Reflecting on the 7 most monumental iOS updates of all time

The iOS operating system on Apple's iPhone and other devices stands as one of the greatest creations by the Apple brand. iOS has been an integral part of Apple's product journey and has become an indispensable experience for users weighing between an iPhone and Android devices. Across 16 different versions, these iOS updates have brought significant and impressive differences for users.

iPhone OS 2: The Emergence of the App Store

Apple's iPhone OS 2 operating system debuted alongside the iPhone 3G in July 2008. This update brought forth some significant new features, including full push email support (move or delete emails), Google Maps Street View, and most notably, the App Store.

Unlike many current iOS updates that typically debut in the fall, iPhone OS 2 was released in the summer. When the App Store first launched, it had fewer than 1,000 apps. However, since then, this app repository has become the ideal place for users to download their favorite apps and games.

iOS 4: Introducing FaceTime

If you were a 90s kid, you'd surely recall the challenges of communicating with family and friends in the 1990s. Alongside spotty internet connections, phone calls and messages often incurred charges. Sometimes, you still had to pay to call and text your friends and family overseas. However, there were many solutions, and FaceTime was perhaps the best choice for Apple users.

“The House of Apple” initially introduced FaceTime in June 2010 with the release of iOS 4. However, it wasn't available on all iOS devices at the time. Previous iPhone models before the iPhone 4 lacked a front camera, making it more difficult to call others.

Since then, FaceTime has found its way to iPad, Mac, and become one of the most beloved apps of “The House of Apple”.

iOS 5: Introducing iCloud and iMessage

The release of iOS 5 in 2011 brought wireless updates to the iPhone, allowing it to be updated without needing to connect to a computer via iTunes. Additionally, this update brought practical experiences that are indispensable for many iPhone users today, such as the iCloud cloud storage, virtual assistant Siri, and Control Center.

Furthermore, the launch event of iOS 5 also marked the first time Apple introduced features of the new iOS at WWDC, a tradition that continues to this day.

iOS 7: Redesigned iOS

Apple gradually improved iOS software in the early years, but their user interface began to look outdated compared to competitors'. However, everything changed when the iPhone manufacturer announced in 2013.

After this major software update, users of iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad had a completely redesigned interface. The apps looked much more polished than before, and the battery icon also changed.

iOS 7 also introduced other important features, such as Control Center. AirDrop also made its debut, allowing users to share files with other nearby Apple devices. Nowadays, you can easily turn on AirDrop from your iPhone or Mac, and it's also available on iPad as well as Apple Watch.

iOS 9: Night Shift

iOS 14: Widgets, Privacy, and App Tracking

iOS 9 technology iPhone 6s Apple introduced it in 2020, bringing improvements in many aspects. Online privacy has become a major topic of discussion, especially after the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal. Apple introduced a feature with iOS 14 that allows users to choose whether they want downloaded apps to track them or not.

Apple also introduced Widgets tool in iOS 14, becoming a core part of the user experience on iPhone and iPad. You can add some handy widgets, including your local weather and daily calendar.

The App Library was also introduced alongside iOS 14, allowing users to organize their apps easily.

iOS 16: Customizable Lock Screen and Beyond

iOS 16 After installing iOS 16, you can customize your iPhone's lock screen in various ways, such as choosing the font you want to highlight. Moreover, you can opt to have the lock screen change throughout the day.

Apple also introduces several changes to some of its long-standing apps, such as Mail and iMessage.

• Explore more articles in the Market section