Here's the Complete iOS List from Latest to Oldest Versions

Today, Android and iOS are the two most dominant mobile operating systems in the market. Android, owned by Google, uses an open system that allows any vendor to adopt it freely.

On the other hand, iOS is an exclusive operating system used only for Apple mobile devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Because of this exclusivity, the iPhone tends to have a higher price tag, even though its production costs are not extremely high.

So, what makes the iPhone so expensive? Besides the exclusive use of iOS, Apple's research and development efforts and strong brand value also play a big role. Since iOS is a result of Apple’s own development, it tends to be more refined and exclusive.

As technology continues to advance, iOS also keeps evolving. Each year, Apple releases a new version of iOS, usually alongside the latest iPhone model. But how has iOS changed over the years?

To answer that question, here is a review from Carisinyal of the iOS versions to date.

1. iOS 26

In June 2025, Apple introduced iOS 26 at its annual WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) event. After several months of testing, it officially became available to download in September 2025 for iPhone users around the world.

Many users say iOS 26 is one of the most significant updates in recent years. Right after installing it, the first thing you notice is its refreshed look. Apple calls this the Liquid Glass design. Icons and menus appear like transparent glass with soft reflections. When you move the phone, the wallpaper shifts with a 3D effect that makes the screen feel more alive.

Although the Liquid Glass style is not completely new, since Android brands like Samsung (OneUI), OPPO (ColorOS), Huawei (HarmonyOS), and Honor (MagicOS) have used similar designs, Apple adds its own touch.

The result looks cleaner and more polished. The effect is not just visual but fully integrated with how you interact with the phone. This makes the user experience feel smooth and consistent.

iOS 26 also offers more freedom to personalise your iPhone. You can easily adjust the Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Control Centre. Moving icons, changing colours, or adding widgets is now more flexible. A new feature called Call Screening also helps block unknown callers and filter messages from unfamiliar numbers.

One of the main highlights is Apple Intelligence. This smart technology acts like a personal assistant. For example, it includes Live Translation, which allows you to translate voice or text in real time during phone or video calls. This makes it easy to talk with people who speak different languages, without needing a third-party app.

Apple Intelligence also understands the content on your screen. If you receive an event invitation, the system can offer to add it directly to your calendar. You can even create unique images or emojis just by typing descriptions.

For gamers, iOS 26 introduces Apple Games, a central place for all the games you own across your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Game performance is more stable, with special settings that keep the frame rate consistent.

The Photos app is better organized and loads faster. A feature called Spatial Scene can turn regular photos into interactive 3D visuals. Spotlight is also smarter and can give you details about the objects in your photos.

Shortcuts can now do more, such as summarizing long texts, generating images, or replying to messages automatically.

iOS 26 is available for devices starting from the second-generation iPhone 11 and iPhone SE, all the way to the latest iPhone 17. However, older models like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max do not receive this update.

In short, iOS 26 makes the iPhone look better, feel smarter, and more personalized. It is not just a routine update, but a real improvement that enhances the overall experience for users.

2. iOS 18

In June 2024, Apple officially introduced iOS 18. So, what are the highlights of this version? iOS 18 brings a major transformation to the iPhone experience with a wide range of exciting and innovative features.

One of the key features is the ability to customize apps and layout freely. Although this has long been available on Android, its arrival on iOS feels more significant.

With iOS 18, users can finally personalize the Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Control Center. You can rearrange apps and widgets, apply color accents, and even lock specific apps for added privacy.

One of the most standout features in iOS 18 is called Apple Intelligence. Apple cleverly redefined the meaning of “AI” by turning it into a unique identity that feels more personal.

Apple Intelligence brings artificial intelligence into a more useful and relevant space by using personal context to deliver the right suggestions at the right time. It can help write and summarize long texts and prioritize notifications so users can stay focused on what really matters.

It also includes creative tools such as the ability to generate fun images and create unique Genmoji for messaging. You can even create personal video memories simply by typing a description.

Another major upgrade is found in the Photos app. Photo collections are now automatically grouped into categories like Last Few Days, Travel, or People & Pets. There is also a Carousel feature that displays a beautiful selection of your best content, which updates with a new set of photos each day for a delightful surprise.

With Apple Intelligence, photo editing becomes easier too. You can remove specific objects from photos or turn selected pictures into videos using a simple prompt.

The Messages app also gets a refresh. Users can now add animated effects to letters, words, phrases, or emojis while chatting on iMessage. Some of these effects are even suggested automatically as you type.

Another long-awaited improvement is the addition of RCS (Rich Communication Services) support. With this feature, iPhone users can now send rich messages, including images and high-quality media, to Android devices.

This update brings both pros and cons. On one hand, iMessage loses some of its exclusivity. On the other, communication across different platforms becomes much easier, which is something worth appreciating.

Two more features worth mentioning are Game Mode, which stabilizes frame rates for a smoother gaming experience, and the new Password app. This built-in password manager can securely store login information across various platforms, making many third-party password apps unnecessary.

Other useful additions include audio-to-text transcription in the Notes app, a Maps app that now includes photos and allows you to create custom routes, and a Safari browser update that can summarise articles from a single website. As a writer, this might be a little disappointing, but as a reader, it certainly helps save time.

iOS 18 supports a wide range of iPhone models, from the iPhone XS to newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, to fully enjoy Apple Intelligence features, users will need a device with the A17 Pro chip, as these tools require at least 8 GB of RAM.

3. iOS 17

Apple introduced iOS 17 in June 2023, along with a variety of new features designed to improve the user experience.

One of the most interesting changes is how calls, messages, and FaceTime become more personal. With the new Contact Posters feature, you can customize how your caller ID appears to others. Each contact can have a different visual style to make it easier to recognize who’s calling at a glance.

Sending voice messages is also more convenient. They can now be automatically converted into text, which is useful for those who prefer reading messages instead of listening to them.

Another helpful feature appears when you miss a FaceTime call. Instead of just a missed call notification, you can leave a short video message so the other person knows why you called.

Memoji lovers will enjoy more customisation options, while FaceTime calls are more fun with animated AR effects like balloons and fireworks. The Apple Maps app has also improved. It can now be used offline, and includes 3D maps for several major cities. Even so, many users still prefer using Google Maps.

Another key feature is NameDrop. This allows you to share contact information instantly just by bringing two iPhones close together. You no longer have to type in names or numbers manually.

NameDrop uses the U1 chip, which is available on iPhone 11 and later models. With this chip, you can also share email addresses and other contact details easily. However, since the iPhone Xs does not have the U1 chip, this feature is not fully supported on that model.

The AR features in FaceTime also require newer iPhones with higher processing power. So while iPhone Xs and newer models can install iOS 17, not all features may work as smoothly on older devices.

Among all the new features, the one I personally enjoy the most is the Journal app. This app helps users record daily activities and even gives writing suggestions. As someone who writes often, I find it incredibly useful.

The keyboard in iOS 17 is also more advanced. Autocorrect and text prediction are now more accurate to help reduce typos.

Live Voicemail is another helpful addition. It lets you read a voicemail message in real time without needing to listen to it first. This is especially useful if you often receive calls from unknown numbers.

One more interesting update is the StandBy feature. When your iPhone is charging and placed sideways, the screen turns into a clock, calendar, or a display for important notifications. The Health app has also been updated. Now, you can log your mood and take steps to care for your eye health.

AirDrop is now more powerful too. You can send large files even if you walk away before the transfer is complete. The Check In feature is another safety tool, allowing you to notify friends or family when you’ve arrived at your destination.

Lastly, iOS 17 brings stronger privacy protections. The Communication Safety feature helps protect children from inappropriate content. It also includes warnings before showing potentially disturbing images or videos.

4. iOS 16

Apple officially introduced iOS 16 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on 6 June 2022, which marked the release of the 16th version of iOS for iPhone devices.

The public version became available on 12 September 2022 for iPhone 8 and newer models. Unfortunately, iPhone 7 and earlier models are not supported. iOS 16 is also known as the first version of iOS that is exclusive to the iPhone series, as the iPod Touch no longer receives iOS updates.

Alongside iOS 16, Apple also introduced iPadOS 16, which is supported on iPads powered by the A9 or A9X chipsets and newer.

One of the worth-mentioning features of iOS 16 is the ability to customize the Lock Screen. Users can now change the font style, font colour, date, time, and apply visual effects across the entire Lock Screen. Widgets can also be added for quick access to important information.

Another fun feature is the ability to place the photo subject in front of the clock on the Lock Screen, creating a more dynamic and layered appearance. While the Lock Screen layout on iPadOS 16 matches iOS 16 in terms of date and time positioning, it doesn't have the new customization options available on the iPhone.

iOS 16 also improves Live Text, which can now recognise text in videos. Users can interact with this text by translating it or converting currencies directly. The translation tool has also been enhanced. You can now use the camera to translate text instantly, and the Translate app now supports the Indonesian language as well.

A new accessibility feature allows the iPhone to detect doors using the camera. This tool can help identify how far the door is from the user, which can be especially helpful for people with visual impairments.

For those who prefer speaking instead of typing, iOS 16 offers a better Dictation feature. The keyboard now stays visible while dictating, making it easier to switch between speaking and typing as needed.

Gamers also benefit from iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, as both now support Joy-Con and Pro Controllers from the Nintendo Switch. Augmented reality also gets a boost with a new framework called RoomPlan, which uses the LiDAR scanner to quickly generate 3D room layouts.

For iPad users with A12X Bionic, A12Z Bionic, M1, or M2 chipsets, iPadOS 16 introduces Stage Manager, a feature that improves multitasking. With this tool, users can view and interact with up to four active windows on the screen at once, either side by side or in overlapping layouts.

5. iOS 15

On 7 June 2021, Apple officially introduced iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. This version of iOS was released in the same year as the iPhone 13 series. It is also the last iOS version to support the iPod Touch. After iOS 15, the 7th generation iPod Touch no longer receives version updates.

Apple devices powered by the A12 Bionic chip or newer can access the Live Text feature, which uses OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to detect text in images. However, this feature was still limited at the time, as it could not yet detect text in videos like in iOS 16.

iOS 15 also introduced the ability to drag and drop text or images between apps. This feature was previously available only on iPadOS. Another improvement is found in the Dictation tool, which no longer has a 60-second time limit. Users can now dictate without worrying about being cut off too soon.

One of the key additions in iOS 15 is a feature called Focus. This tool allows users to create custom profiles, such as Work, Sleep, or Do Not Disturb. Each profile changes the phone's behaviour based on the user's needs. For example, if you activate the Work profile, the phone may reduce notification sounds or limit interruptions.

As for iPadOS 15, it is available on all iPad models that previously supported iPadOS 14. This includes the first to fifth generation iPad Pro, the second to fifth generation iPad Air, and the fifth to ninth generation standard iPad.

6. iOS 14

In 2020, Apple released iOS 14 with a range of new features. One of the biggest changes was the redesigned home screen that allowed users to add widgets (a feature that had already been available on Android for several years).

iOS 14 also introduced the App Library, which helps organise apps for easier access. Another addition was picture-in-picture to enable users watch videos while using other apps. This feature had previously been available on iPadOS.

One of the highlights was support for watching YouTube videos in 4K quality. To use it, users could play videos that supported 2160p resolution. Apple also refined the call interface with a smaller bar for incoming calls.

Siri received significant updates as well. It became smarter with multilingual translation support, and the search function was improved to deliver results more thoroughly.

Another change allowed users to set a different default browser. Those who did not want to use Safari could switch to Chrome or another preferred option.

iOS 14 also introduced App Clips, a feature that lets users try parts of an app without downloading the full version. To use it, they needed to scan an App Clip code via NFC or QR code.

The update brought more improvements to everyday use. Users could now search emojis by typing keywords, create new memoji avatars in Messages, and mention people directly in group chats.

Maps was also enhanced with cycling directions, while AirPods gained new functions such as spatial audio and automatic device switching.

7. iOS 13

In 2019, Apple introduced iOS 13 with a variety of new features. Face ID performance was improved and claimed to be 30 percent faster, while apps could open up to twice as fast. These improvements were especially beneficial for older devices.

Dark mode was one of the most notable additions. It gave the interface and even the notification dock a new look. Apple also added a swipe keyboard, and the Reminders app received new categories such as “Today,” “Scheduled,” “Flagged,” and “All” to make organising tasks easier.

Several built-in apps were updated as well. Apple Mail came with a refreshed format, Notes had a redesigned layout, and Safari gained the ability to set preferences on a per-website basis.

Apple Maps also saw major updates, with features that made it more similar to Google Street View. Privacy was strengthened with the “Sign in with Apple” option, which allowed users to generate new email addresses for each app if needed.

Profiles in iMessage became more customisable, similar to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Photo and video editing tools were enhanced, giving users more creative options.

Apple also introduced the Find My app, which combined Find My Friends and Find My iPhone into a single service. This made it easier to search for both friends and devices in one place, and both searches could be performed at the same time.

Another improvement was support for retrieving data from SD cards and USB flash drives through the Files app.

Starting with iOS 13, Apple also launched iPadOS 13 as a separate operating system for the iPad. This was in response to users who felt the iPad needed its own interface, tailored to take advantage of its larger screen.

8. iOS 12

After iOS 11, Apple introduced iOS 12 on 4 June 2018 at WWDC. The operating system was officially released on 17 September 2018, alongside the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max.

Like iOS 11, this version continued to support some older devices, although models with Apple A7 and A8 processors (including certain iPads) had limited features.

iOS 12 was designed to deliver a faster and more responsive experience. For example, the camera app opened up to 70 percent faster compared to iOS 11, and apps in general loaded twice as quickly.

Another highlight was the addition of new Animoji, especially for devices such as the iPhone X. These could be used in FaceTime and messaging apps, adding more fun to conversations.

Notifications were also improved. They became easier to manage as they were grouped by app or topic. Apple also added a shortcut button for Siri, along with a new sleep clock mode to help users manage their rest better.

9. iOS 11

As usual, Apple announced its latest iOS at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). In 2017, the event was held on 5 June, where iOS 11 was introduced. The public release followed on 19 September 2017, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.

The iPhone X itself was a special release, created to mark the 10th anniversary of the iPhone.

With iOS 11, Apple ended support for devices using 32-bit processors, such as the iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, and iPad 4. From this version onward, only devices with 64-bit processors were supported, while those with Apple A7 and A8 chips had limited functionality.

Among the new features, the redesigned App Store stood out. Apple also introduced the Files app, which allowed access to data stored locally or in the cloud. Another change was also the merging of Notification Centre and Lock Screen, making it possible for notifications to appear directly on the Lock Screen.

Siri received important updates too. It gained the ability to translate between languages, learn user preferences, and provide personalised suggestions. Siri could also manage music apps even without an internet connection.

iOS 11 introduced faster charging for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, starting with the iOS 11.2 update. Other notable features included iCloud integration for Messages and support for augmented reality (AR) technology.

10. iOS 10

On 13 September 2016, Apple released iOS 10 together with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Apple had first announced it at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on 13 June 2016.

iOS 10 replaced iOS 9 and could still be used on some older Apple devices. But not all devices could get the full features. For example, the iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, and iPad 4 only got limited support.

This happened because those devices still used 32-bit processors. Full features of iOS 10 worked only on devices with 64-bit processors, starting from A5 or A5X.

iOS 10 came with many new features. Some of them were Siri and iMessage API support for developers, 3D Touch on notifications, new emoji in Messages, and a redesigned Maps app with more functions.

11. iOS 9

In June 2015, Apple announced iOS 9. It was released on 16 September 2015 together with the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, and iPad Mini 4. iOS 9 also supported older iPhones, all the way back to the iPhone 4S.

The system, with the code name Monarch, did not look very different from iOS 8. The design was almost the same, but Apple focused on adding new features and apps.

Siri got a new look with more colours, similar to the Apple Watch. Siri could also use English accents from different regions.

Touch ID became more secure by changing from a 4-digit passcode to a 6-digit passcode. iOS 9 also introduced the 3D Touch feature.

Other new features included the CarPlay app, as well as Slide Over and Split View for iPads. The Notes app was updated, and Maps added transit directions.

Apple also introduced a new app called News. In this version, the Passbook app was renamed Wallet. Many other apps were also updated to work better.

12. iOS 8

On 2 June 2014, Apple announced iOS 8. It was officially released on 17 September 2014 together with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which already came with iOS 8 installed.

This update was also available for older iPhones, the sixth-generation iPod Touch, iPad 3, iPad Air 2, and iPad Mini. However, the iPhone 4 did not receive the update.

The interface in iOS 8 looked flatter compared to iOS 7. Along with the new design, iOS 8 introduced useful features such as iCloud Drive and Family Sharing, which allowed sharing content with family members.

Other features included QuickType for faster typing, Siri activation by voice, and improved messaging functions.

A new app called Health also appeared in iOS 8. It could track health information such as heart rate, calories, blood sugar, cholesterol, and more.

13. iOS 7

On 10 June 2013, Apple announced iOS 7. It was released together with the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S. The iPhone 3GS and older devices did not get this update.

The update from iOS 6 to iOS 7 was a big change in design, although not as big in features. iOS 7 focused on appearance, with a flat design and the use of the Helvetica Neue Regular font.

One of the most important new features was Touch ID, introduced on the iPhone 5S. Other updates appeared in apps like AirDrop, Control Center, Safari, Siri, FaceTime, Apple Maps, the App Store, and more.

Because of the new design, the Home Screen also looked different, with a flatter and cleaner style.

14. iOS 6

On 11 June 2012, Apple introduced iOS 6, one year after iOS 5. It was released together with the iPhone 5, the fifth-generation iPod Touch, and the iPad 4. iOS 6 was also available as an update for older devices such as the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch, iPad 3, and the first-generation iPad Mini.

iOS 6 did not bring many brand-new features. Most of the updates were improvements to existing apps, such as the camera, FaceTime, and some changes in app design and the settings menu.

The most notable new feature was Apple Maps, which replaced Google Maps. However, Apple Maps was not well received at launch because its performance was seen as weaker than Google Maps.

15. iOS 5

On 21 June 2011, Apple introduced iOS 5 together with the iPhone 4S. This version brought several key features that later became an important part of iOS.

• Notifications Center

This feature gave users one place to see all notifications, even on the lock screen. It was later kept in newer versions and inspired similar features on Android.

• iMessages

This was a special messaging app for iOS. It allowed users to send texts, photos, GIFs, videos, contacts, and locations. It supported group chats, delivery and read receipts, and could be synced across Apple devices with the same Apple ID.

• iCloud

iOS 5 was the first version to include iCloud. This service let users back up and store contacts, photos, apps, notes, and other data in the cloud.

• Game Center

This feature was made for gaming. It allowed game recommendations, public or private profiles, game purchases, and tracking points earned from games.

Other improvements included a better camera, Twitter integration, new features in the Music app, and the ability to activate an iPhone without using a computer. iOS 5 also introduced Siri, Apple’s smart assistant.

16. iOS 4

Apple made a big change in this version. The name “iPhone OS” was no longer used. Starting from version 4, the system was officially called iOS. iOS 4 was released together with the iPhone 4 in 2010.

The arrival of iPhone 4 and iOS 4 made Apple even more popular. This version introduced several important features, such as multitasking that used battery power more efficiently, the option to turn mobile data on or off, more creative iTunes playlists, and new photo features.

Other additions included FaceTime, which allowed video calls over Wi-Fi, iBooks syncing with iTunes, and better camera functions. The camera gained landscape mode, 5x digital zoom, and tap-to-focus while recording video.

17. iOS 3

In 2009, Apple launched the iPhone 3GS as the successor to the iPhone 3G. It came with iPhone OS 3.0, which added many useful features.

Some of the new features were push notifications, landscape keyboard, voice notes, IMAP support, shake to shuffle, MMS, and a compass. Two of the most important features introduced in this version were in-app purchases (IAP) and copy-paste, which became essential for later iOS versions.

iPhone OS 3.0 also supported older devices, including the first-generation iPhone, although some features were limited.

The system received updates as well. Version 3.1 added anti-phishing protection and other improvements, while version 3.2 brought support for the first-generation iPad.

18. iOS 2

In 2008, Apple released iOS 2 together with the iPhone 3G. This device helped Apple gain more popularity. One of the most important additions in this version was the App Store, which is still a core part of Apple devices today.

With the App Store, iPhone 3G users could download and install apps directly on their phones. iOS 2 also brought support for the second-generation iPod Touch, better security, bug fixes, and other small improvements.

iOS 2 had several updates, including version 2.1 and 2.2. The final update, iOS 2.2, introduced useful new features such as improvements to the Mail app and Google Street View in the Maps app.

19. iOS 1

In 2007, Apple launched its first smartphone, the original iPhone, later often called the iPhone 2G. It came with the first version of iPhone OS, built on the same code base as OS X on Apple computers.

At that time, there was no App Store. Instead, iPhone OS 1 came with built-in apps made by Apple, such as the web browser, calculator, and music player.

This first version did not even have an official name and was simply called iPhone OS 1. It later received updates, starting with version 1.1, which added support for the first-generation iPod Touch. The last version was iPhone OS 1.1.5, still commonly referred to as iPhone OS 1.

That completes the iOS list from the latest to the very first version. Each update introduced new features, and sometimes Apple adopted features already available on Android, just as Android has also taken ideas from iOS.

For iPads, Apple later created a separate system called iPadOS. You can read more about it in the article Latest iPadOS List.