iOS

The world’s most advanced mobile operating system

4,849 'iOS' stories August 2010 - June 2015

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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)

Hands-on with Apple Music (Video)

Dom Esposito Jun 30 2015 - 2:58 pm PT

Today we’re taking a quick look at Apple Music. This new service came along with the iOS 8.4 update and effectively merges Beats Music with a new streaming service from Apple. The good news is, Apple Music will also be available for Android and Apple TV as well later this fall. Everyone also gets a 3 month free trial in case you’re on the fence about subscribing to the service right away…

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Apple is letting users request songs on Beats 1, here’s how

Chance Miller Jun 30 2015 - 2:23 pm PT

[Update: iMessage requests supported as well.]

Apple Music and its accompanying 24/7 always on radio station Beats 1 launched earlier today with Zane Lowe hosting. Alongside Apple Music, the company launched a refreshed Tumblr blog with Beats 1’s schedule. The company has also launched a webpage inviting users to request content to be played.

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Revealed: iPhone 6S will look nearly identical outside, but expect numerous changes inside [Gallery]

Mark Gurman Jun 30 2015 - 1:27 pm PT

For fall 2015, Apple is preparing an “S” iPhone upgrade that superficially preserves the exterior designs of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, but includes a collection of major internal changes. In May, we reported that this new “iPhone 6S” line would debut this fall with a Force Touch, pressure-sensitive display as one of its marquee features. Now, a proven source familiar with Apple’s supply chain has provided us with the most extensive look yet at Apple’s next iPhone, sharing the first photos of the iPhone 6S’s external metal casing, plus an in-depth look at the new iPhone’s internals. Today, we’re focusing on the exterior of the next iPhone, which appears to refute a number of potential changes that some have speculated were destined for this model.

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iOS 8.4 jailbreak already completed, planned for release later today [Update: available now]

Mike Beasley Jun 30 2015 - 11:08 am PT

With the release of iOS 8.4 today, many users found themselves faced with the decision to upgrade now or wait until a jailbreak is available so they can continue using their tweaks. That choice just got a lot easier, as the Taig development team has announced that the exploits used in their 8.3 jailbreak are all still available in the new update.

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VLC for iOS gets Apple Watch support for playback controls & library browsing, new mini-player, more

Jordan Kahn Jun 30 2015 - 8:42 am PT

Popular medial player VLC for iOS today gets a notable update that brings support for Apple Watch alongside other new features and a long list of improvements and fixes.
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Apple loses appeal of ebooks case ruling, will pay $450 million in damages

Chance Miller Jun 30 2015 - 8:39 am PT

A federal appeals court today has upheld the 2013 ruling in Apple’s long-winded and high-profile ebooks case. The case, which centered around Apple price fixing content in the iBooks store, went through three years of litigation thanks mostly to Apple. Today’s ruling by a federal appeals court will see Apple pay $450 million in damages at long last.

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Apple releases iOS 8.4 with Apple Music, Beats 1, and all-new Music app

Zac Hall Jun 30 2015 - 7:49 am PT

As promised, Apple has just released the iOS 8.4 software update featuring an all-new Music app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to the public after testing with developers since mid-April. While it includes smaller changes throughout, the update primarily delivers an overhauled Music app with Apple Music (notice the new icon), its brand new subscription music streaming service, and Beats 1, its 24/7 live radio station that launches today.
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Apple Music will be available on Sonos speakers by end of the year

Benjamin Mayo Jun 28 2015 - 7:14 am PT

Update: Apple has confirmed in a statement to Buzzfeed that Apple is working with Sonos to get Apple Music available on the connected speaker system by the end of the year. Original story below.

Apple Music senior director Ian Rogers — ex Beats Music CEO — has announced on Twitter that integration with Sonos for Apple Music is coming as soon as possible. Although Beats Music did have native support on the popular internet-connected speaker system, there have been no announcements about a partnership with Apple Music so far. In the tweet, Rogers confirms that there will be no Sonos integration at launch.

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iOS 8.4 to be released 8 AM PT on Tuesday, iTunes Match song limit will increase to 100,000 with iOS 9

Benjamin Mayo Jun 28 2015 - 5:39 am PT

Apple directors have been somewhat talkative over the weekend about the imminent release of Apple Music. Former Beats Music CEO Ian Rogers, who now works as a Senior Director of Apple Music, blogged about the product’s launch. He reminisces on the history of digital music and radio saying that seeing Apple Music on stage at WWDC ‘it was hard not to feel like the last 20+ years was leading to this day’.

Interestingly, Apple will be releasing iOS 8.4 at 8 AM on June 30th which includes the newly revamped Music app to support Apple Music. This is slightly earlier than the usual 10 AM release window. The change in scheduling seems to be in service of Beats 1, Apple’s worldwide radio station, which will start streaming from 9 AM on the same day.

Meanwhile, Eddy Cue has also been leaking some tidbits about Apple Music on Twitter …

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Opinion: Why content-blocking on iOS means advertisers, ad networks, publishers & readers all need to up their games

Ben Lovejoy Jun 26 2015 - 8:13 am PT

Ads are things we all love to hate. While some can be amusing, and others can be useful, drawing our attention to products or services we weren’t aware of, mostly we view them as things to tolerate at best – and to be profoundly irritated by at worst.

Some think they have a simple solution to this: using an adblocker. Adblocking software has existed for desktop browsers for many years, but to date there haven’t been any effective blockers for iOS.

All that could change with iOS 9, however, with content-blocking capabilities built right into the platform. If Apple chooses to allow adblockers into the App Store (and we don’t yet know yet for sure that it will), that could require advertisers, ad networks, publishers and readers alike to up their games …
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AppleCare+ extends coverage to defective batteries holding less than 80% of original specs

Jordan Kahn Jun 26 2015 - 7:54 am PT

Update: Apple has now made the same change to AppleCare for Mac.

Apple has made a small but welcomed change for those that have AppleCare+ for iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, adding improved coverage for defective batteries. Previously Apple’s terms for the extended warranty offered coverage for batteries that retained less than 50% of Apple’s quoted specs. But with the updated terms, Apple will have you covered for batteries that retain less than 80%.

If during the Plan Term, you submit a valid claim by notifying Apple that (i) a defect in materials and workmanship has arisen in the Covered Equipment, or (ii) the capacity of the Covered Device’s battery to hold an electrical charge is less than eighty percent (80%) of its original specifications…

For AppleCare+ customers with batteries holding less than 80% of their original capacity, Apple will offer to repair or provide a replacement unit.

For Apple Watch, AppleCare+ extends coverage on the Watch and Watch Sport models to two years, up from the one year complimentary warranty that comes with the device. It also gives users up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage subject to a $69-$79 fee. The pricey $10,000+ Apple Watch Edition models, however, get coverage extended to three years with accidental damage fees costing $1000.

AppleCare+ for iPhone or iPad costs $99, while Apple offers a bundle for Apple Watch and iPhone starting at $149. AppleCare+ for Apple Watch Edition costs $1,600.

Low Power mode will turn your iPhone 6 into a cross between an iPhone 5 and 5s, show benchmarks

Ben Lovejoy Jun 26 2015 - 6:16 am PT

One of the new features we highlighted in iOS 9 is an innovative new way to help your iPhone battery make it through a long day. When toggled on, Low Power mode automatically kicks in when your battery level starts to get low, reducing the clock speed of the CPU as well as cutting some background activities.

MacRumors ran some tests in Geekbench 3 to measure the performance reduction when Low Power mode was activated, and found it to reduce the performance of an iPhone by around 40%. This would mean that your iPhone 6 would end up with performance somewhere between that of an iPhone 5 and an iPhone 5s.

Apple tweaked the description of Low Power mode in iOS 9 Beta 2.

Low Power mode temporarily reduces power consumption until you can fully charge your iPhone. When this is on, mail fetch, background app refresh, automatic downloads, and some visual effects are reduced or disabled.

The previous text indicated that motion effects and animated wallpapers are disabled. The battery icon turns yellow when Low Power mode is engaged, and it’s been suggested that battery life could be extended by up to three hours.

In addition to helping you get more from your battery, iOS 9 also helps you make the most of your storage capacity.

Apple launches new App Store section showcasing LGBT content to commemorate 1969 Stonewall riots

Chance Miller Jun 25 2015 - 4:03 pm PT

Apple this evening has added a new featured section to the App Store focused on showcasing content that reflects LGBT pride. Apple notes that it is commemorating the 1969 Stonewall riots with the App Store section. The riots occurred during 1969 in New York City and are often seen as a pivotal moment in the fight equality for the LGBT community.

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New El Capitan beta reveals 4K 21.5-inch iMac, Multi-Touch Bluetooth Remote (for Apple TV?)

Mark Gurman Jun 25 2015 - 10:34 am PT

Although it’s light on new consumer-facing features, the latest release of the OS X El Capitan beta for developers hides references to a pair of future Apple hardware products: a new 4K version of the 21.5-inch iMac and a new Bluetooth Remote control…

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Here’s Apple’s full list of supported Siri HomeKit commands

Jordan Kahn Jun 25 2015 - 6:10 am PT

With the first products using Apple’s HomeKit platform for home automation accessories arriving earlier this month, Apple has updated its support page detailing a full list of supported Siri commands.
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You no longer need a Facebook account to use Messenger

Tom Maxwell Jun 24 2015 - 11:11 am PT

Facebook Messenger is a beautifully designed messaging app available on both Android and iOS, and now you don’t even need to a Facebook account to use it.

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Twist debuts as an AirPlay-connected lightbulb and speaker system combo

Jun 24 2015 - 8:59 am PT

[vimeo 129033413 w=700 h=350]

Yet another smart home accessory is hitting the marketplace, but this one relies on WiFi and AirPlay rather than HomeKit. Twist is a lightbulb accessory that does not require any external power or a hub, rather it works by being installed into your standard lamp or light fixture. Using AirPlay as its wireless technology allows users to stream audio to individual Twist lightbulbs via an iOS device or iTunes on the Mac. We saw a demo of the speaker system, and standalone sound quality was fairly good, but it is unclear how it will be affected when installed in a lamp, ceiling, or wall. The multi-color lighting system can be controlled via an iPhone app or a standalone piece of dimmer hardware. The system will ship next year for $249, including one speaker bulb, two standard Twist light bulbs, and the dimmer control.

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Kenwood’s first aftermarket CarPlay units now shipping, priced at $900 and $950

Ben Lovejoy Jun 24 2015 - 6:21 am PT

We first saw Kenwood’s aftermarket CarPlay units at CES in January, and the company has now announced pricing as the two models start shipping to dealers. The catchily-named DDX9702S and DDX9902S retail at $900 and $950 respectively (but on Amazon for $750), and support Android Auto as well as CarPlay. Only the 9702S was on Kenwood’s website at the time of writing.

The two double-DIN DDX units are designed to be the center of a vehicle’s entertainment and information system. A large, 6.95-inch resistive touch display puts navigation, back-up camera view (camera required, sold separately), and a wealth of audio / video entertainment options at the driver’s fingertips. Each is equipped with Bluetooth technology to enable handsfree phone conversations as well as playback of streaming media from a Bluetooth-enabled phone or media device.

You also get built-in HD radio, HDMI input, DVD playback and support for Sirius satellite radio …
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UK Apple Pay won’t require PIN but £20 contactless transaction limit does apply … for now

Benjamin Mayo Jun 24 2015 - 4:42 am PT

Apple Pay is going international starting with the United Kingdom next month. The precise nature of how Apple Pay will work in the UK has been murky, with banks saying different things. Apple has now posted a FAQ to explain the situation.

Apple Pay will work with any current contactless reader. By default, it uses the same technology as other UK contactless cards. This means that performing an Apple Pay purchase will not require a PIN (as is standard with UK Chip and PIN payments). However, the usual £20 limit on contactless transactions does apply … for the time being. When Apple Pay launches in July, almost all merchants will only allow Apple Pay purchases up to £20 …

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Apple takes top Outdoor Lions prize at Cannes Festival for its Shot on iPhone campaign

Chance Miller Jun 23 2015 - 4:11 pm PT

Apple first launched its Shot on iPhone 6 ad campaign earlier this year to showcase photographs taken by users with their iPhone. The shots were shown in Apple’s World Gallery and were taken from various areas around the world. Now, Apple’s World Gallery campaign has taken the top prize in the Outdoor Lions category at the Cannes Grand Prix festival. The World Gallery images were shown off on billboards around the world.

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iOS 9 allows users to temporarily delete apps to free up space for software updates

Mike Beasley Jun 23 2015 - 11:22 am PT

A new iOS 9 feature added in beta 1 was only discovered when users attempted to update to beta 2 earlier today. This new feature will allow the operating system to intelligently delete applications if you don’t have enough free space to perform a software update. Once the update is complete, the apps will automatically be reinstalled and your data will remain intact.

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Apple releases iOS 9 beta 2 to developers for iPhone, iPad & iPod touch

Mark Gurman Jun 23 2015 - 10:01 am PT

Two weeks following the 2015 Worldwide Developers Conference and release of the first iOS 9 beta, Apple has seeded iOS 9 beta 2 for compatible iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches to developers. The update is available over-the-air via Software Update in Settings, and it will also become available via Apple’s developer portal on the web.

iOS 9, due to be released to all in the fall following a public beta in July, brings several under-the-hood enhancements to iOS as well as new features. The upgrade brings a new Proactive menu on the left side of the first Home screen, new features for the Maps app, an upgraded Notes application, and a redesigned app-switching interface.

Apple has also released Xcode 7 beta 2 alongside the new OS seeds. Some users of the first beta have complained about poor battery life and unsurprising system-wide bugs, and we’ll be tracking all fixes and changes in beta 2 below.
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CarPlay coming to Buick and GMC as CarPlay-equipped Corvette hits the road

Ben Lovejoy Jun 23 2015 - 7:32 am PT

A day after the first CarPlay-equipped Corvette headed out to dealers and buyers in the form of the 650HP Z06, General Motors announced that it will be available later this year in two Buick and three GMC models. This adds to the 14 Chevrolet models scheduled to see some CarPlay love this year.

CarPlay will be available in an 8-inch display on the 2016 model Buick LaCrosse and Regal, together with the 2016 GMC Canyon, Yukon and Sierra. As usual with car year conventions, all five cars will go on sale later this year. All models will eventually offer the Android Auto platform as well, but only the GMC Sierra will support Google’s system at launch.

While there are many CarPlay-equipped cars on the way, only two have so far gone on sale …
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Changing the conversation: How Apple could modernize iMessage to be more powerful and easy to use

Michael Steeber Jun 23 2015 - 7:06 am PT

At this year’s WWDC, Apple devoted a lot of onstage attention to a revamp of the Notes app in both iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan. One of my favorite additions is inline web link previews. Just paste a URL, and Notes will turn the link into a preview bubble with a thumbnail for the page, as well as a title and description.

This got me thinking about the possibility of applying the same functionality to other apps. The most obvious place to start, in my opinion, is Messages. I’m constantly sending and receiving links through iMessage throughout the day, whether it’s to a web page, an image, or even just a tweet. Having to flip back and forth between Safari and Messages just to see what the link I’ve been sent is removes me from the conversation and slows down my workflow.

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