iOS

The world’s most advanced mobile operating system

4,849 'iOS' stories August 2010 - November 2014

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)

America First Credit Union announces Apple Pay support for its Visa card

Jordan Kahn Nov 20 2014 - 9:04 am PT

11 Comments

Adding to the growing list of banks and card issuers adding support for Apple Pay in recent weeks, America First Credit Union today announced it’s rolling out Apple Pay support for its Visa card.

“Security and privacy is our upmost priority when it comes to offering our members the latest in technology and mobile advancements,” said Rich Syme, executive vice president at America First Credit Union. “Apple Pay will bring a new level of efficiency for members, allowing them to pay with their mobile devices in a fast, easy and secure way.”

Apple has been adding several new banks since first launching Apple Pay last month and now lists a total of 17 card issuers (not including America First Credit Union) on its support document last updated earlier this week. There is, however, a long list of banks that have already announced support will arrive soon. The list also includes information for supported card types available through the banking partners. A growing list of retailers have also added support for the service at retail locations recently.

We have a running list of banks that plan to support Apple Pay in the coming weeks and months here. We also have a running list of the latest stores and apps that accept Apple Pay here.
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Apple patents smoke detectors in iDevices that can call 911, activate sprinklers and locate building occupants

Ben Lovejoy Nov 20 2014 - 7:43 am PT

12 Comments

The Nest smoke detector may look decidedly old-fashioned if one Apple patent ever makes it into production. Apple has patented the idea of embedding smoke detectors into “electronic devices” and using those devices to provide a comprehensive response to a fire.

In response to detecting smoke with the smoke detector, the electronic device may issue an alert or take other suitable action. The electronic device may transmit alerts to nearby electronic devices and to remote electronic devices such as electronic devices at emergency services facilities. Alerts may contain maps and graphical representations of buildings in which smoke has been detected. Motion detectors and other sensors and circuitry may be used in determining whether electronic devices are being used by users and may be used in determining where the electronic devices are located. Alerts may contain information on the location of detected smoke and building occupants.

In other words, your Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad or Mac could detect smoke, alert you, alert other devices within range, activate sprinklers, call emergency services and use the fact that an iDevice is moving or in use to tell fire crews where in the building you and your family members are …
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Apple reportedly bundling Beats Music with iOS next year

Zac Hall Nov 19 2014 - 10:07 am PT

21 Comments

According to a new report from the Financial Times, Apple is expected to bundle the Beats Music streaming service with an upcoming version of iOS next year.

Apple will bundle the subscription music service it acquired from Beats into its iOS operating system early next year, instantly making it available on hundreds of millions of iPhones and iPads – and ramping up pressure on Spotify, the market leader in music streaming.

The report comes amid rumors that Apple is planning to rebrand the Beats Music subscription service for a potential relaunch around February, although FT has added that the bundling is expected “as early as March.”
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Fitbit users can finally view their data in the Health app thanks to 99 cent sync tool

Ben Lovejoy Nov 19 2014 - 6:54 am PT

15 Comments

A 99 cent app finally allows owners of Fitbit activity trackers to view their data in Apple’s Health app. Sync Solver for Fitbit provides a daily sync of ten different pieces of data to the Health app built into iOS 8 – a feature the company itself said it had no plans to introduce.

The first sync needs to be performed manually, by tapping a button in the app, after which it will sync data automatically every 24 hours …
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Apple getting serious about iAd as it offers automated purchasing of mobile ads

Ben Lovejoy Nov 19 2014 - 5:46 am PT

3 Comments

When Steve Jobs said something was going to happen, it generally did. One notable exception, though, has been Apple’s mobile advertising platform, iAd. Jobs said back in 2010 that it would grab 50% of the mobile ad market; right now, it’s sitting at just 2.6%. That may be about to change after advertising middleman Rubicon announced that automated purchasing of iAds will soon be supported …
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How to use the Apple Watch font as the system font on OS X Yosemite

Benjamin Mayo Nov 19 2014 - 5:34 am PT

31 Comments

As part of the WatchKit resources, which can be freely downloaded by anyone at Apple’s website, the company released the font it uses on Apple Watch, called San Francisco.

With Yosemite, Apple changed the system font from Lucida Grande to Helvetica, the font used on iOS. This caused some backlash amongst the designer community who detested the change of typeface. The Apple Watch font has been widely praised, leading some people to speculate whether it will become the default on iOS or OS X anytime soon. A user on GitHub has posted instructions on how to try out San Francisco on your Mac today, with some basic changes.

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Free 50-minute video tutorial video shows you how to make an Apple Watch app

Ben Lovejoy Nov 19 2014 - 5:05 am PT

4 Comments

If you want to get quickly up to speed on the basics of creating an Apple Watch app following the release of WatchKit, developer Nick Walter has put a free 50-minute video tutorial online. You can also sign up for a full online course for just $39 on Kickstarter – saving $161 on the likely launch price.

Walter gained a certain amount of fame recently when Forbes reported that he made $66,000 in one month following a similar Kickstarter campaign for a course in making iPhone apps …
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Switching between views on your Apple Watch won’t even require a touch

Ben Lovejoy Nov 19 2014 - 4:29 am PT

2 Comments

Apple’s announcement of WatchKit, the tools developers will use to create Apple Watch apps, has provided a few insights into what the device will be like to use. We noted yesterday that there will be a Short Look, with just key information displayed, and a Long Look with more details – illustrated above. The Verge notes that switching between the two views won’t even require you to touch the watch.

The “Short Look” is only seen briefly when you raise your wrist — it’s an app icon, an app name, and some brief information. If the wearer keeps their wrist raised long enough — “after a moment,” according to Apple — the screen changes to a “Long Look” notification, which provides more information and is more customizable. For Long Looks, the app icon and name move to the top of the screen, and wearers can scroll down through the interface to use custom actions (such as “comment” or “favorite”) or dismiss the notification.

Third-party apps will initially need a connected iPhone, with ‘fully native’ watch apps coming later in 2015.

Apple has still not provided a specific date for availability of its smartwatch, but there have been reports of chip suppliers gearing-up for production following a leaked comment by retail head Angela Ahrendts that the launch would be in “the spring.”

Apple releases iOS 8.2 beta to developers alongside WatchKit tools

Jordan Kahn Nov 18 2014 - 10:46 am PT

4 Comments

Alongside a release of Xcode 6.2 with WatchKit tools for the upcoming Apple Watch, Apple today posted its iOS 8.2 beta for developers. The release, build 12D436, follows the release of iOS 8.1.1 to all users yesterday with fixes and performance improvements for iPad 2 and iPhone 4S users.

The iOS 8.2 beta allows developers to start testing their apps for the upcoming Apple Watch wearable, but doesn’t appear to include any other notable features (at least not in Apple’s release notes). More specifically, developers can now start building companion experiences that include two optional Apple Watch interfaces:

iOS 8.2 lets you give Apple Watch users access to data and functionality related to your iOS app. The primary interface you can create is a Watch app, which gives users quick, focused ways to access their content without opening your iOS app on their iPhone… You can also enhance your Watch app by providing two optional Apple Watch interfaces that give users timely, high-value information: A Glance provides a screenful of meaningful information related to a Watch app. As its name implies, a Glance displays information that users can absorb instantly, without interaction; in fact, tapping a Glance on Apple Watch launches your Watch app.
A custom notification interface displays information from the local or remote notifications that get delivered to your iOS app. And if your iOS app registers for interactive notifications, your custom notification interface on Apple Watch can include action buttons

Apple says the new WatchKit tools arriving with iOS 8.2 and the new Xcode release include “templates and other tools you need to design, develop, and debug all three types of Watch interfaces.”

The new iOS 8.2 beta is available to developers alongside the new Xcode 6.2 and iOS 8.2 SDK release through Apple’s developer portal.

Apple will soon let third-party products use its Lightning port, opening up new possibilities for accessories

Jordan Kahn Nov 18 2014 - 6:09 am PT

20 Comments

Last week at Apple’s yearly briefing for accessory makers in its Made-for-iPhone/iPad (MFi) licensing program, the company unveiled new Lightning connectors and specs for Lightning receptacles that will soon be available for implementation in MFi accessories. The new Lightning receptacle, scheduled to start shipping next year, will allow accessory makers to build new types of accessories that include a port for Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector previously reserved for its own iOS devices (pictured above).
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Eddy Cue takes KTLA holiday shopping to show off Apple Pay (Video)

9to5 Staff Nov 17 2014 - 9:41 pm PT

7 Comments

Apple executive Eddy Cue, in charge of the team that developed Apple Pay, recently participated in some holiday shopping with local news station KTLA to demonstrate how the new mobile payments platform works. Cue, alongside tech reporter Rich DeMuro, visited a number of stores in Santa Monica, California, including Panera Bread, Bloomingdale’s and the Disney Store.
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Chinese authorities arrest three suspects behind ‘WireLurker’ Mac and iOS malware

Mike Beasley Nov 17 2014 - 7:00 pm PT

5 Comments

Earlier this month, a new type of Mac- and iOS-based malware called “WireLurker” appeared online. Apple responded by blocking affected apps from launching on OS X, but another development was made in the case today.

According to ZDNet, Chinese authorities have arrested three suspects in connection with the malware and taken down the website that was found to be distributing it. The suspects are believed to be the creators of the software.

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MFi Summit Shenzhen: Apple begins accepting product plans for HomeKit accessories

Jordan Kahn Nov 17 2014 - 1:12 pm PT

0 Comments

Accessory makers in Apple’s Made-for-iPhone/iPad (MFi) licensing program can now submit HomeKit product plans to Apple for approval, one of the last steps required before products begin hitting store shelves.
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Snapchat partners with Square, launches Snapcash for instantly sending money between users

Chance Miller Nov 17 2014 - 12:51 pm PT

12 Comments

Snapchat today announced a new service, in partnership with mobile-payment service Square, dubbed Snapcash. The new feature allows Snapchat users to quickly and easily send payments to one another. Users can do so by simply swiping right to chat on the main screen in Snapchat and then entering a dollar amount. The money will go directly from one user’s bank account to another.

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Apple releases iOS 8.1.1 w/ bug fixes & performance improvements for iPad 2, iPhone 4s

Zac Hall Nov 17 2014 - 10:07 am PT

53 Comments

Apple has released iOS 8.1.1, a minor update to last month’s iOS 8.1 release for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The public release for iOS 8.1.1 follows a beta release to members of Apple’s developer program. Last month Apple released iOS 8.1 which introduced Apple Pay support for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users as well as the iCloud Photo Library public beta.

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China UnionPay debit and credit cards now accepted as payment method for Apple’s Chinese App Store

Benjamin Mayo Nov 16 2014 - 6:20 pm PT

5 Comments

China UnionPay is the largest bank card provider in the region, but the App Store has not supported the payment method up to now. Apple has announced that this inconvenience has now been resolved with customers in China now able to link their Apple ID with debit or credit cards from UnionPay.

The addition should help expand the reach of the App Store to even more customers, allowing Apple to bolster its number credit cards on file ahead of an Apple Pay launch in the country. Code references have already been found that show the iPhone 6 NFC element is ready to support China UnionPay purchases.

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You can now use Apple Pay for parking, rent & at more retailers

9to5 Staff Nov 14 2014 - 12:22 pm PT

25 Comments

Apple Pay launched in the United States last month with support at over 220,000 stores operated by participating merchants, including Apple Stores, American Eagle, Aeropostale, Bloomingdale’s, Champs Sports, Chevron, McDonald’s, Nike, Office Depot, Radio Shack and Walgreens. Additional retailers and apps have since added Apple Pay support including Staples, and now the mobile payments service can be used for parking, rent and at even more retailers as of this month…

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Apple issues response to ‘Masque Attack,’ says it is unaware of any affected users

Mike Beasley Nov 13 2014 - 8:21 pm PT

2 Comments

Apple has issued a response to the recently uncovered “Masque Attack” that allowed malicious applications to be installed in place of valid apps and access user data. In a statement provided to iMore, the company highlighted the security features built into iOS that informs users of any attempted app installations via an outside source like the Safari browser and said that it is not aware of any reported instances where a user was affected by this specific type of attack.

The company also said that users should install apps only through trusted sites such as the built-in App Store, and those using enterprise software should ensure that they only install it from a secure server operated by their company:

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iPhone 5s, Samsung Galaxy S5 and Nexus 5 hacked at Pwn2Own

9to5 Staff Nov 13 2014 - 5:35 pm PT

0 Comments

HP’s annual two-day Mobile Pwn2Own competition came to a close this afternoon, with a group of veteran security researchers and other competitors able to compromise several flagship smartphones across the top-three mobile operating systems: Android, iOS and Windows Phone. The devices that were exploited include the iPhone 5s, Samsung Galaxy S5, Nexus 5, Amazon Fire Phone and Nokia Lumia 1520.
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Apple facing scrutiny from U.S. FTC over collection of sensitive health data

Jordan Kahn Nov 13 2014 - 1:38 pm PT

25 Comments

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is pressing Apple on how it plans to use sensitive data from users collected through the company’s new Health app and upcoming Apple Watch wearable, according to a new report from Reuters.
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security warns iOS users about ‘Masque Attack’ security flaw

9to5 Staff Nov 13 2014 - 12:22 pm PT

6 Comments

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Thursday issued an alert warning iOS users about the recent “Masque Attack” security flaw that can affect both non-jailbroken and jailbroken iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team outlines how the technique works and offers solutions on how iOS users can protect themselves.
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Samsung’s not done with its ‘me too’ act yet: announces Continuity clone, Flow

Ben Lovejoy Nov 13 2014 - 6:40 am PT

59 Comments

Not content with being a ‘fast follower’ of HealthKit and HomeKit with its Digital Health and Smart Home platforms, and iBeacon with its Proximity Service, Samsung has just announced a Continuity clone, Flow.

People today use multiple devices in their daily activities: phones, tablets, laptops, smart watches, TVs, and more. But the way we work is still device-centric. We still use one application, within one device, with data that is tied to that application and device.

Samsung Flow is a platform that enables developers to create seamless transitions across devices, so that people can change devices in the midst of an activity and continue right from where they left off.

Flow is compatible with anything that works with Android’s Share feature: if content can be shared with other apps, Flow can be used to to hand it off to other devices …
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DIYers! Belkin WeMo ‘Maker’ brings smartphone remote and IFTTT functionality to nearly any device

Trevor Daugherty Nov 12 2014 - 2:26 pm PT

1 Comment

At this point, we are all familiar with the Belkin WeMo line of products. They’ve been empowering consumers with smartphone-connected home automation products for some time now, from light switches to its newly released coffee maker.

While the WeMo line performs a number of simple tasks, it has not necessarily provided the level of open source capabilities that some consumers long for. Today, Belkin has taken a step in that direction with its new WeMo Maker.

This new product empowers DIYers to create their own custom WeMo setup, the possibilities truly seem endless.

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Box for iPhone app gets Touch ID support and new features geared to ease of use

Ben Lovejoy Nov 12 2014 - 4:42 am PT

0 Comments

Box for iPhone and iPad – an app designed to allow convenient access to more than 100 document types in the cloud – has been updated to allow unlocking via Touch ID and given a bunch of new features designed to make it easier to use.

Touch ID support should make a big difference to heavy users, who the company says typically use the app 50 times a day.

A Notification Center widget makes Box significantly more convenient, allowing you to view recent files and add new notes. A new Favorites feature allows fast access to frequently-needed files without having to load them into the app first.

What’s New in Version 3.5.0

Now use Box from your Today view in Notification Center to quickly and easily create Box Notes, view recent documents and more (requires iOS 8)

Use your fingerprint to unlock the Box app at the touch of the home button with Touch ID (compatible devices only, requires iOS 8)

Add files and folders to a Favorites list for easy access without having to download any data ahead of time with our new Favorites feature

In-folder search capabilities

Box Bookmarks are now accessible

Support for previewing password protected Office and iWork files

Automatic photo upload for Personal Pro subscribers and Enterprise users

Additional stability improvements and bug fixes

Box appears to be a favored app at Apple, featured in Best New Apps and used to demonstrate app extensions during this year’s WWDC.

Box for iOS is a free download from iTunes, with 10GB of storage included. An in-app purchase of $79 a year for the Pro version boosts storage to 100GB and allows individual files of up to 5GB to be uploaded.