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The world’s most advanced mobile operating system

iOS is Apple’s mobile operating system that runs on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Historically, Apple releases a new iOS version once a year, the current version is iOS 13.

In 2007, Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone and iPhone OS. During the event, Jobs referred to the operating system as OS X because it shared a similar Unix core compared to the Mac. When Apple launched the iPhone SDK a year later, they officially changed the name to iPhone OS.

In the summer of 2008, Apple added the App Store to iPhone OS with version 2.0, and this set the stage for the “app economy” that we still enjoy to this day.

Version 3.0 was released in 2009, and it included copy/paste, MMS support, Spotlight, mobile tethering, and push notifications for 3rd party apps.

In version 4, Apple finally renamed iPhone OS to iOS (with the iPad sharing the same software). The major features were multitasking and FaceTime.

iOS 5.0 introduced Notification Center, iMessage, Siri, and iCloud.

iOS 6.0 removes Google Maps in favor of Apple Maps and added the Passbook app (now known as Wallet).

Version 7.0 brought a dramatic redesign of iOS with a new font, flatter icons, a and new Photos app. The redesign was led by Jony Ive.

Version iOS 8.0, Apple finally allowed third-party keyboards and the ability to share files from different apps.

Version 9.0 included Apple Maps, an overhauled Notes app, and multitasking for iPad.

Version 10.0 included an SDK for Siri, Maps, and iMessages.

Version 11.0 included a new iPad Dock, Customizable Control center, drag and drop on iPad, and the Files app with third-party integration.

Version 12.0 added Screen Time features for managing your time on devices, the Shortcuts app, ARKit 2.0, and Memoji.

iOS 13 added Dark Mode, swipe-style typing, a redesigned share sheet, made app downloads 50% smaller, 2x faster app launch speed, Memoji Stickers and Memoji Makeup, HomeKit-enabled routers and HomeKit Secure Video, a new “Sign in with Apple” option for logging into third-party services, all-new Apple Maps, and much more.

Compatible Devices with iOS 13

  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone 8
  • iPhone 8 Plus
  • iPhone 7
  • iPhone 7 Plus
  • iPhone 6s
  • iPhone 6s Plus
  • iPhone SE
  • iPod touch (7th generation)

Apple pulls select iOS updates due to connectivity issues [Updated]

iOS 18

Update 2, February 2, 2026 10:10am PT: Apple has released iOS 16.7.14.


Update 1, January 28, 3pm PT: As noted by Aaron Perris, Apple has started signing iOS 12.5.8, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 18.7.4 again. iOS 16.7.13, however, remains unavailable.

Original story (published January 28, 4:19am PT below):


Apple this week released an array of iOS updates, including iOS 26.2.1, iOS 18.7.4, and more.

Now, however, it appears that Apple has pulled some of these new updates due to problems with network connectivity in Australia.

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Hands-on: This tiny MagSafe controller brings real buttons and a retro feel to your iPhone

Some of my earliest memories go back to the late 90s when the Game Boy Color launched. I remember being six or seven years old, walking into a store with my dad to pick up a Game Boy Color and a copy of Pokémon Blue. I spent countless hours playing that Game Boy, and looking back, it played a major role in sparking the tech interest I still carry today. Fast forward to 2026, and mobile gaming has evolved in ways we could not have imagined back then. Touchscreens are incredibly capable, but nothing truly replaces the tactility of real buttons, and most controllers are not portable enough to justify carrying everywhere. So when I saw just how tiny and lightweight the abxylute M4 Snap-On Mobile Controller was, I knew I had to test it for myself. Here is what you should know.

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This iOS 26.3 feature is a sign of what’s to come for iPhone

With iOS 26.3, Apple is rolling out a new feature that lets you limit the information that cellular networks can use to determine your location. The twist, however, is that the feature is only supported on devices powered by Apple’s in-house modem.

I think what’s more interesting than this specific feature itself is what it represents for the future.

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Apple fights massive government overreach as India demands iOS source code

Apple fights massive government overreach as India demands iOS source code | Purely illustrative stock image of source code seen on a MacBook screen

Apple is fighting many elements of a list of 83 security requirements proposed by the Indian government. This reportedly includes a requirement to hand over iOS source code.

Reuters reports the government saying that it must be able to review the source code of all smartphones in order to allow vulnerabilities to identified …

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This new Apple Intelligence feature in iOS 26 might be one of my all-time favorites

Here are the things I love most about iOS 26 | Stylized iOS 26 graphic with a liquid glass heart

It’s been half a year since iOS 26 debuted in beta, so I’ve had quite a bit of time to sit with it. In a release with such a massive redesign, it’s easy for some of the smaller additional features to fly under the radar – but after giving iOS 26 my fair shot, I’ve come to really like one underlying feature in particular, and it has to do with screenshots.

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Review: This MagSafe battery pack replaced multiple chargers for me [Video]

I have tested dozens of MagSafe battery packs over the years, including slim ones, chunky ones, low-capacity chargers, and full-on power bricks that aim to replace everything at once. Most of the battery packs I test are mostly fine; they do the job. But the Kuxiu S3 10,000mAh battery pack strikes a great balance of simplicity, multifunctionality, and, most importantly, reliability. Here is what you should know about their brand-new solid-state battery pack.

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iMessage is full of features you’re probably not using (but should) [Video]

It feels like every year, Apple quietly adds dozens of small features and improvements to the Messages app, but most of them fly under the radar. These aren’t flashy or eye-grabbing features, but they are the type of features that really help the quality of life and experience of the Messages app. If you are like most people, then you have probably been using the Messages app the same way for years, meaning you are barely scratching the surface of what the app can do. Here are some of the best Messages features that you need to know.

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iPhone settings & features you didn’t know existed [Video]

It seems that with every update, Apple quietly adds hundreds of features and settings that are very impactful but easy to miss. These are not the big headliner features, but smaller ones that, once you know about them, make your day-to-day life so much easier. Here are 15 features and settings that every iPhone owner should know about, but probably doesn’t.

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EU says easier iPhone-Android switching is proof the DMA is working

Yesterday, Apple and Google announced that they have teamed up to make it easier to switch between Android and iPhone devices. The companies say they have developed new features that make it easier and faster to move data between each platform as part of this joint collaboration.

In a new statement to 9to5Mac, a European Commission spokesperson says this is an “example of how the Digital Markets Act (DMA) brings benefits to users and developers.”

While the European Commission is taking credit for this Apple-Google collaboration, the features will be available worldwide, not just in the European Union.

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