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iOS

4,854 'iOS' stories August 2010 - January 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)

Remote Tech Support: Best ways to screen share on iOS, macOS, and more

Avatar for Michael Potuck Dec 26 2017 - 1:35 pm PT
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Your friends and family have likely just gotten a range new devices, and an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV is probably in the mix. If you’re like me, you’re the go-to tech support for family and friends and the holidays mean you have some work cut out for you. With fresh handy features like iOS 11’s built-in screen recorder, let’s look at some the best ways to remotely help others with their new Apple devices and an option to screen share with any device.


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Amazon Alexa and Google Home top App Store charts on Christmas Day, implies smart speakers were popular holiday gifts

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Dec 26 2017 - 2:35 am PT
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The App Store charts always provide some interesting nuggets of information on Christmas Day and other big holidays as you can see the sudden influx of app downloads.

This year, the Alexa app for Amazon Echo smart speakers topped App Store free charts, hitting the #1 in a few regions, with Google Home also charting in the top ten. Smart speakers were a hot holiday shopping item this year for sure.


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Comment: Slowing down older iPhones may be the right thing to do, but it opens a can of worms

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Dec 21 2017 - 7:27 am PT
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Apple caused a furore yesterday when it admitted that it deliberately slows down older iPhones.

The issue first came to the fore with a Reddit thread, which showed a significant difference in performance on the same device when fitted with old and new batteries. Geekbench founder, John Poole, confirmed the phenomenon, and developer Guilherme Rambo subsequently identified the code that controlled it.

Apple then confirmed the facts, and explained its reasons …


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Best iOS/Mac app deals for the holidays: Duet Display, Mini Metro, LEGO, Star Wars, more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Dec 20 2017 - 1:25 pm PT
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Well, it’s that time of year again and we are seeing huge deals across the App Stores. As per usual, just about all the best iOS and Mac apps/games have gone on sale for the holidays and this is the place to find them. We have curated only the best-of-the-best down below in each category and will be updating this post throughout the weekend. 
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Report: Apple to support cross-platform apps that run on iPhone, iPad and Mac next year

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Dec 20 2017 - 6:58 am PT
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Apple will add new developer tools that will enable developers to design and engineer a single application that runs on iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices, according to a report from Bloomberg. This will be a huge step for the Mac app ecosystem especially, as it should make it easier for third-party developers to maintain one app that runs on iOS and Macs.

The apps would be designed in such a way that they can work with a touchscreen, mouse, and trackpad depending on which platform the app is running on. The new ability is scheduled to launch with iOS 12 and macOS 10.14 next year, but the timeline could change.


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Review: Bridge Constructor Portal brings the fun of Valve’s hit game to iOS in a clever way

Avatar for Michael Steeber Dec 19 2017 - 4:01 pm PT
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In most circumstances, I’d be repelled by a chilling, robotic voice mocking me from inside of my phone. The one exception is if that voice belongs to GLaDOS, the sharp-witted, snide, and devilishly funny computer that provides background commentary for Portal and Portal 2, the hit puzzle games that became instant favorites of mine from the minute I picked them up.

Now, GLaDOS is back – and on the iPhone, in a new title that combines the story and visuals of the Portal franchise with the physics and gameplay of the popular line of Bridge Constructor games. Bridge Constructor Portal launches tomorrow on iOS, and we’ve been testing it out to see if it can live up to its name.


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Alibaba researchers say they have found an untethered jailbreak for iPhone X & iOS 11.2.1

Avatar for Chance Miller Dec 15 2017 - 4:26 pm PT
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Security researches from Chinese company Alibaba claim to have successfully jalibroken the iPhone X running iOS 11.2.1. In a blog post, the researchers explained that they were originally able to successfully jailbreak iOS 11.2, the same jailbreak is also applicable to iOS 11.2.1, which was released just this week…


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iOS 11.2.1 and tvOS 11.2.1 are now available, update restores HomeKit sharing following vulnerability fix

Avatar for Zac Hall Dec 13 2017 - 10:04 am PT
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Apple has released iOS 11.2.1 for iPhone and iPad. The software update restores remote access in HomeKit for shared users which was temporarily disabled last week to address a vulnerability in Apple’s smart home framework that allowed unauthorized access in certain circumstances. Apple has also released tvOS 11.2.1 which is likely related to the fix.


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Yik Yak developer returns with The Q Trivia live game show app, leaving public beta tomorrow

Avatar for Michael Steeber Dec 11 2017 - 9:17 am PT
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Live game show app HQ Trivia has taken the world by storm in recent weeks, climbing App Store charts and attracting over 400,000 viewers during peak streams. Not wanting to miss out on the trend, competing apps are beginning to spring up. One of the more notable offerings comes from an early developer of the former viral app Yik Yak, and is about to leave beta on the App Store.


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Gift Guide: Family fun games and accessories for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Dec 9 2017 - 5:22 am PT
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The Apple device ecosystem has heralded new ways for creative game makers to realise their vision, often by combining physical elements with apps, to form engaging and addictive experiences. Most of this guide leans on casual gaming where a whole family can join in together, but there’s also a consideration for the serious side of games too.

We feature the endearing Beasts of Balance, the Osmo game system, MFI game controllers and more. Read on after the jump for the full list.


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