
iOS Variations: Each model of iOS – and the newest model of iOS
iOS is the core of the iPhone expertise. It is the working system that every little thing else sits on, whereas additionally providing a number of customized options and apps created by Apple itself. If you happen to’ve ever puzzled when variations will come out, how you can test which model you are presently utilizing, or how you can replace to the newest model, we have got the solutions. Here is our whistle-stop tour for iOS.
iOS model historical past
iOS debuted in 2007 alongside the primary iPhone. Nevertheless, when Steve Jobs held the little gadget aloft to disclose it to the world for the primary time, it wasn’t operating iOS 1. As a substitute, Apple mentioned it was operating OS X, which is Mac software program. Over time, it got here to be known as iPhone OS, till it lastly gained its now-legendary identify within the fourth technology of the software program when it was shortened to iOS in 2010.
Vital milestones are scattered throughout the iOS timeline, the primary of which was the introduction of the App Retailer in iPhone OS 2 in 2008. iOS 4 noticed the iPad be a part of the scene and the working system used alongside the iPhone.
iOS 5 was launched with the iPhone 4S in 2011, which noticed Siri debut as a built-in a part of the working system. Sadly, this was the final model of the software program launched whereas Apple CEO and founder Steve Jobs was nonetheless alive.

apple
Issues modified considerably with iOS 11 in 2017, which launched the primary contact and gesture interface, permitting for the primary iPhone with out a house button – the iPhone
One other huge shift got here with iOS 13 in 2019, marking a bifurcation of Apple’s cell working programs, with iPhones remaining iOS however the newly introduced iPadOS powering the brand new iPads. This may proceed to at the present time, though the model numbers have remained in sync, most not too long ago iOS 16 and iPadOS 16.
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 are the newest variations of the software program. You may set up iOS 17 and get iPadOS 17 now.
Checklist of iOS variations and newest releases
Under are the small print of all iOS variations launched, their launch date, final replace date, and newest iOS model.
- iPhone OS 1 – Launched June 29, 2007 (newest model 1.1.5 on July 15, 2008)
- iPhone OS 2 – Launched July 11, 2008 (newest model 2.2.1 dated January 27, 2009)
- iPhone OS 3 – Launched June 17, 2009 (newest model 3.2.2 dated August 11, 2010)
- iOS 4 – Launched June 22, 2010 (newest model 4.3.5 July 25, 2011)
- iOS 5 – Launched October 12, 2011 (newest model 5.1.1 dated Could 7, 2012)
- iOS 6 – Launched September 19, 2012 (newest model 6.1.6 dated February 21, 2014)
- iOS 7 – Launched September 18, 2013 (newest model 7.1.2 June 30, 2014)
- iOS 8 – Launched September 17, 2014 (newest model 8.4.1 dated August 13, 2015)
- iOS 9 – Launched September 16, 2015 (newest model 9.3.6 on July 22, 2019)
- iOS 10 – Launched September 13, 2016 (newest model 10.3.4 dated July 22, 2019)
- iOS 11 – Launched September 19, 2017 (newest model 11.4.1 dated July 9, 2018)
- iOS 12 – Launched September 17, 2018 (newest model 12.5.7 dated January 23, 2023)
- iOS 13 – Launched September 19, 2019 (newest model 13.7 on September 1, 2020)
- iOS 14 – Launched September 17, 2020 (newest model 14.8.1 October 26, 2021)
- iOS 15 – Launched September 24, 2021 (newest model 15.7.9 launched September 11, 2023)
- iOS 16 – Launched September 12, 2022 (newest iOS 16.6.1 dated September 7, 2023)
- iOS 17 – Launched September 18, 2023.
Checklist of iPadOS variations
Whereas iOS was the preliminary working system for the iPad, that modified with the discharge of iPadOS 13 in 2019. Since then, iPads have had their very own platform, enabling Apple to raised leverage the ability of its bigger gadgets. Here is the brief launch date for iPadOS:
- iOS 12 – Launched September 17, 2018 (newest model 12.5.7 dated January 23, 2023)
- iPadOS 13 – Launched September 24, 2019 (newest model 13.7 on September 1, 2020)
- iPadOS 14 – Launched September 16, 2020 (newest model 14.8.1 dated October 26, 2021)
- iPadOS 15 – Launched September 20, 2021 (newest model 15.7.9 launched September 11, 2023)
- iPadOS 16 – Launched October 24, 2022 (newest model 16.6.1 launched September 7, 2023)
- iPadOS 17 – Launched September 18, 2023.
See additionally: How lengthy does Apple help iPad gadgets?
What variations of iOS are presently supported?
When it comes to new options, solely iOS 17 is presently supported by Apple. For these with iPhones operating solely older variations of iOS, Apple nonetheless helps iOS 16, and presumably iOS 15, with safety updates. Apple will seemingly proceed to help iOS 15 for iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 7 and seven Plus, and iOS 16 for iPhone 8 and eight Plus.
Apple considers iOS 14 and iOS 13 out of date as a result of the identical telephones that may run these working programs can run iOS 15. In January 2023, Apple launched a safety replace for iOS 12, however it’s unlikely to launch one other one. The iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 5S, and a few iPads will seemingly be unnoticed within the chilly as a result of they solely help iOS 12. Fortuitously, many iPhones are able to operating supported variations of iOS. See: How lengthy does Apple help iPhones?
We discover out which model of iOS the iPhone helps in a separate article: iOS Compatibility: Discover out the newest model your iPhone can run.
How one can discover out which model of iOS your iPhone is operating
If you happen to’re undecided which model of iOS you are presently utilizing, it’s extremely straightforward to seek out out. Simply go to Settings > Normal > About And search for iOS model quantity. It is the identical steps for iPadOS.

foundry
How one can set up the newest model of iOS
Updating your iPhone to the newest model of iOS is easy, so long as your gadget is appropriate. Nevertheless, this does not require a number of detective work, as your iPhone will know whether or not it is eligible for the improve or not.
To seek out out, go to Settings > Normal > Software program Replace, and your iPhone will test to see if any can be found. You may additionally see a notification on the Settings web page that claims “Software program replace out there,” which you’ll be able to click on to go on to the replace web page. iPadOS works the identical method.

foundry
If there are not any updates, you will see a message like “iOS has been up to date.” If one is on the market, it is going to let you know on the display and provide the choice to “Obtain and Set up”. Do that and your iPhone will robotically apply the replace and convey your software program to the newest model.
You can too learn our tutorial on how you can replace iOS on iPhone for extra particulars.
So, that is it. Potted Historical past for iOS. Wish to study all variations of macOS? Learn: Mac OS