With the release of updates to the iOS mobile operating system, Apple is much more organized than its rival product from Google. And although the number of smartphone models that support iOS hardly reaches two dozen, the company periodically limits access to the current firmware version on devices that it considers “morally obsolete.”
This is due both to hardware incompatibility and device performance (for example, it is extremely difficult to imagine the iPhone 3GS running on iOS 10), and to a marketing decision. Eventually, Apple stops signing older firmware and restricts access to new ones. It is impossible to install unsigned firmware (firmware with an expired digital certificate).
You will find out which iOS and which iPhone you can install on in this material.
iPhone 2G
Minimum iOS version : iPhone OS 1.0 (1A543a) Maximum iOS version : iOS 3.1.3 (7E18) Average update size : 91 - 245 MB
The original iPhone remains the only device on which you can install the first version of the operating system. Back then they were also called iPhone OS. The latest firmware available for installation on the original iPhone is iOS 3.1.3. Downgrade is available.
Chronology of all existing versions of the Apple iOS mobile operating system
It's time to find out what all the versions of the recognized iOS operating system from Apple have been until now. This way you can also find out how many there are in total and from each of them what are their most important and valuable updates.
iPhone OS 1.0
Release date: June 2007
Also known as iOS 1, this is the first version of the operating system in question. Which at first did not have a specific name, and then adopted the one we indicated. Among its most important features, we found that it was only compatible with the first generation 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 create applications for these devices, that is, the iPhone and iPod Touch. It is worth noting that its updates are as follows: 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 .
From these updates, more advanced designs and great features have been noted. And 1.1.1 1.1.3 .
Update | details |
1.1.1 |
|
1.1.3 |
|
iPhone OS 2.0
Release date: June 2008
A year after the first version, iOS 2.0 was released, which was already pre-installed at the factory on the iPhone 3G . It should be noted that for the first time and thanks to this version, users were able to launch and use the application store ; since he brought it with him. Thus, it became possible to download third-party applications.
Among other things, this is the version that can be updated on devices running version 1.x. Now as far as its updates are concerned , they are classified as listed here: 2.0, 2.0.1, 2.0.2, 2.1, 2.2 and 2.2.1.
Below we will detail the characteristics of the most significant updates:
Update | details |
2.0 |
|
2,1 |
|
2.2 |
|
iPhone OS 3.0
Release date: June 17, 2009
A year later, they gave way to the third version of this operating system, also known as iOS 3.0 . Notably, it was made available through the iPhone 3GS device, and among its various new features, it included copy-paste and MMS functionality. In addition, it stood out because the first version was adapted for iPad .
For his part, he made sure that devices running iOS 2.x were updated to this firmware. Regarding iPhone OS 3.0 version updates, we specify 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. Considering that the last three of these versions were iPad only and that the most important ones overall are 3.1 and 3.1.3. .
Update | details |
3.1 |
|
3.1.3 |
|
iOS 4 system
Release date: June 21, 2010
In 2010, this new version of iOS is born, which differs from others in that it modifies everything again. Since then, first of all, this is the first version that ceases to support older devices, that is, the iPhone and iPod Touch of the first generation. Therefore, it only supports the newest and most advanced, it will stop charging your iPod Touch to be able to update .
Now, when it comes to the updates introduced by iOS 4, we see that they are: 4.0, 4.0.1, 4.0.2, 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3. Sachant Que the most current updates are 4.0, 4.1 and 4.2. .
Updates | details |
4.0 |
|
4.1 |
|
4.2 |
|
IOS 5 system
Release date: June 06, 2011
Subsequently, iOS 5 was released, which stands out as the second version of the operating system, which does not support updates on the most outdated devices , i.e. on iPhone 3G and iPod Touch 2G. Thus, it was released specifically for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPod Touch 3G, iPod Touch 4G, iPad, iPad 2 and iPad 3.
On the contrary, it hasn't had as many updates as other versions of iOS. So these are just the following: 5.0, 5.0.1, 5.1 and 5.1.1; the most relevant are 5.0 and 5.1 .
Updates | details |
5,0 |
|
5.1 |
|
IOS 6 system
Release date: June 12, 2012
At the time of this release, iOS was recognized as the most advanced mobile operating system in history. Likewise, the third version, which does not accept updates on some older devices (In addition to those described above, the first generation iPad and third generation iPod Touch are also included).
In this sense, iOS 6 was released specifically for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPod Touch (4th and 5th generation), iPad (2nd-4th generation) and iPad mini support in September this of the year. As for updates, these are 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 |
|
6.1 |
|
iOS 7
Release date: June 10, 2013
This refers to the fourth version of iOS, which does not allow updates on older devices and was considered the one that managed to bring a new look to the mobile operating system . It should be noted that it supported: iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPod Touch 5th generation, iPad 2nd to 5th generation, iPad mini and iPad mini with Retina display in September of the same year .
Like all its updates, 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. . Corn the most significant were 7.0, 7.0.3 and 7.1.
Here are some of its features:
Update | details |
7,0 |
|
7.0.3 |
|
7,1 |
|
IOS 8 system
Release date: June 02, 2014
“UPDATE ✅ Do you want to know what all versions of the Apple iOS operating system were like? ⭐ LOG IN HERE ⭐ and discover each of them ✅ EASY and FAST ✅ »
During the Annual WWDC , this version of the Apple operating system was released. In this case, the fifth version of iOS, which does not allow updates on the company's older devices. So 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 as follows: 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. So, the most important thing is essentially 8.1, 8.3 and 8.4 .
Updates | details |
8.1 |
|
8.3 |
|
8.4 |
|
iOS 9 system
Release date: September 16, 2015
Although its launch was announced at the annual WWDC conference held on June 8, 2015, the official version of iOS 16 was released only on September 9 this year. Being one of the most important because with it also some devices such as the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus and iPad Mini were released in the 4th generation .
For its part, it also stands out for being the version of Apple that for the first time decided not to skip updates for older devices. Thus, it supports all mobile devices, iPod and iPad up to iPhone 4s . 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 of them:
Updates | details |
9,0 |
|
9.2 |
|
9,3 |
|
9.3.5 |
|
9.3.6 |
|
IOS 10 system
Release date: September 2016
A year after version 9, version 10 of Apple's mobile operating system was released. Which at the same time walked with the launch of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus . It should be noted that this version is available for iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s Plus and of course both iPhones released since.
On the other hand, it was not available for all devices that will use A5 or A5X processors . In other words, iPhone 4s, iPad 2, iPad 3rd generation, iPad mini 1st generation, and iPod Touch 5th generation. It should be noted that only three updates have been released, namely: 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 .
The most relevant ones are below:
Update | details |
10.1 |
|
10.2 |
|
10,3 |
|
IOS 11 system
Release date: September 2022
Along with the release of the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X , this new version of iOS was introduced. This limits many features on devices like the iPhone 5s, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPad Air. Additionally, devices equipped with 32-bit A6 and A6X processors (such as iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, and iPad 4th generation) do not receive updates.
Now, as for its updates, we limit them to 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, 11.4.1 and finally XNUMX.
We detail the most relevant ones here :
Update | details |
11,1 |
|
iPhone 3G
Minimum iOS version : iOS 2.0 (5A347) Maximum iOS version : iOS 4.2.1 (8C148) Average update size : 225 - 322 MB
The updated iPhone 3G came out of the box with iOS 2.0. The firmware is supported to this day. It is not possible to update above iOS 4.2.1. Please note that Apple does not sign iOS 4.0, 4.0.1 and 4.0.2 firmware.
How to find out which version of iOS is currently installed on your iPhone or iPad
To find out which system currently controls the device, you need to go to the “Settings → General → About this device” menu and pay attention to the “Software version” line.
To check for iOS updates for this device, return to the previous menu “Settings → General”, select “Software Update” and wait for the data to download.
The reasons why updates may not appear on an iOS device are described in this material.
♥ BY TOPIC: How to clear memory on an iPhone or iPad: 40 ways.
iPhone 3GS
Minimum iOS version : iOS 4.1 (8B117) Maximum iOS version : iOS 6.1.6 (10B500) Average update size : 382 - 784 MB
With the “high-speed” version of the iPhone 3GS, Apple acted very generously. The latest firmware version is iOS 6.1.6. But with version iOS 5 a strange situation has arisen. It is no longer signed and cannot be installed. At the same time, the minimum possible iOS that will work on a smartphone is iOS 4.1.
How to install the new (latest) iOS on your iPhone or iPad
The easiest way to reflash an iPhone is over the air. To do this, just go to the above-mentioned section “Settings → General → Software Update”, click the “Download and Install” button. In this case, all existing data will be saved on the device. It is important to remember that installing iOS over the air should never be done if the device is jailbroken.
To completely reinstall iOS via iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on Mac), you will need to perform a slightly more complex algorithm of actions, which is described in detail in this material. In this case, you will need the current version of iOS for your specific iPhone or iPad.
♥ ON TOPIC: What QR codes can the iPhone camera read: 10 examples of use.
iPhone 4 (GSM/CDMA)
Minimum iOS version : iOS 7.1.2 (build depends on the model) Maximum iOS version : iOS 7.1.2 (build depends on the model) Average update size : 1.12 GB
The only firmware that can be installed on the iPhone 4 is iOS 7.1.2. Starting with the iPhone 4, Apple closed any options. A complete rejection of skeuomorphism on the part of the company was met with a forced transition to the “flat” iOS 7. Be careful when installing, since the iPhone 4 is available in three versions: GSM, CDMA and GSM (rev. A) 2012. You must install your own firmware for each.
What's new in iOS 14
5G networks
As mentioned above, the main feature of the new operating system for Apple smartphones is support for 5G networks. Users from North America, Western Europe, Asia and Australia have long been using the new generation of fast Internet, while in Eastern Europe and Russia there is no such joy yet. Accordingly, so far this update has essentially turned out to be useless for our fellow citizens.
Widgets
Apple engineers borrowed the idea of widgets from their competitors from Google. In iOS 14, you can expand app icons to custom sizes—3, 4, or 16 squares. The created widgets contain much more useful information. For example, the weather for several days at once or a list of tasks for the whole week. Widgets can be pinned to your desktop and used next to simple shortcuts.
Frame: Apple
Smart stacks
Now iOS can select folders with favorite applications for the user on the go. For example, the system understands that you like to read before going to bed, so at 10:30 p.m. a stack with an “reader” and a browser will appear on the screen. Nothing revolutionary, but it makes using the phone a little more convenient.
App library
A feature that is somewhat reminiscent of smart stacks. iOS 14 selects programs with similar functionality for the user and divides them into separate folders. However, the system is not so ideal, and can put applications for paying traffic fines and ordering pizza in one place.
New dialer interface
Apple has finally decided to abandon the huge buttons for accepting or rejecting calls. Now, instead of the full-screen version, a small curtain with buttons will appear, which can be stretched to fill the entire screen. Very convenient during games where you can’t be distracted or while watching a movie.
Picture in Picture
Another warm hello to Android smartphones. Now iPhone owners will be able to minimize some applications and use them simultaneously. For example, communicate via Facetime and scroll through your social media feed. A full-fledged Split View mode has not appeared in Apple tablets.
Back touch
Starting with the iPhone 11, a special sensor began to be built into the back of the devices that tracks touches. You can use it for convenience and record different scripts. For example, after two taps on the phone, turn on the browser or dial the number of the desired contact. In total, you can record two actions - two and three touches on the back of the phone.
Updated Siri
The voice assistant also received a small update. In particular, its interface has changed. When activated, it has become much smaller and occupies only a small part of the bottom of the screen. The developers also assure that the assistant knows 20 times more than three years ago.
Operation of Wallet and BMW cars
Apple again decided to distinguish itself and, together with BMW, developed a keyless entry system for German cars via iPhone. By synchronizing your smartphone and foreign car in advance (which should be released no earlier than the summer of 2022!), you will be able to open your BMW through the Wallet application. The function is interesting, but it is unlikely to become popular in our country.
Blitz applications
In stores, cinemas or cafes, NFC tags will be installed, through which you can immediately pay for a product or service directly from your device with iOS 14. Blitz applications work under the control of Apple, so it will be impossible to run into crooks.
Augmented reality glasses
Bloomberg previously wrote that the new version of iOS may include full support for AR (augmented reality) technologies for working with Apple AR glasses. Alas, this device was not destined to appear in 2022. However, the Californian company has been friends with AR technologies for a long time, and you can use them directly on your phone for practical needs. For example, in applications with masks or for measuring the area of a room.
iPhone 4s
Minimum iOS version : iOS 9.3.5 (13G36) Maximum iOS version : iOS 9.3.5 (13G36) Average update size : 1.5 GB
Until September 2016, iPhone 4s supported the latest iOS 9 firmware. With the release of iOS 10, Apple limited the installation of new products for a smartphone released 4 years ago.
iOS 14 release date
Apple has not changed its long-standing traditions. The new operating system was first presented at the “branded” international software developer conference for Apple (WWDC 2020) on June 22, 2020. Around the same time, closed testing of the operating system began.
Having corrected all the visible shortcomings, Apple released iOS 14 to the masses on September 16, 2022. Users around the world began to receive the coveted update over the air. A month later, the iPhone 12 series was released - smartphones that were originally created for iOS 14. They received the new system right out of the box.
