As we prepare for the potential unveiling of iOS 9 at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference, Rhiannon Williams takes a look at the history of Apple's mobile operating system
There are few tribal arguments in the technology world that divide quite so sharply as your choice of smartphone or tablet operating system. Whether you're a die-hard Android or an iOS devotee, the devotion to each is passionate and embittered, with arguments raging in forums and comment sections across the land.
Where Android prides itself on its transparency and customability, iOS is praised as a clever ecosystem that 'just works'. The entire system is an uncompromising labour of love that enchants as much as it infuriates, and ahead of the potential iOS 9 big reveal at this year's WWDC, rumours are circulating as to what the latest features and updates may hold.
Now accounting for around 20.3 per cent of the European smartphone market, according to Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, iOS is the second most popular operating system in Europe behind Android. Here's a brief history of each incarnation of the system since its 2007 inception.
2007: iPhone OS 1
The first iPhone, launched by the late Steve Jobs in 2007
Revealed alongside the original iPhone in January 2007, the first Apple smartphone operating system was not given a specific name until the following March, with the launch of the first Software Development Kit beta., when it became known as iPhone OS. The first iPhone could not support 3G, the copy and paste function, email attachments or MMS - and couldn't run third party apps.
Further updates included the introduction of the iTunes Music Store, allowing users to purchase music directly onto their phones (through a WiFi connection) for the first time, and the ability to create their own ringtones.
Further updates included the introduction of the iTunes Music Store, allowing users to purchase music directly onto their phones (through a WiFi connection) for the first time, and the ability to create their own ringtones.
2008: iPhone OS 2
The iPhone 3G, complete with GPS
Coinsiding with the launch of the iPhone 3G, the second major update to the operating system saw the launch of the App Store, leading to the introduction of third party apps and games. Full support for Microsoft Exchange and the option to wipe your phone in the event of failing to enter your passcode were other new features, the latter being added in a subsequent update.
Google Street View was enabled with the 2.2 update, featuring walking, driving and public transport options.
Google Street View was enabled with the 2.2 update, featuring walking, driving and public transport options.
2009: iPhone OS 3
The iPhone 3GS enabled typing via a horizontal keyboard for the first time.
With the third incarnation for the new 3GS handset, the cut, copy and paste function finally became commonplace, alongside the long-awaited push notifications for third party apps. Video recording, MMS (multimedia messaging service) and voice control were also added, and users were given the chance to purchase films, TV shows and audiobooks through iTunes.
Spotlight search enabled more comprehensive search through email, contacts, calendar, notes and within music, and the new voice memo function facilitated the recording and storing of audio notes. Purchasing within apps was also introduced, but only within paid-for apps.
Spotlight search enabled more comprehensive search through email, contacts, calendar, notes and within music, and the new voice memo function facilitated the recording and storing of audio notes. Purchasing within apps was also introduced, but only within paid-for apps.
The 3.2 version contained a raft of improvements designed for use with the newly released iPad. While not supporting general multitasking, it was made to accommodate the differing resolution of a larger screen than the iPhone, as well as revamping apps specifically for the new platform.
2010: iOS 4
Steve Jobs launching the iPhone 4 in 2010
Introduced on June 21 2010, iOS 4 was the first operating system to bear the iOS name, released on the new flagship iPhone 4. Its folder system accommodated the storing of up to 12 similar apps within one mother folder, while multitasking allowed apps to run simultaneously, such as writing an email while listening to Spotify, and navigation apps continuing to track your location in the background.
iBooks, Apple's ebook-reading software, and its parent iBookstore was introduced, and the improved 5MP iPhone 4 camera was complemented by 'tap to focus' software and 5x digital zoom. The device's new front-facing camera also facilitated video calling feature FaceTime.
iBooks, Apple's ebook-reading software, and its parent iBookstore was introduced, and the improved 5MP iPhone 4 camera was complemented by 'tap to focus' software and 5x digital zoom. The device's new front-facing camera also facilitated video calling feature FaceTime.
2011: iOS 5
Susan Bennett, a voice-over actor from Atlanta, was the original voice of Siri
2011 saw the launch of the iPhone 4S and with it, iOS 5. The main new feature was Siri, Apple's voice-activated virtual assistant that had previously been downloadable from the App Store as a third party app. Now integrated into the OS, Siri now communicated with other apps to make calls, check emails and transcribe text.
Containing more than 200 new features, iOS 5 heralded the arrival of iOS user messaging system iMessage, Twitter integration across a range of apps and online storage facility iCloud, replacing previous system MobileMe.
Containing more than 200 new features, iOS 5 heralded the arrival of iOS user messaging system iMessage, Twitter integration across a range of apps and online storage facility iCloud, replacing previous system MobileMe.
2012: iOS 6
WWDC 2012 took place in San Francisco's Moscone Centre
Tim Cook took to the stage at Apple's 2012 WorldWide Developers' Conference shocked fans by announcing that Google Maps would not feature in latest incarnation iOS 6, and would be replaced by the company's own inbuilt Maps app.
Siri also received a makeover, featuring restaurant recommendations, the ability to dictate tweets or Facebook statuses and film reviews.
A year after Twitter integration into Apple's native apps, Facebook was added to the fold, and Apple launched its answer to Google Wallet, Passbook, will collated tickets, boarding passes and coupons within the single app.
Siri also received a makeover, featuring restaurant recommendations, the ability to dictate tweets or Facebook statuses and film reviews.
A year after Twitter integration into Apple's native apps, Facebook was added to the fold, and Apple launched its answer to Google Wallet, Passbook, will collated tickets, boarding passes and coupons within the single app.
2013: iOS 7
iOS 7 compared to iOS 6
iOS 7 marked a radical aesthetic departure for Apple, masterminded by Sir Jony Ive, and debuted on the twin release of the iPhones 5s and 5c. The new 'flattened' and pared-back user interface drew praise and criticism in equal measures.
The single-swipe control centre feature allowed users to quickly access key settings such as WiFi, Airplane mode, Bluetooth and the newly-introduced torch without having to delve into the Settings menu. Siri was upgraded to both male and female voices, and redesigned to understand French and German.
Other changes included a new camera interface with a square photo mode, full multitasking for all apps and new wallpapers.
The single-swipe control centre feature allowed users to quickly access key settings such as WiFi, Airplane mode, Bluetooth and the newly-introduced torch without having to delve into the Settings menu. Siri was upgraded to both male and female voices, and redesigned to understand French and German.
Other changes included a new camera interface with a square photo mode, full multitasking for all apps and new wallpapers.
2014: iOS 8
Banners displayed at WWDC 2014
Announced at the 2014 WWDC conference, iOS 8 features frameworks HealthKit and HomeKit, integrating apps to track health data and the standardisation of controlling internet-enabled home appliances.
It shipped on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus following their launch in September last year, and a beta version of iOS 8.4 is currently available to download.
Other features include being able to send audio and video messages by holding down a record button while inside the Messages app, new predictive typing feature QuickType and the new and improved file hosting service iCloud Drive.
It shipped on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus following their launch in September last year, and a beta version of iOS 8.4 is currently available to download.
Other features include being able to send audio and video messages by holding down a record button while inside the Messages app, new predictive typing feature QuickType and the new and improved file hosting service iCloud Drive.
2015: iOS 9?
The WWDC 2015 logo
Details are beginning to leak of what we can expect from iOS 9, and it looks to be a fairly exciting upgrade. The newly revamped Beats Music - believed to be called Apple Music - is expected to be announced at WWDC, alongside split-screen mode support for multitasking on iPad. Other significant rumours include Force Touch support, a new security system called Rootless, enhanced Spotlight search function renamed Proactive and an Apple Pay rewards scheme.
