What is iOS?

In 2007, Apple launched its own operating system designed specifically for its flagship phones and device and took the industry to an all-new level. iOS has evolved to be the second most popular operating system globally after Android.
Although iOS releases various updates from time to time, its major versions are released annually. The current iOS version, iOS 12, was launched in September 2018. In addition to supporting iPhones, iOS also supports a range of other Apple devices including the likes of iPod, iPad, and so on.
Similar to Android, iOS also has a comprehensive range of iOS applications, around 2.1 million iOS applications, available in Apple’s App Store, out of which 1 million are native for iPads.
Let’s have a look at the evolution of iOS so far.

∑ iOS 1

This was the first touch-centric mobile operating system by Apple launched on Jan 9, 2007. But this operating system was never officially recognized by Apple.

∑ iOS 2

This is the first officially recognized mobile operating system by Apple. Consisting of various advanced features like App Store, push email, Maps with GPS and others, the operating system was a huge hit. The iPhone users were provided with a free update, while iPad Touch users were charged with $9.95.

∑ iOS 3

Also known as iPhone 3G S, this was the next in line. The OS consisted of various advanced features including voice control, landscape keyboard, cut, and copy and paste functions and so on.

∑ iOS 4

iOS 4 was preinstalled in iPad 2 and iPhone 4 and was the first operating system to be officially marketed as iOS.

∑ iOS 5

iOS 5 was launched a week after the death of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, and introduced some major features including the likes of Notification Center, Siri, iMessage and so on.
What made iOS 5 special was the fact that it eliminated the involvement of computer cords to a large extent. Users were able to set up and activate their devices wirelessly.

∑ iOS 6

iOS 6 included some out-of-the-box features including Passbook, Facebook integration, and others.

∑ iOS 7

iOS 7 came preinstalled in iPhone 5S, 5C, iPad mini 2, and iPad Air. The operating system made way for various updates including iTunes Radio, Photos app, and so on.

∑ iOS 8, iOS 9, iOS 10, and iOS 11

iOS 8 and 9 are the recent versions of iOS and included new features like Apple Pay, iCloud Drive, Apple Music, 3D Touch, iCloud Keychain passwords and so on.