How The Evolution of iOS Has Transformed App Development: iPhone OS 1 to iOS 14

Apple has created a huge community of iPhone and iPad users with its innovative updates since its launching. These updates have continuously raised the standard of excellence. Apple always gives the entrepreneurs a reason to choose an iPhone app development company to begin their app journey. So, how has Apple turned itself into a billion-dollar industry? We’ll take a look at the various updates which iOS Version history has witnessed throughout the years.

The Huge Evolution of iOS: iPhone OS 1 to iOS 14

iOS 1

Released in 2007

The first iOS version of the operating system was launched in 2007. It wasn’t known as iOS at the time, it was iPhone OS. The iOS version came with some game-changing features to the market at that time. These iOS apps features include: Multi Touch Gestures, Voicemail, Mobile Safari, iTunes Sync, Maps, Wi-Fi music store, Multitouch Keyboard, etc. The support for iOS 1 officially ended in the year 2010.

iOS 2

Released in 2008

In 2008, just a time after the iPhone became a major hit across the world, Apple released iPhone OS 2.0. The main feature added to iPhone OS 2 was the Apple App Store which came with support for about 500 native and third-party applications. Along with some updates to the current version, iPhone OS 2 started the trend of contacts, calendars, and push emails.

iOS 3.0

Released in 2009

The cut features of copy and paste finally arrive, along with support for MMS that allows users to send pictures as text messages. This upgrade to the software also enabled users to write on their keyboards while using the phone in landscape.

iOS 4

Released in 2010

iOS 4 gave most iOS apps features that were a part of “iPhone” through many years. Some of the features introduced by iOS 4 were Personal Hotspot, FaceTime, iBooks, AirPlay, Multitasking, AirPrint, and more. iOS 4 also brought the idea that “iOS” into existence, which became a standard feature in the iOS series. It was supported by versions of the older iOS versions that ended in 2014.

iOS 5

Released in 2011

iOS 5 came into the market on the 12th of October 2011 with Thor’s hammer. And Apple utilized it to create an everlasting and substantial market share. It capitalized on the growing technology of cloud computing by introducing the iCloud.

iOS 6

Released in 2012

The release of iOS 6 was an important leap forward to this part of the iOS series. And in all iOS competitions, iOS 6 plays a crucial part. The iOS version brought improvements for numerous major apps. Additionally, Apple also dropped the support for iOS apps like Google Maps in this version. The map update that came along with iOS 6 offered turn-by-turn navigation via Siri’s assistance. It also included the ability to fly in 3D.

iOS 7

Released in 2013

iOS 7 replaced Skeuomorphism with Flat Design. In addition, several new features like quick access to Wi-Fi, BlueTooth, and Sliders, Do not Disturb, and more were made available. Also, AirDrop also came into the picture with this update. With the auto-update feature, AirDrop was made more accessible to users to keep their apps updated. iOS 7 also focused on making multitasking more efficient that allowed users to preview active iOS apps when double-tapping the home screen.

iOS 8

Release in 2014

The iOS 8 introduced many major features, including an iCloud Photo Library. Not only this, more features came like sending voice messages or photos via iMessage and Health app.

iOS 9

Released in 2015

iOS 9 was driven by people’s demand to strengthen the foundation of iOS’s technology.  And Apple did exactly that with iOS 9. A few new features like Night Shift were added and applications like the Maps, Notes app were upgraded. Also, the Passbook was changed to ‘Wallet’. The version was focused on improving the OS to ensure it is ready for the future.

iOS 10

Released in 2016

Customization and interoperability were among the most important characteristics that were included in iOS 10. Apple permitted one app to utilize features from an additional app without having to open the other app. It also allowed apps to talk directly with one another. Users also gained the option of deleting installed iOS apps, and adding animations and effects in texts.

iOS 11

Released in 2017

iOS 11 was an OS designed for the present day. The iOS version began to support AirPlay 2 and Augmented Reality as among the most important features. iOS 11 also brought “Files” to the market that allowed users to arrange and delete files according to their preference.

iOS 12

Released in 2018

In iOS 12, important features like the “Screen Time” feature were added. It allowed users to see the time spent on their phone. The iOS also simplifies notifications, so that multiple notifications coming within the app are put together. Additionally, there’s a new “Measure” app to measure objects and updates in the “Do Not Disturb” to block notifications when you’re asleep.

iOS 13

Released in 2019

The most significant change iOS 13 brought was that it could not be used on the iPad. This is because the iPad received a distinct OS called “iPad OS”. The reason for this was to make the iPad more productive and efficient in replacing laptops. The iPad was made available to the general public in 2019 along with the launch of the iPhone 11 series. It focused on dark mode and ‘Memoji’ capabilities for devices running A9+.

iOS 14

Released in 2020

iOS 14 brought big improvements to the user interface and overall user-friendliness to enhance the user experience. Apple launched iOS 14 publicly in 2020. The update is designed to revolutionize the ways you make use of your iPhone. With the latest iOS 14 version, the most efficient iOS development firms have more speed, freedom, and high security features.

Some Last Words

The only thing Apple maintained throughout its transition from iPhone OS1 to iOS 14 is “Technological Innovation”. The development of iOS looks like a stable beat of amazing, new, and fresh features that feel inescapable. And if you’re determined to see your iOS app idea flourishing, then recruit a top iOS app development company only. Through their vast experience, you can take your app idea to a new level.

Author Bio

Erma Winter is an expert iOS app developer at MobileCoderz, a leading and best Android App Development Company. With more than 10 years of professional expertise, she has worked with leading app companies, startups and SMEs.Along with the app industry experience, she is a fitness enthusiast and plays hockey.