you use AirPods.
  • Allows you to authenticate web pages with Apple ID.
  • It contains a new volume and silence HUD, less intrusive and dynamic.
  • It presents an excellent weight reduction of apps and data of 50%.
  • It has a redesign of quick menus on the home screen.
  • It has support for third-party cloud storage services in the Files app.
  • Introduces new data encryption method.
  • Contains no updates (so far).

Operating systems