TechZerg is reader supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
iOS means iPhone Operating System. It’s the operating system used for devices manufactured by Apple Inc., such as the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad (until iPadOS was released in 2019 with version 13).
iOS is the second most-installed operating system behind Android. Apple has since released three other operating systems based on iOS – they are iPadOS for iPads, watchOS for Apple watches, and tvOS for Apple TVs.
Versions
The first version of the iOS was released on iPhone in 2007. It continues to evolve with an almost annual version release cycle. The year 2020 version (iOS 14) was released on September 16, with more improved features such as positioning widgets on the home screen and changing both the default email app and web browser.
The current version (iOS 15), released in September 2021, is also loaded with over 300 new features. Common features include Multi-Touch, Siri, App Store, iMessage, and FaceTime (video calling), and more.
Features
The iOS uses multi-touch gestures, including tap, swipe, pinch, and reverse pinch. In addition, it has interface control elements such as switches, sliders, and buttons.
The iOS also comes with various accessibility functions aiding users with hearing and visual disabilities.
There is a status bar on top of the screen (iPhone) displaying information about your device. It has the Notification Center and the Control Center, which you can pull down for more options to manage the device, such as volume, wireless connectivity, brightness, player, etc.
In addition, iOS supports the same core functions found in basic cell phones, like placing and receiving calls and texts along with a contact address list. iOS also functions well with other technologies and frameworks, including HomeKit, HealthKit, Apple Pay, and more.
Apps
As of March 2018, Apple’s App Store has over 2.2 million iOS applications collectively downloaded over 150 billion times. It’s worth noting that devices that can install apps from Apple’s App Store are running iOS, such as the iPhone.
There are all kinds of apps on the App Store worth downloading, ranging from finance and entertainment to educational, utility, lifestyle to travel apps, and more.
Updating
Apple releases iOS updates to its mobile operating system regularly, introducing new features with the latest security and performance improvements. If you want to update your iPhone, Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Next, tap Customize Automatic Updates (or Automatic Updates). You can choose to automatically download and install updates.
What iOS version do I have?
You will see the version number of your iOS device on the About page under Settings. To check the iOS version of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Open the “Settings” app, select “General,” and tap “About.”