iOS is one of the most popular mobile operating systems in the world today. Developed by Apple Inc., iOS is used in all Apple mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. But, do you know what was the original name of iOS?
In this article, we will discuss the history of iOS and how it evolved from its original name to the iOS we know today.
The Origin of iOS
Apple released its first mobile device, the iPhone, in 2007. The original operating system of iPhone was called iPhone OS. It was a variant of the Mac OS X operating system used in Apple’s desktop and laptop computers.
The first version of iPhone OS was released alongside the first iPhone and featured a 3.5-inch touchscreen display and a virtual keyboard. It also had multi-touch gestures, such as pinch-to-zoom, which revolutionized the way people interacted with mobile devices.
From iPhone OS to iOS
In 2010, Apple renamed the iPhone OS to iOS with the release of the iPhone 4. The new name reflected the fact that the operating system was used not only on the iPhone but also on other mobile devices like the iPad and iPod touch.
With the new name came new features and upgrades. iOS brought several new features like FaceTime video calling, multitasking, and the Game Center app. It also introduced the App Store, which allowed users to download third-party applications and games from the internet.
The Evolution of iOS
Since its inception, iOS has evolved significantly. As of now, it is one of the most polished and refined mobile operating systems available in the market. Each year, Apple releases a new version of iOS with new features and upgrades.
The latest version of iOS, iOS 15, is set to release in September 2021. It is expected to bring several new features, including FaceTime enhancements, updated notifications, and redesigned widgets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, iOS started its journey as iPhone OS. It was designed for one device – the iPhone. However, over the years, it evolved to become iOS, a versatile operating system that powers all Apple mobile devices. Today, iOS is one of the most popular operating systems in the world, thanks to its user-friendly interface and frequent upgrades.
Table: iOS Versions Timeline
| Version Name | Release Date |
|---|---|
| iPhone OS 1 | June 29, 2007 |
| iPhone OS 2 | July 11, 2008 |
| iPhone OS 3 | June 17, 2009 |
| iOS 4 | June 21, 2010 |
| iOS 5 | October 12, 2011 |
| iOS 6 | September 19, 2012 |
| iOS 7 | September 18, 2013 |
| iOS 8 | September 17, 2014 |
| iOS 9 | September 16, 2015 |
| iOS 10 | September 13, 2016 |
| iOS 11 | September 19, 2017 |
| iOS 12 | September 17, 2018 |
| iOS 13 | September 19, 2019 |
| iOS 14 | September 16, 2020 |
List: Key Features of iOS
- Intuitive user interface
- Regular updates and upgrades
- App Store for third-party applications and games
- FaceTime video calling
- Multi-touch gestures
- Siri virtual assistant
- Photos app with advanced editing tools
- Apple Music streaming service
- iCloud integration for backup and storage
- Wallet app for payment and loyalty cards