Apple iOS: a brief history

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

How to install iOS 8

Apple has introduced iOS 8, the latest version of its mobile operating system. Here's how to update your iPhone or iPad when it becomes available to the public 

As iOS 8 becomes available to download from today, here's a brief and handy guide on how to get started with Apple's latest operating system. 
Both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will ship with iOS 8 as standard, and will be available to buy from September 19.

1) Check if your device is compatible

Before you do anything else, check whether your device is actually eligible to install the new software. Apple usually limits system updates to its newer devices. The following devices (along with the preinstalled iPhone 6) have been named by the company as compatible with iOS 8: iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, iPod touch 5th generation, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Air and iPad Mini.

2) Make sure you have backed everything up before installing the upgrade

By far the most important thing to do before starting the installation is to backup everything on your iPhone/iPad. In the unlikely case of the upgrade failing, this means that you’ll be able to restore the device completely and start again without losing important data.

If you use iCloud for your backups, go to Settings, iCloud, Storage and Backup, then tap 'Back Up Now', or you can use iTunes to do so by plugging in your device, choosing it from the menu on iTunes, and selecting ‘Back Up Now’. A backup will then be saved onto your computer’s hard disk.

3) Create enough room to install the new software

For the new download to happen, you’ll need to have enough space on your device to accommodate all the upgrades. At least 1GB of free space will be required on your iPhone or iPad before you can get started.

Photos, videos and big apps tend to be the main culprits for memory hogging, but to see exactly what to get rid of, go to Usage under General in Settings. Here you’ll find a list of everything that uses space and how much, in size order.

4) Download and install the update

Once all that’s done, you’re now ready to install iOS 8. You should get a notification that the new operating system is available, at which point you can do so easily through the Software Update option in Settings. Make sure your device is connected to both Wi-Fi and a power supply, then simply tap Download and Install to do so.

If your device is passcode enabled, you’ll need to enter the passcode before installing the update. You’ll need to set aside some time for the update to complete - don't try to use apps, make calls or send texts while iOS 8 is installing.

If however you’d prefer to update using iTunes, you should install the latest version of iTunes on your computer, then connect your device and select your device from the menu. Under Summary, click Check for Update, then choose Download and Install, and it should be taken care of.

5) Confirm your iCloud details and start using your phone

When the update is complete, your device should restart automatically. Once it does, you may be asked to enter some iCloud details, and set security questions. After these have been filled out, your newly updated device should be ready to use.