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iOS

4,901 'iOS' stories August 2010 - March 2018
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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)

From iOS 12 to watchOS 5: All the new Apple software we expect this year

Avatar for Chance Miller Mar 3 2018 - 11:57 am PT
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Earlier this week, Zac outlined all of the hardware products Apple is likely to release as this year progresses. Just as important as those hardware releases, however, are the software updates that will accompany them.

We already know that Apple has iOS 11.3 planned for this month, but beyond that are major releases like iOS 12 and watchOS 5…
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Latest update to Sketch design tool integrates official Apple iOS 11 UI templates

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Feb 28 2018 - 4:25 am PT
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As part of the latest update to Sketch, a popular design tool for app development, the company announced that they have partnered with Apple to integrate the official iOS 11 design templates inside the app.

Sketch users can now simply download the Apple iOS UI Library in one click, and get automatic updates when new resources are added.


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Cellebrite claiming it can crack iPhones on iOS 11, but may not affect latest iOS updates

Avatar for Michael Potuck Feb 26 2018 - 11:45 am PT
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Cellebrite, the mobile forensics firm that helped the US government break into the San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone 5c, is apparently claiming it can crack any iPhone even if it’s running iOS 11. This is said to apply even to the latest flagship iPhones, although it’s possible this only applies to exploits fixed in recent updates to iOS 11.


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Ghostbusters looking to take on Pokémon GO w/ new AR title for iOS/Android

Avatar for Justin Kahn Feb 23 2018 - 10:21 am PT
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From 9to5Toys:

Suit up and get the proton packs out, the Ghostbusters franchise is looking to tap into the mobile augmented reality success of Pokémon GO. As part of Google’s ARCore announcement alongside the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, Sony Pictures and Ghost Corps have now announced a new AR Ghostbusters title in development for iOS and Android devices. We have some early details on the game along with the first teaser trailer and some visuals of the new title down below ahead of its release sometime this year.
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Apple acknowledges influx of false alarm 911 calls originating from repair center in California

Avatar for Chance Miller Feb 22 2018 - 3:04 pm PT
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iOS includes a feature called Emergency SOS that makes it easy to call 911 in times of need, but the feature has also reportedly led to a slew of accidental phone calls to emergency officials.

A report from CBS Sacramento says that emergency dispatchers in Elk Grove and Sacramento County in California have seen an influx of false alarm calls that appear to be originating from an Apple repair and refurbishing center in the area…


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Alto’s Odyssey now available on iPhone, iPad and Apple TV

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Feb 21 2018 - 3:04 am PT
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Sequel to the hit title Alto’s Adventure, Alto’s Odyssey is now available in the App Store ($4.99) for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV … a day earlier than planned. The game went up for preorder earlier this month with a Feb 22nd date, but it’s definitely downloadable right now.

I’ve been testing the game for the last few weeks and it really is a beautiful sequel to the original game. Endless runners tend to be generic, dull and almost algorithmic. Alto’s Odyssey is the opposite with rich music and visuals and an incredibly engaging progression of missions and tasks, as well as the endless quest of getting an ever-higher score for the run. The game shines on the iPhone X’s wide-aspect ratio display.


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Alto’s Odyssey for iOS/Apple TV gets a brand new trailer & official release date

Avatar for Justin Kahn Feb 12 2018 - 8:25 am PT
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Alto’s Adventure is among some of the best and most interesting games on mobile. While it might employ the somewhat tired endless runner format, its incredible art-style and addictive gameplay take the experience to new heights. It follows Alto and his friends as they discover gorgeous alpine hills, villages, ancient forests and mysterious ruins. Around this time last year, the folks at Snowman studios released the first teasers for the sequel to Alto’s Adventure and today we have a brand new trailer with an official release date…
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