19 May 2016
Apple iOS through the ages: in pictures
With iOS 10 set for launch at WWDC in June 2016, we take a look at the evolution of Apple's mobile operating system
2007: iPhone OS 1
The first iPhone OS, revealed alongside the original iPhone, could not support 3G, copy and paste, email attachments or MMS - and couldn't run third party apps.
An update to the software introduced the iTunes Music Store, allowing users to purchase music on their phones (through a Wi-Fi connection) for the first time, and the ability to create their own ringtones.
2008: iPhone OS 2
Coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 3G, the second major update to the operating system saw the launch of the App Store, which introduced third party apps and games. It also had full support for Microsoft Exchange.
A later update added the option to wipe your phone after repeated failed password attempts, and enabled Google Street View, featuring walking, driving and public transport options.
2009: iPhone OS 3
With the third incarnation for the new 3GS handset, cut, copy and paste finally became commonplace.
Video recording, MMS (multimedia messaging service) and voice control were also added, and users were given the chance to purchase films, TV shows and audiobooks through iTunes.
The new voice memo function facilitated the recording and storing of audio notes. Purchasing within apps was also introduced, but only within paid-for apps.
2010: iOS 4
Introduced on the iPhone 4, iOS 4 was the first operating system to bear the iOS name. A new folder meant allowed the storing of up to 12 similar apps within one folder, while multitasking allowed apps to run simultaneously, such as writing an email while listening to Spotify.
iBookstore and iBooks were introduced, as well as 'tap to focus' software and 5x digital zoom for the new 5MP camera. The device's new front-facing camera also facilitated video calling feature FaceTime.
2011: iOS 5
The main new in iOS 5 feature was Siri, Apple's voice-activated virtual assistant that had previously been downloadable from the App Store as a third party app. Susan Bennett, pictured, was the original voice of Siri, which could make calls, check emails and transcribe text.
Containing more than 200 new features, iOS 5 heralded the arrival of iMessage, Twitter integration across a range of apps and online storage facility iCloud, replacing previous system MobileMe.
2012: iOS 6
Tim Cook took to the stage at Apple's 2012 WorldWide Developers' Conference shocked fans by announcing that Google Maps would not feature in iOS 6, and would be replaced by the company's own inbuilt Maps app.
Siri also received a makeover, featuring restaurant recommendations, film reviews, and the ability to dictate tweets or Facebook statuses. Facebook was added to native apps, and Apple launched its answer to Google Wallet, Passbook, which collated tickets, boarding passes and coupons within the single app.
2013: iOS 7
iOS 7 marked a radical aesthetic change, masterminded by Sir Jony Ive, and debuted on the iPhone 5s and 5c. The new interface was 'flattened' and pared-back.
The single-swipe control centre feature allowed users to quickly access key settings such as WiFi, Airplane mode, Bluetooth and the newly-introduced torch without having to delve into the Settings menu. Siri was upgraded to both male and female voices, and could understand French and German.
2014: iOS 8
iOS 8, which shipped on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, featured HealthKit and HomeKit for tracking health data, and the standardisation of controlling internet-enabled home appliances.
Other features included being able to send audio and video messages by holding down a record button while inside the Messages app, new predictive typing feature QuickType and the new and improved file hosting service iCloud Drive.
2015: iOS 9
iOS 9 launched in 2015 with better battery life thanks to the new Low Power Mode and Siri's role as a deep-search assistant. A design makeover introduced a new keyboard and font, as well as new looks for Maps, Notes and Passbook.
Slide Over, Split View, and Picture in Picture were new multitasking features for iPad that enabled users to use or watch multiple apps at the same time.
In an update in 2016, Apple added a Night Shift mode, trending news topics, a passcode-protected Notes app, and CarPlay.
