iOS

iOS is a variant of the Mac OS X that was specifically designed for portable platforms. It is the OS used on the iPad and iPhone (including the iPod Touch version). It runs on Apple ARM processors. Note beginning with iOS 13 the iPad will use its own OS, iPadOS.

Versions

A new version is generally released each year.

• Version 1 was the original OS for iPhone. Its original name was iPhone OS and was released in 2007. It only supported Apple Apps. It did support the first iPod Touch.
• Version 2 supported an App store and third party Apps.
• Version 3 was last version for iPod Touch (Generation 1) and original iPhone (Generation 1). A special 3.2.2 was released with the first iPad (Generation 1). This version introduced the spotlight app that could search for things.
• Version 4 was iPod Touch Generation 2 version and iPhone 3G. It was the first to offer multi-tasking and an API. This was the first release to use the name iOS.
• Version 5 was the first iPad 2 version and last version to support the iPad 1.

Version 6

• Is not supported on older hardware such as the iPad 1.
• It was first released with the iPad 4. Its features include:
  • provided a platform for audio-visual media, including electronic books, periodicals, films, music, computer games, presentations and web content.

Version 7

• Has significantly changed the GUI. Its features include:
  • was the first version to support 64 bit (A7) processors, which included the iPhone 5S, the iPad Air, and the iPad mini 2.
  • was the first version to support iBeacon.

Version 8

• was the first iPhone 6 version and iPad Air 2. Features include:
  • Quickly find and edit the photos you take.
  • Add your voice right in a text message.
  • Let your health and fitness apps communicate with each other, with your trainer, and even with your doctor.
  • Apple also provided developers with deeper access and more tools.
  • Users will have new keyboard options and even more ways to share user's content.
  • And user's will be able to use iCloud and Touch ID in ways user's never have before.
  • support the Apple Watch (8.2)
  • shifted audiobooks to iBooks (8.4)
  • added AAE support for photos

Version 9

• This was the first version to split out features by device so that the iOS could run on older devices. There are many features which include:
  • AirDrop, AirPlay, AirPrint
  • carplay (only on iphone 5 and later.)
  • Split screen - Selected devices
  • Control Center, Notification Center
  • Siri - Selected devices
  • Spotlight Search
  • Apple Music with Family Sharing
  • iCloud Drive
  • Multitasking
  • QuickType Keyboard
  • Nightshift mode (9.3) selected devices for blue-light exposure

Version 10

includes: AirDrop, AirPlay, AirPrint, Control Center, Handoff, HomeKit, iCloud, iCloud Keychain, Multitasking, Night Shift, Notification Center, Siri, Spotlight Search. Supported devices include iPhone 5 and later, iPad mini 2 and later, iPad 4 and later, basically all devices that have the lightning connector except the original iPad mini. It is designed specifically for 64bit processors, but will support 32bit apps.

Version 11

• Is a giant leap for iPhone and a monumental leap for iPad. Note that 32bit apps are no longer supported.
  • Files app: The new Files app brings all your files together. You can easily browse, search, and organize all your files in one place. And there’s a dedicated place for your recent files. Those on your iPad as well as in apps, on your other iOS devices, in iCloud Drive, and across other services like Box and Dropbox.
  • The new Dock is a foundational change for iPad. It’s now available from any screen. So with just a swipe, you can open and switch apps instantly. And you can customize it with more of your favorites. Apps you've opened recently and apps that are currently open on your iPhone or Mac appear in the right side of the Dock.
  • iOS 11 makes it easier and more intuitive than ever to multitask. You can open a second app right from the Dock, and both apps remain active in Slide Over as well as Split View. You can drag the second app in Slide Over to the left. And you can get back to your favorite App Spaces in the redesigned App Switcher.
  • Drag and Drop comes to iPad, allowing you to move text, photos, and files from one app to another. And because it’s been designed for the large Multi-Touch display of iPad, moving them around is pure magic. You can touch and move just about anything — or things — anywhere on the screen.
  • iOS 11 makes Apple Pencil for iPad Pro more versatile, powerful, and natural than ever. It’s more useful for all kinds of tasks, such as taking notes, getting work done, or simply being creative.
  • Letters, numbers, symbols, and punctuation marks are now all on the same keyboard — no more switching back and forth. Just flick down on a key to quickly select what you need.
  • iOS is the world’s largest augmented reality platform. Games and apps now offer fantastically immersive and fluid experiences that go far beyond the screen. By taking advantage of the latest in AR technology, you can digitally redecorate your home, explore a city you’ve never visited, or even try on a new tattoo. The possibilities are endless.
  • iOS 11 makes iPhone and iPad so smart, they learn from you. So capable, they help you in more powerful and personal ways. And so in tune with you, they do things for you before you even ask.
  • iOS 11 brings the convenience of Apple Pay to Messages. Now sending money to friends — and receiving it — is as simple as a conversation.
  • Turn a Live Photo you love into a fun video loop. Choose an image yourself, or let Photos suggest which ones would make great loops.
  • Inspired by classic photography styles, new filters take the camera on iPhone to another level. Portrait photos are more expressive. Skin tones more natural. And next-generation compression technology lets you take new photos with the same quality as before at half the file size.
  • In iOS 11 the camera internal format is HEIF for wide color images. Exported images are still JPG but both can be saved.
  • The App Store has been redesigned from the ground up to help you discover new apps and games you can’t live without. You’ll see daily stories by experts, a dedicated Games tab, lists for all kinds of apps, and much more. It’s the biggest thing to come to the App Store since apps.
  • Messages. Get to apps with fewer taps. Now it’s even easier to get to all the fun. Share stickers, emoji, and games with your friends just by swiping across the redesigned app drawer. All the goodies, less effort.
  • Siri. Naturally, more helpful. iOS 11 makes the world’s most popular intelligent assistant even more helpful. Through advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence, Siri is more expressive, with a new, more natural voice. Translation is supported.
  • Now your friends can help you discover new songs and artists. Each of you can have your own profile on Apple Music, where you can see playlists they’ve shared as well as albums and stations they listen to often.
  • With the new AirPlay 2, you can control your home audio system and the speakers throughout your house. You can play a song in the living room and your kitchen at the same time. Adjust the volume in any room. Or have your music start instantly on all your speakers — in sync with one another.
  • iOS 11 lets you customize the redesigned Control Center so you can change the settings for the things you do most. Want to be ready when inspiration hits? Add a Voice Memos control. Want to dim the lights in the dining room with a tap? Add Home controls. Or use 3D Touch in Control Center to unlock even more commands.
  • The Lock screen is even more powerful. To get to all your notifications, just swipe up from anywhere on the screen. At a glance, you can see both your recent and missed notifications in one place.
  • iPhone can now sense when you might be driving and help keep you from being distracted by calls, text messages, and notifications. People trying to message you can automatically be notified that you’re driving.
  • Whether you’re going on a new adventure or just searching for the nearest coffee shop, Maps makes all your journeys smoother. From indoor maps to lane guidance arrows, it’s easier than ever to get around.
  • News becomes even more personal, showing top stories that are more relevant to you. Siri learns what’s important to you and suggests stories you might like. And our editors choose a different topic every day for you to explore in a new tab called Spotlight. They also craft a daily selection of the best videos for you to see in Today View.
  • Holding a coffee in one hand and your iPhone in the other? Simply touch and hold the emoji or globe key, select one-handed typing, and the keys will instantly move closer to your thumb.
  • automatic setup: Just hold your new iPhone or iPad near an iOS device to sign in with your Apple ID automatically. Many of your personal settings, preferences, and content will be quickly and securely imported. Or in technical terms, easy peasy.
• OS11 requires a 5s or later iPhone, a iPad mini 2, 5th generation or later iPad, or a 6th generation iPod touch

Version 12

• adds more security and other features. Release Sept 12, 2018.
  • Speed up the things you do every day
    • Up to70%faster swipe to Camera
    • Up to50%faster keyboard display
    • Up to2xfaster app launch under heavy workload
  • FaceTime with up to 32 people at once - coming in a point release.
  • Create an Animoji just for yourself
  • Say it with four new Animoji.
  • Liven up the conversation with Camera effects
  • Augmented Reality (AR) gets so real you can share it with friends.
  • Screen Time: Be more aware of how you and your kids use your devices.
  • Easily take control of your notifications.
  • Turn on Do Not Disturb and forget about it.
  • A new way to share your best photos.
  • A smarter way to search your photos.
  • Siri shortcuts: Streamline the things you do often with shortcuts.
  • iOS protects your privacy. Even when websites don’t.
• Trackpad mode using space bar - Tapping and holding on the Spacebar will turn the iOS keyboard into a virtual trackpad for more precise text and object selection.
• Revised iBooks version 4. Now called Apple Books
• The redesigned Stocks app.
• Voice Memos comes to iPad.
• Apple News: The best journalism all in one place.
• Automatic strong passwords.
• Security code AutoFill.
• Third-party navigation apps in CarPlay.
• Siri does even more. Get race stats for motorsports, find answers to food and celebrity questions, quickly look up a password, or search for your favorite memories.
• Contactless student ID cards in Wallet. In a point release.
• More battery information up to 24 hours or 10 days.

Version 13

Starting with version 13 the iOS is being split into two separate but related OS's. One continues as iOS for iPhones and a second called iPadOS for most iPads. iOS 13 released Sept 19, 2019.

• Dark mode - automatic evening setting for reduced light.
• Photo tab - special settings for viewing photos.
• Camera - adjust lighting and effects.
• Privacy - location controls
• Homekit - secure videos.
• Maps - new from the ground up.
• Siri - TTS, improved intelligence
• Shortcuts - improved
• Homepod - recognize voices for personal touch
• Airpods - share a song, get notifications directly
• Memoji - automatic
• Keyboard - improved ease
• Reminders - all new design
• Carplay - improvements and additions
• Performance - 2X launch speed.
• Custom fonts - You can now install custom fonts and use them in your favorite apps.
  • Manage fonts - Easily see and manage the fonts you’ve installed right in Settings.
  • App Store - Fonts will be available from the App Store, making it easy to find and install them.
• Additions and improvements to apps.

iPhone support includes: iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S plus and all later products, iPhone SE, and iPod Touch (7th generation)

Version 14

iOS 14 Looks brand new. Feels like home. iOS 14 brings a fresh look to the things you do most often, making them easier than ever. New features help you get what you need in the moment. And the apps you use all the time become even more intelligent, more personal, and more private. Released September 16, 2020

• Widgets on the Home Screen - Widgets have been totally redesigned to give you more information at a glance — and now you can add them to your Home Screen. Choose from different sizes and arrange however you like.
  • You can also add a Smart Stack of widgets intelligently curated based on the apps you use most, and the right widget will show up automatically at the right time in your day.
• App Library - The new App Library automatically organizes all of your apps into one simple, easy‑to‑navigate view. Apps are sorted by category and your most used apps are always just one tap away.
• Compact calls - Calls from your iPhone, FaceTime, and third‑party apps display in an all‑new compact design that doesn’t take up the full screen.
• Picture in Picture - Now you can keep watching videos or continue your FaceTime call while you use another app.
• Messages - Keeping in touch has never been more essential. So iOS 14 gives you new ways to stay connected to the conversations that matter most, keep track of group conversations, and express yourself however you like.
• Pinned conversations - Pin up to nine of your most important conversations to the top of your conversation list so you can easily get to them.
• Group photos - Give your group conversation a visual identity by adding a photo or Memoji, or choose an emoji.
• Mentions - Type a name to direct a message to someone. When you are mentioned, your name is highlighted. You can even customize an active group so you only receive notifications when you are mentioned.
• Inline replies - Now you can reply directly to a specific message in a group conversation. You can view replies in the full conversation or as their own thread for a more focused view.
• New Memoji styles and stickers - Along with new age options and face coverings, choose from over 20 new hair and headwear styles to reflect your hobby, profession, and personality.
• Maps - Maps is the best way to navigate and explore the world, all while protecting your privacy. With Maps in iOS 14, it’s easier than ever to discover new places to go and environmentally friendly ways to get there.
  • Cycling directions - You can now use Maps to get cycling directions using bike lanes, paths, and roads.1 You can also see elevation, busy streets, stairs, and steep passages when planning your trip.
  • Electric vehicle routing - Plan your trip with charging stations along the way.
  • Guides - Apple Maps editors have worked with trusted brands and partners to offer Guides for great places around the world to eat, shop, and explore.3 You can save Guides, and they automatically update when new places are added, so you always have the latest recommendations.
• Translate - Conversations across languages should feel natural and easy, and should have the ability to remain private. Introducing the all-new Translate app, designed for conversations across 11 different languages.
  • Conversation mode - With Translate, conversations are easy by design. Just turn your phone to landscape and tap the single microphone button to say something.
  • On‑device mode - Enable a fully offline experience for Translate. Use all the app features for downloaded languages and keep your translations private without needing to turn off your phone’s internet connection.
  • Favorites - Save translations in the Favorites tab for easy access later. You can also view your recent history and save phrases you just translated.
  • Attention mode - Enlarge translated text in landscape view, making it easier to read and more effective at getting someone’s attention.
• Siri - Siri is a vital way to get information and get things done. And thanks to a new compact design, you can take advantage of everything Siri can do without losing your context.
  • Compact design - Siri has a completely new look that lets you quickly get information or get things done while still focusing on what you’re doing.
  • Greater knowledge
  • Web answers - Siri can now help you find answers to a broader set of questions by using information from across the web.
  • Send audio messages - When you want to be more expressive in your messages, you can now easily send audio messages with Siri.
• Home - The Home app helps you manage your smart home more intelligently — and most important, more securely. And now it’s even easier to take advantage of the broad selection of HomeKit accessories.
  • Suggested automations - When you add a new HomeKit accessory, the Home app suggests useful automations so you can put it right to work.
  • Home status - A new visual status in the Home app prioritizes the accessories that most need your attention and allows you to easily control them.
  • Adaptive Lighting - Set your lights to change color temperature throughout the day.
  • Activity Zones - Define Activity Zones that focus on the most important areas of what your camera sees, so you can be alerted only when there’s motion in the zone you set.
  • Face Recognition - Video cameras and doorbells can now identify people you’ve tagged in the Photos app. Easily tag people, and choose to be notified based on the person.
• Safari - Browsing the web should feel fast, powerful, and private. So with iOS 14, Safari is more responsive and capable than ever, while giving you new ways to help protect your privacy.
  • (Beta) Translation - Safari can now translate websites in seven different languages.6 When you come to a website that Safari can translate, an icon appears. Just tap and read.
  • Performance - The world’s fastest mobile browser
  • Password monitoring - Safari warns you if a password you’re using is not secure.
  • Privacy Report - Now you can tap the Privacy Report button to better understand how websites treat your privacy.
• Car keys and CarPlay
  • CarPlay has transformed the relationship between your iPhone and your car. Now that relationship gets even more powerful with the ability to unlock and start your car with iPhone.
  • Car keys in Wallet - Unlock and start your car with iPhone.
  • Share and manage keys - Sharing keys with friends or family is easy. You can customize controls and create restricted profiles, perfect for new drivers. You can revoke and share keys temporarily, too.
  • Power reserve - Works for up to five hours even after your iPhone battery runs out.
  • CarPlay wallpaper and new app types - Choose from a set of wallpapers that look great. CarPlay also supports new app types — parking, electric vehicle charging, and quick food ordering.
• AirPods - AirPods deliver a magical listening experience. With iOS 14, that magic has a few new tricks, whether you’re listening to music, catching up on a podcast, or taking in a movie.
  • Spatial audio - Bring surround sound wherever you go.
  • Battery notifications - New battery notifications conveniently let you know when you need to charge your AirPods.
  • Automatic switching - Seamlessly move between devices without manually switching your AirPods. If you finish a phone call on your iPhone and pick up your iPad to watch a movie, AirPods automatically switch over.
  • Headphone Accommodations - Adjust your AirPods audio to account for hearing differences. Headphone Accommodations amplifies soft sounds and can tune for your individual hearing, to help music, phone calls, and more sound crisp and clear.
  • Audio Sharing for Apple TV - Connect two sets of AirPods to your Apple TV 4K so you can enjoy movies and shows with someone else without disturbing others.
• App Clips - Apps from the App Store have changed the way we do just about everything. Now there’s an even faster way to take advantage of them with App Clips. A small part of an app, an App Clip is discoverable the moment you need it and is focused on a specific task.
  • Discover App Clips - App Clips are easy to discover and use right in the moments you need them. Like renting a bike, paying for parking, ordering food, and so much more.
  • Fast loading - Small size. Loads in seconds. Launches quickly.
  • Easy and private - Log in quickly with apps that use Sign in with Apple, then make transactions safely and instantly with apps that use Apple Pay.
• Privacy - Privacy is a fundamental human right and at the core of everything we do. That’s why with iOS 14, we’re giving you more control over the data you share and more transparency into how it’s used.
  • Privacy information on the App Store - You can now get information on the App Store to help you understand the privacy practices of every app before you download it.
  • Recording indicator - An indicator appears at the top of your screen whenever an app is using your microphone or camera. And in Control Center, you can see if an app has used them recently.
  • Upgrade to Sign in with Apple - Easily switch to Sign in with Apple when logging in to participating apps. You’ll keep the account you already use, but have one less password to keep track of.
  • Approximate location - Share only your approximate location rather than your exact location — perfect for apps like local news or weather.
• Apple Arcade. - Discover and play your next game with new browsing features in Apple Arcade. Now you can see what games are popular with your Game Center friends. And easily take your games across iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV with the Continue Playing feature.
• Apple Cash Family. - Now you can enable Apple Cash for family members under 18. You, your family, and your friends can send money to them for allowances, birthdays, or just because. They can spend the money anywhere Apple Pay is accepted with their Apple Watch, iPhone, or iPad. It's easy to manage with parental controls.
• Augmented reality. - ARKit 4 introduces Location Anchors, allowing developers to place AR experiences, like life‑size art installations or navigational directions, at a specific point in the world.16 And even more users can delight in AR experiences accessible only via the front camera, with expanded support for face tracking on all devices with the A12 Bionic chip and later.
• Camera. - Taking photos is even quicker, with faster time to first shot and faster shot-to-shot performance.17 And with a new exposure compensation control, you can lock an exposure value while separately locking camera focus for a specific shot.18
• Game Center. - A beautifully redesigned Game Center makes it easy to discover and experience games with friends. Quickly access achievements, leaderboards, and your Game Center profile right from the App Store and within your Game Center–enabled games.
• Health. - An all-new Sleep experience in the Health app helps you meet your sleep goals. New hearing features help you understand how loud you’re listening to media through headphones and how that could impact your hearing over time. You can manage your health and safety all in one place with the Health Checklist. And the Health app has new data types for mobility, health records, symptoms, and ECG.19
• Notes. - On-device intelligence helps you do everything from finding your notes faster to capturing sharper document scans. And design updates across the app help focus your attention on your content and on the most important actions you can take.
• Photos - Organize your photos and videos with new options to filter and sort, and easily navigate using pinch and zoom in more views throughout Photos.
• Reminders. - Quick entry and smart suggestions can help you capture new reminders effortlessly. Members of a shared list can now assign reminders to each other so splitting up tasks is easier than ever.
• Set default email and browser apps. - With iOS 14, you can set a third‑party app as the default email or browser app systemwide.
• Voice Memos. - The most popular audio recording app in the world gets new tools for organizing recordings. An all‑new Enhance Recording feature lets you improve the sound quality of your recordings with a single tap.
• Weather. - Stay informed about severe weather events20 and learn about upcoming shifts in weather, so you know if it will be significantly warmer, colder, or wetter the next day. In the U.S. you can see a chart that shows a minute‑by‑minute forecast of precipitation intensity over the next hour.

Version 15

Released September 2021.

• FaceTime: New Spatial Audio feature. Voice isolation to block background noise. New Grid View. New Portrait mode. New Facetime Links to share with others. Facetime calls can be done via web browser in Android. New Share Play where you share your screen. New Screen Sharing feature.
• Messages: Shared with You feature in News, Photos, Apple Music, Podcast, etc.
• Notifications: New Summary feature. New Do Not disturb feature. New Focus feature.
• Photos: New Live Text feature. Photos Spotlight feature. Visual Lookup search feature. Photos search feature on Home screen. Photos Memories feature.
• Wallet: More keys. New ID Cards feature.
• Weather: New design. New WX graphics. Full screen WX maps.
• Apple Maps: New Globe view. New City details, elevations, nighttime mode, etc. Better graphics for navigation. Improved transit view. Building scanner for location ID.

iOS is the world’s most personal and secure mobile operating system, packed with powerful features and designed to protect your privacy.

• Accessibility: Built-in accessibility features supporting vision, mobility, hearing, and cognitive disabilities help you get the most out of your iPhone.

Built-in Apps

Less that 150 MB of storage. (not all apps shipped on all devices)

• Camera
• Photos
• Messages
• FaceTime
• Mail
• Music
• Safari
• Maps
• Siri (on models having the lightning connector)
• Calendar
• iTunes Store
• App Store
• Notes (significant improvement in 9.3)
• Contacts
• iBooks (free download on earlier OS versions) v. 12 calls it Apple Books
• Game Center
• Reminders
• Clock
• Videos
• Photo Booth
• Podcasts
• News
• TV
• Find My iPhone
• Find My Friends
• Health (on later models, only iPhones) Works with Apple Watches
• File app (on iOS Version 11 and up)
• Stocks app
• Settings
• Tips
• Compass
• Calculator

Free downloadable Apps from Apple on later models

• Pages
• Numbers
• Keynote
• iMovie
• GarageBand
• iTunes U
• Apple Store
• Trailers
• Remote
• Watch (Works with Apple Watch)

Accessibility

Accessibility features help people with disabilities get the most out of their new iPad Air. With built-in support for vision, hearing, physical and motor skills, and learning and literacy, you can create and do amazing things, Features include:

• VoiceOver
• Zoom
• Magnifier
• Siri and Dictation
• Switch Control
• Closed Captions
• AssistiveTouch
• Speak Screen

Syncing

Syncing with iTunes on a Mac or PC requires:

• Mac: OS X 10.11.6 or later
• PC: Windows 7 or later
• iTunes 12.8 or later on Mac and iTunes 12.9 or later on PC (free download from http://www.itunes.com/download)

URL scheme

In general, an iOS app can open another iOS app by its URL scheme, if exists, and asks it to perform various actions through its parameters. For example, a reader app (MapleRead, Marvin, etc.) may thus open a dictionary app with the word to be looked up. Or perhaps you want to look up the map of a place you read in a book. As http is also a scheme implying a web browser app, you may also specify a website URL instead. This is clearly very useful and easy to do, as long as you know the URL schemes with parameters. See MobileRead forum discussion for more details.

The following URLs have been identified.

• The free dictionary thefreedictionary://search/{word}
• Dictbox Dictbox://{word}
• dictbox deutsch dictboxde://{word}
• dictbox french dictboxfr://{word}
• v-for-wiki v-for-wiki://search/_/{word}
• wikipedia wikipedia://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/{word}
• iTranslate -- itranslate://translate?from=auto&to=da&text={text} (use {word} for MapleReader)
• Twitter -- twitter://post?message={word}
• Google Chrome -- googlechrome://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/{word} for http
• Google Chrome -- googlechromes://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/{word} for https

For more information

• See eBook software for programs that work on iOS.
• See iOS on Wikipedia
• See Comparison of iOS e-book reader software on Wikipedia
• https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/navigation/ The iOS developer library