From iOS 1 to iOS 18

When Steve Jobs launched the primary iPhone in 2007, iOS wasn’t even known as iOS—it was “iPhone OS.” There have been no widgets, no Darkish Mode, simply you, Safari, and a YouTube app that felt like magic. Now, with the most recent iOS help, Apple Intelligence, customizable House Screens, and a Management Heart, you may begin questioning in case your cellphone is aware of you higher than you already know your self.

However this isn’t only a record of updates — it’s a stroll down reminiscence lane, tracing how Apple went from skeuomorphic yellow notepads to Apple Intelligence that may predict your subsequent transfer (hopefully not your subsequent snack). Whether or not you’re an iOS veteran or simply determining the place AirDrop is, that is your information into iOS historical past.

Each iOS launch so as

Over time, each iOS replace has introduced one thing new to the desk, typically in small methods and typically in “why-didn’t-they-do-this-sooner” methods. Let’s take a look at the iOS launch dates which have outlined so many moments, from the primary blurry selfies period to all of your humorous “Siri moments.”

Every launch tells a narrative — not simply of Apple’s innovation however of our lives. Let’s dive in nearer. 

Involved in iOS historical past? Then, you is perhaps curious about each iPhone launch in chronological order.

iOS 1 (2007) – June 29, 2007

The primary model of iOS, then known as iPhone OS, was a groundbreaking step in cell expertise. It laid the inspiration for the trendy smartphone period.

What we bought:

• Multitouch gestures akin to swipe, pinch, and faucet redefined how customers interacted with screens.
• Safari, Mail, Contacts, Calendar, and YouTube made their debut.
• Visible voicemail allowed customers to see and handle voicemail messages with out listening sequentially.
• iPod integration.

Milestones that formed iOS 1:

• Launched a touch-based interface with the iPhone with out a bodily keyboard, breaking away from current cellphone norms.
• Positioned Apple as a significant innovator within the cell {industry}.

iOS 2 (2008) – July 11, 2008

With the discharge of the iPhone 3G, iOS 2 introduced transformative adjustments, particularly with the introduction of the App Retailer (sure, iOS 1 didn’t have it). This replace shifted the main focus from built-in options to a broader ecosystem of apps.

What we bought:

• App Retailer to obtain third-party apps.
• Expanded e-mail performance to be extra aggressive with BlackBerry.
• Built-in playback for podcasts immediately within the Music app.

Milestones that formed iOS 2:

• App Retailer was opened on July 10, 2008, with an preliminary catalog of 500 purposes.
• By 2024, the App Retailer consists of 1.81 million apps and 472,000 video games. 

iOS 3 (2009) – June 17, 2009

This replace targeted on making iPhones extra sensible and versatile. When the iPhone 3GS got here out, iOS 3 lastly delivered a bunch of options folks had been asking for.

What we bought:

• Copy & paste characteristic.
• Highlight search to navigate throughout apps, emails, and information.
• MMS help for sending multimedia messages immediately within the Messages app.
• Turned Digital camera right into a video recorder, too.

Milestones that formed iOS 3:

• First iOS model to help the iPad (with model 3.2)
• Lastly, the iPhone might document movies. 

iOS 4 (2010) – June 21, 2010

In iOS 4, Apple formally rebranded the software program as “iOS” relatively than “OS” as a result of launch of the iPad in 2009. This clearly marked a shift towards one thing larger than simply the iPhone — now, iOS grew to become the inspiration for iPads, too. Multitasking grew to become a standout characteristic, letting customers change between apps. 

What we bought:

• Multitasking allowed apps to run within the background.

• Enabled customers to prepare apps on the House Display screen (lastly!).

• Launched FaceTime with the iPhone 4 for video calling.

• AirPlay & AirPrint made wi-fi media streaming and printing potential.

Milestones that formed iOS 4:

iOS 5 (2011) – October 12, 2011

iOS 5 was all about cloud integration and notifications. It launched iCloud, a service that tied Apple units collectively, and overhauled notifications for higher usability.

What we bought:

• iCloud to sync photographs, contacts, emails, and extra throughout Apple units.
• Notification Heart created a unified house for alerts.
• iMessage debuted, rivaling SMS providers.
• Wi-fi syncing made connecting to iTunes by way of cable pointless.

Milestones that formed iOS 5:

• Launched iCloud.
• Launched iMessage (one of many most-used apps on iOS).

iOS 6 (2012) – September 19, 2012

I nonetheless bear in mind the primary time I held an iPhone working iOS 6 in my fingers. The design workforce made apps appear like bodily objects — Notes resembled a yellow authorized pad, and Recreation Heart seemed like a inexperienced poker desk. It felt tangible but in addition a bit dated because the years went on. iOS 6 targeted on enhancing Apple’s ecosystem whereas gaining management over core apps. It launched Apple Maps to exchange Google Maps because the default navigation app.

What we bought:

• Apple Maps as a built-in mapping resolution.
• Passbook (now Pockets) for tickets, coupons, and extra.
• Do Not Disturb characteristic let customers block notifications throughout particular occasions.

Milestones that formed iOS 6:

• Apple Maps confronted preliminary criticism for inaccuracies, sparking public apologies and fixes.
• The period of the B&W photos started: in iOS 6, customers might add filters to their digicam pictures and even take panoramic photographs. 

iOS 7 (2013) – September 18, 2013

iOS 7 was a complete makeover. It ditched the old-school design for a clear, fashionable, flat interface that gave the iPhone a contemporary, even futuristic vibe. 

What we bought:

• New futuristic design.
• Management Heart with fast entry to key toggles like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
• AirDrop enabled simple file sharing between Apple units.
• Contact ID launched biometric safety with the iPhone 5s.

Milestones that formed iOS 7:

• Apple’s boldest visible redesign.
• Lastly, we might unlock the iPhone with out a password — only a fast contact with Contact ID.

Reddit customers mentioned the brand-new iOS 7 design shift — simply take a look at how cool it was:

Picture supply: https://www.reddit.com

iOS 8 (2014) – September 17, 2014

iOS 8 was the start of Apple Pay (and all my impulsive purchases). On this launch, Apple additionally took its first huge step into the well being and health market by introducing the Well being app. Then, the iPhone grew to become a private wellness tracker. It pulled in knowledge from health apps and units, giving insights into every thing from every day steps to sleep patterns (nicely, then I noticed I wanted to stroll extra).

What we bought:

• Apple Pay launched safe, contactless fee capabilities.
• iCloud Drive enhanced cloud storage with file syncing throughout units.
• Household Sharing allowed households to share purchases and handle permissions.
• Well being app with centralized well being knowledge from suitable apps and units.

Milestones that formed iOS 8:

• Marked Apple’s first critical step into the well being and health house.
• Launched Apple Pay. 

At first, the Well being app left some customers scratching their heads (and working on Reddit) — it wasn’t apparent that it wanted suitable apps to unlock its full potential:

Picture supply: https://www.reddit.com

iOS 9 (2015) – September 16, 2015

iOS 9 introduced significant upgrades targeted on productiveness, multitasking, and smarter performance. Constructed-in apps noticed main enhancements, iPads gained superior multitasking options, and instruments like Night time Shift and Low Energy Mode have been launched to enhance every day usability. It additionally prioritized efficiency, holding older units working effectively and relevantly.

What we bought:

• Low Energy Mode helped lengthen battery life when the cost was low.
• Night time Shift decreased blue mild for higher sleep patterns.
• Cut up view and picture-in-picture on iPads.
• Added choices to attract, insert photos, hyperlink web sites, and map places within the Notes app. 
• Proactive Siri with contextual strategies based mostly on time and site.

Milestones that formed iOS 9:

• Improved help for older units, holding them related longer.
• Proactive Siri marked a step towards smarter, contextual AI.

iOS 10 (2016) – September 13, 2016

iOS 10 made interacting together with your iPhone really feel contemporary and enjoyable. The lock display screen bought an entire makeover, making notifications extra interactive and helpful. iMessage grew to become a mini playground with apps, stickers, and animations that made conversations far more entertaining. Plus, Siri leveled up by working with third-party apps, so you might ship a textual content simply by asking.

What we bought:

• Launched app integrations inside Messages and enjoyable animations.
• Allowed removing of pre-installed Apple apps.
• Redesigned Lock Display screen and added wealthy notifications and new widgets.
• Let builders combine Siri into their purposes.

Milestones that formed iOS 10:

• Opened Siri to third-party apps, increasing its performance.
• Improved 3D Contact usability, making it really feel extra important.

iOS 11 (2017) – September 19, 2017

When iOS 11 launched, it felt like Apple was saying, “Let’s get critical about productiveness.” This replace turned the iPad right into a multitasking powerhouse with options like drag-and-drop and the brand new Information app. I bear in mind utilizing drag-and-drop for the primary time to maneuver photos between Notes and Mail — it was nearly life-changing for my work and private group.

What we bought:

• Information app unified storage throughout units and cloud providers.
• Drag & drop allowed customers to maneuver content material between apps on iPads.
• ARKit introduced augmented actuality experiences to iOS builders.
• Do Not Disturb Whereas Driving decreased distractions whereas behind the wheel.

Milestones that formed iOS 11:

• Made the iPad a extra credible laptop computer substitute for a lot of customers.
• Expanded AR prospects.

iOS 12 (2018) – September 17, 2018

I by some means nonetheless bear in mind updating my iPhone to iOS 12. It wasn’t nearly pace. It additionally launched instruments like Display screen Time that made me pause and rethink how a lot time I spent on social media (approach an excessive amount of!). Memoji introduced a playful twist, letting me create a digital model of myself that moved with my expressions, whereas Siri Shortcuts simplified duties with voice instructions.

What we bought:

• Display screen Time supplied insights into app utilization and set limits.
• Organized notifications for higher administration.
• Memoji for customized avatars that mimick consumer expressions.
• Siri shortcuts allowed customized instructions for Siri.

Milestones that formed iOS 12:

• Improved responsiveness and stability, particularly on older {hardware}.
• Empowered customers with Display screen Time to handle their digital well-being.

iOS 13 (2019) – September 19, 2019

iOS 13 introduced Darkish Mode, a characteristic I didn’t know I wanted till I noticed how soothing it was on my eyes throughout late-night scrolling. By iOS 14, widgets and the App Library let me customise my House Display screen in ways in which lastly made my iPhone really feel like my iPhone. The brand new “Sign up with Apple” characteristic let me log into apps with out worrying about handing over private particulars, and site monitoring bought a privateness increase with choices to restrict app entry to “simply as soon as” or solely when actively in use.

What we bought:

• Darkish Mode provided a smooth, battery-saving interface choice.
• Sign up with Apple supplied a privacy-focused various to Google and Fb login.
• Improved modifying instruments and photograph group.
• Added Look Round, Apple’s reply to Google Avenue View.

Milestones that formed iOS 13:

• Marked the start of iPadOS, separating it from iOS.
• A brand new single sign-on service generally known as “Sign up with Apple.”
• Strengthened consumer privateness with options like app monitoring transparency and hidden e-mail relay. 

Though iOS 13.1 had its share of bugs, customers appreciated the general updates:

Picture supply: https://www.reddit.com

iOS 14 (2020) – September 16, 2020

iOS 14 provided extra customization than ever earlier than, together with House Display screen widgets and App Library for higher app group. Privateness additionally bought a significant improve — apps now needed to explicitly ask for permission to trace your knowledge, placing extra management in customers’ fingers and setting a brand new gold commonplace for safeguarding private info.

What we bought:

• House Display screen widgets.
• App Library categorized apps to declutter House Screens.
• Image-in-picture enabled video playback whereas utilizing different apps.
• Apps required specific permission to trace consumer knowledge.

Milestones that formed iOS 14:

• Ushered in a brand new period of personalization and app group.
• With Privateness Monitoring Controls, apps have been required to ask for permission earlier than monitoring consumer knowledge.

iOS 15 (2021) – September 20, 2021

I nonetheless bear in mind how iOS 15 utterly modified my every day routine (it was COVID-19 occasions, so I used my iPhone quite a bit). On the time, I used to be continually distracted by infinite notifications and struggling to remain targeted throughout distant conferences. Then, Focus Mode arrived, and it felt like Apple had learn my thoughts. I might lastly silence irrelevant notifications and create devoted modes for work, leisure, and even sleep.

FaceTime additionally grew to become my go-to for connecting with family members, particularly through the pandemic. Spatial Audio and portrait mode made calls really feel extra pure and private. 

What we bought:

• Focus mode to filter notifications based mostly on exercise.
• Added Spatial Audio, portrait mode, and web-based calls.
• Dwell Textual content to acknowledge textual content in photographs for simple copying.
• App privateness report to indicate how apps have been utilizing consumer knowledge.

Milestones that formed iOS 15:

• Improved instruments for productiveness and mindfulness, like Focus Mode.
• Made FaceTime a stronger competitor to Zoom and Google Meet.

iOS 16 (2022) – September 12, 2022

I’ll always remember how excited I used to be to arrange my Lock Display screen when iOS 16 dropped. It wasn’t nearly selecting a pleasant wallpaper anymore — I might tweak fonts, add widgets, and make it look precisely how I needed. My Lock Display screen grew to become a mix of utility and character: a climate widget for morning runs, calendar reminders, and my favourite journey photograph because the backdrop. 

What we bought:

• Customizable Lock Display screen to alter fonts, colours, and widgets.
• Shared Photograph Library.
• Added real-time updates on to the Lock Display screen.

Milestones that formed iOS 16:

• Streamlined household photograph sharing.
• First true Lock Display screen customization.

iOS 17 (2023) – September 18, 2023

iOS 17 added options like StandBy mode, Journal, and vital updates to Messages. The Journal app (my favourite built-in app!) felt like having a private coach, gently reminding me to seize the little moments of my day.

What we bought:

• StandBy mode turned iPhones into bedside shows when charging within the panorama.
• Journal app for reflective writing with customized prompts.
• NameDrop for contact sharing by way of AirDrop.
• Customers can now merely deal with Siri by its identify as an alternative of getting to say “Hey Siri” to activate it.

Milestones that formed iOS 17:

• System-wide help for Ukrainian was added, increasing Apple’s translation capabilities to twenty languages and bettering accessibility.
• Inspired psychological well being practices with Journal.

Person’s suggestions on the Journal app:

Picture supply: https://www.reddit.com

iOS 18 (2024) – September 20, 2024

iOS 18 focuses on intelligence and customization, powered by Apple Intelligence (accessible on iPhone 15 and later fashions). Rearranging apps and widgets is simpler than ever, and app icons could be tinted to match your wallpaper (my favourite characteristic ever). I’ve additionally already custom-made my Management Heart. It’s not only a cellphone anymore — it’s a “me core.”  

The redesigned Photographs app organizes my library into significant collections — photographs of my canine, journeys with buddies, and even screenshots I forgot about however nonetheless want. The brand new Passwords app has develop into my one-stop store for managing credentials securely, and writing instruments like computerized textual content summarization are making my emails rather more concise.

What we bought:

• Apple Intelligence for AI-driven personalization, together with smarter Siri interactions.
• Redesigned Management Heart for customizable layouts and choices.
• Recreation mode improved gaming efficiency and decreased latency.
• Launched RCS messaging and textual content scheduling.
• New Passwords app.

Milestones that formed iOS 18:

• Launched superior AI instruments to boost consumer interactions.
• Strengthened Apple’s give attention to gaming and customization.

Too many iOS 18 prospects may also really feel a bit overwhelming for some customers:

Picture supply: https://www.reddit.com

With so many iOS prospects, it’s exhausting to not muddle my cellphone. That is why I like CleanMy®Telephone. It scans by all the pictures and information in your iPhone or iPad, sorting duplicates into classes so you may rapidly assessment and delete them. Simply yesterday, I ran it on my cellphone and found I had 15GB of screenshots (do not blame me; I am the sort who screenshots every thing cool I discover on-line). 

This is methods to declutter photographs utilizing CleanMy®Telephone:

1. Set up and open CleanMy®Telephone. 
2. Within the Declutter tab > faucet Scan.
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Evolution of iOS expertise

For me, the evolution of iOS expertise looks like watching a superb good friend develop up — every model has introduced new expertise, smarter instruments, and extra methods to make life simpler and a bit extra enjoyable. Let’s have a look.

Alos, try all of the Apple Watches in chronological order article.

Design developments that made the iPhone

There have been occasions, when apps seemed like real-world objects — Notes mimicked a authorized pad, and Recreation Heart seemed like a poker desk. Then, iOS 7 arrived in 2013, and every thing modified. The flat, minimalist design, with brilliant colours and translucent layers, felt contemporary.

Over time, options like Darkish Mode in iOS 13 and widgets in iOS 14 made the expertise much more private. Now, with iOS 18, I can customise every thing from widgets to app icons. My iPhone really looks like mine.

Right here’s a fast take a look at what particular variations have added by way of design:

Efficiency enhancements from iOS 1 to 18

With every replace, Apple appears to squeeze out extra efficiency, particularly for the most recent {hardware}. Take iOS 15: its Focus Mode helped me streamline notifications, so my cellphone labored smarter, not more durable, to maintain me productive.

Now, with iOS 18, Apple Intelligence takes efficiency to a brand new degree. On my iPhone 16, the system anticipates what I want earlier than I even ask. It is like having a very environment friendly assistant in my pocket. Duties run quicker, apps open immediately, and every thing feels intuitive. The most effective half? My battery lasts longer as a result of the system is designed to prioritize what issues most.

Right here’s vital perfoiramance replace overview:

New options that introduced new prospects

Every iOS model has introduced one thing new. iOS 5 launched iCloud. With iOS 12, Display screen Time helped me understand simply how a lot time I used to be spending on social media (and, nicely, that was approach an excessive amount of).

Now, iOS 18 is filled with options that really feel much more private. One characteristic I didn’t count on to like? Messages by way of satellite tv for pc. It’s good to know I can keep related even after I’m mountaineering off the grid (let’s face it, I’m not good at studying path maps).

Right here’s what we bought:

What’s subsequent for iOS?

Once I take into consideration what’s subsequent for iOS, I think about the form of future the place my iPhone doesn’t simply reply to me — it anticipates my wants, making on a regular basis life smoother, smarter, and a bit extra magical. Listed here are a number of potential eventualities.

Superior AI capabilities

If Apple Intelligence in iOS 18 is just the start, I can’t wait to see what’s subsequent. Think about Siri dealing with complicated duties, like writing a whole e-mail or summarizing a gathering whilst you’re on the go. AI might even assist anticipate your wants, like suggesting dinner recipes based mostly in your calendar and grocery record.

Enhanced augmented actuality

AR is one other space during which Apple is simply getting began. With units just like the Imaginative and prescient Professional on the horizon, I’m excited concerning the thought of deeper integration with iOS. Image this: utilizing your cellphone to design a digital workspace or collaborating on an AR undertaking with buddies.

Privateness-focused improvements

Apple has all the time valued privateness, and I’m positive future updates will take this even additional. Perhaps we’ll see granular app permissions or instruments to manage how a lot knowledge we share, particularly as extra apps depend on AI and machine studying.

Wrap-up: from iOS 1 to at present

The journey of iOS has been fascinating. I nonetheless bear in mind these skeuomorphic designs—the Notes app trying like a yellow authorized pad and Recreation Heart like a inexperienced poker desk. Now, with iOS 18, it’s all about intelligence and customization, and it looks like my iPhone really understands me. Every replace has added one thing distinctive. 

If you wish to get essentially the most out of your iPhone expertise, apps like AnyTrans for iOS, ClearVPN, and CleanMy®Telephone have been tremendous useful for me. They’re good for managing information, securing your knowledge, and optimizing your machine for peak efficiency.

Strive these apps and extra with Setapp’s 7-day free trial — as a result of your iOS expertise needs to be as seamless and highly effective because the system itself.

FAQs about iOS Variations