Support > Advice & Articles > App Store: Downloading Older Versions of AppsBack to: Sections in this article: Requirements for Downloading an Older Version of an App, How to Download, Downgrading Apps
See our news article here: Apple Allows Downloads of Older Versions of Apps. This article will provide instructions and additional information. If the particular app you want to download does not offer an older version, see this utility to find an alternative app: Find iOS Apps Compatible with Older Devices. To be able to download an older 'legacy' version of an app, a few conditions must be met (more detailed explanations below): - You must have purchased/downloaded the app before (see this workaround for iOS devices if you didn't)
- The app must have supported your older iOS or macOS version at one time
- You must be running iOS 4.2 or later, or OS X Mountain Lion (10.8) or later
NOTE: Not all apps offer older versions. It is up to the app developer. If you are attempting to download the app for the first time, the App Store will not offer the download of an older version. You must already own the app for the older version to be offered (see this workaround for iOS devices if you don't). NOTE: The following will only work in iTunes versions prior to 12.7, as later versions do not have an iOS App Store section. To check your version, go to File > About iTunes (Windows) or iTunes > About iTunes (Mac). If you do not already own the app, one workaround is to purchase/download the app from the iTunes Store on a Mac or PC using the same Apple ID you are using on your iOS device. The app will then be associated with your account and you should then be offered an older version if you attempt to download the app again on the iOS device. Do not try to install the copy downloaded in iTunes, as it is the newer, incompatible version. That step is only necessary to attain ownership of the app. You will need to access the App Store on your iOS device to be offered a compatible version. Again, if the above was done correctly and does not work, then that particular app does not offer older versions. The app must also have supported your iOS version at one time in the past. For example, if the very first version of an app required iOS 6.0, and never had an iOS 5-compatible version, you would not be able to install it on an iOS 5 device. The ability to download older apps is available on iOS 4.2 and later. The original iPhone (iPhone 2G) and 1st generation iPod touch cannot update beyond iOS 3.1.3, and therefore cannot take advantage of this feature. If you have a newer device that is not yet running iOS 4.2 or higher, see Updating iOS. It is also worth noting that only the latest version compatible with your iOS version can be downloaded. For example, if a developer releases Version 1.1 of their app, and it contains a lot of bugs, you might want to downgrade the app. However, you cannot do so if the latest version of the app is compatible with your device. Example dialog on a device running iOS 4.2 If you find an app and are offered an older version, the dialog should look similar to the one above. Just tap on Download, and you will be taken to the home screen where the app will begin downloading. NOTE: This only applies to iOS devices. Again, if the latest version of an app is compatible with your device, that is the only version that will be offered. However, if you owned an older version of the app and would prefer to use that instead of the latest one (assuming that the older version is also compatible), it is possible if you use iTunes on a Mac or PC. First, make sure that you have an older version of the app in iTunes. Under the 'LIBRARY' header, click on Apps. Find the app in question. If the app has an 'Update' banner, that is usually a good indicator that it is an older version of the app. This is an older version of the Pages app, as indicated by the 'Update' banner Another way to tell is by right clicking (control + click on a Mac) on the app in iTunes and selecting 'Get Info.' Select the Summary tab, and find 'Version.' Compare it with the version listed in the App Store. If you do not have the version you are looking for in your iTunes library, it may have been replaced by a newer version. When iTunes updates apps, the .ipa file for the older app is sent to the trash (or recycle bin on a PC). If you have not emptied the trash recently, it may still be there. If you can locate the .ipa file for the app you want, you can delete the newer version from iTunes, then drag the older version to the 'Apps' section in the sidebar in iTunes. NOTE: Do not download .ipa files from anyone other than Apple, as other downloads will be tied to the owner's Apple ID and will not install without their password. Confirm that the app you want has been added to the library. Then, you can delete the newer version of the app from your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. For instructions, see: Deleting, Rearranging and Grouping Apps. To install the older version from iTunes onto your iOS device, you can: - Conduct a sync
- Drag the app from the Apps section of your Library to your device in iTunes' sidebar
- Click on your device in the sidebar in iTunes, select the Apps tab at the top of the screen, select 'Install' for the app that you want, and click 'Apply' in the lower right
When you are done these steps, click the Apply button in the lower right of the iTunes window. A sync should be initiated, and, when complete, the app(s) in question should be installed on your device.
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Article ID: AA1098
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Comment on this ArticleComments (78): thank you very much admin.. the workaround works. can u please tell me how to get whatsapp messenger for iphone 3g as it says 'u need ios 4.3 or above to download this app' even with the procedure laid down by you. in response to sandeep thammishetti By AppleClubSupport on 6/26/14 • Reply Not all apps will offer an old version. If WhatsApp decides not to offer it, you won't be able to download it, sorry. By sandeep thammishetti on 6/28/14 • Reply Thank you very much for your valuable information.by the way Is there any other way to install whatsapp on Iphone 3g running on ios 4.2.1 as there are many ways established over the internet. By sandeep thammishetti on 6/28/14 • Reply Is there any app for home button for iOS 4.2.1 similar to iPhone 5 and above By AppleClubSupport on 6/28/14 • Reply You won't be able to get WhatsApp on an iPhone 3G since it's not compatible; hacking solutions are not worth the trouble. If by a home button app, you mean something like AssistiveTouch, I don't know of any. By Emma on 8/28/15 • Reply Is there any way to do this from your iPhone? I'm looking to get an older version of NBA 2k13 the v1.0.7 version but I have a broken computer. By AppleClubSupport on 7/06/14 • Reply If you don't have access to iTunes on a computer, the only other way to be offered an older version of an app is if you had a 2nd iOS device which is compatible with the latest version of the app. By ZSwagga5 on 7/06/14 • Reply Okay thank you. It's just that I hate the version of the game that I have now and would like the older version back. I cant believe this actually works, it's simple and works exactly how it says and the work around does work, thanks a lot for this help!!! Perfect! I was becoming so discouraged with my iPad gen 1 hand-me-down. Not anymore - this workaround works and now my iPad is not just a boat anchor! 😊 Yes, yes, yes -- WORKS!! One important detail I noticed was that when I used it for my iPod Touch 4th Gen after downloading in iTunes, back on the iPod there was an indication on the homepage that the App was downloading, but it never completed. After pondering a bit I cancelled the download on the iPod (long touch on an App then touch the cross to cancel/uninstall. Then I went back to the App Store on the iPod, re-selected the App, selected install, and hey presto I was asked if I wanted the older version. Once downloaded I was offered an up-date, but of course that was the newest version and NOT compatible with my iOS6, so I ignored it. THANKS!!! By Mayeih on 12/22/14 • Reply By Rr on 10/28/15 • Reply I have a problem. I wish to download shadow fight 2 on a Ipod Touch ( do not know gen but is has iOS 5) it can run on the operating system yet it crashes on loading screen. How do I download a older version of the app which will use less processing power? Thanks By AppleClubSupport on 8/15/14 • Reply If your iPod is compatible with the latest version of an app, you won't be offered an older one. The only exception would be if you previously owned an older version of the app and it resides in your iTunes library, in which case you could refer to the 'Downgrading Apps' section of this article. Thanks. This article allowed me to download older apps into an original iPad. Can I download gopro apps on ios 6.1.3 ? Please tell me how was that. By KC Go Pro on 11/05/15 • Reply I wonder have you find a solution? I have a go pro 4 and also want to use my old ipod touch (4th gen) to control it. Do you know how? how do i download and install an, older version of an, app (which i should source from? google i hope) without it assuming i want to install the latest version.? an app i use downloaded an update and i updated but the new version doesnt run very well on my iphone (3gs) and im struggling to now revert back to the older one without it assuming i want to install the latest version. A way to get around this would be brilliant. new version of a game is to laggy to play and the older version was bearable. it would be cool if i could downgrade to a version originally made for the iphone 3gs which in theory should run perfectly on this old iphone. seems it was made for it. I did everything I could to download the app that I had onto my iPad 1 (original), and it installed okay, but when I tap on the app to open it, it goes black and then crashes. How do I make it work properly please? hey, I tried to process your instruction, but itunes and my ipod touch (4th) say, that I need iOS 7 to install the app. It doesn't offer me the possiblity to download the last compatible version. I want to download the Soundcloud app. I guess, I tried to download the app 6 mouth ago and it offered me the last compatible version at that time. Is it possible that there was a change with the introduction of iOS 8? By AppleClubSupport on 10/30/14 • Reply
No, you should still be able to download older versions of apps, there was no change with iOS 8. However, not all developers will let you download older versions of their apps. I would check with the developer of Soundcloud and see if they offer this. Thank you for this article! NetFlix lives again on my resurrected 3G running (albeit slowly) iOS4.2.1. THIS WORKED! Yes. Thank you. I got a compatible version of Skype for my iPod 4th gen!!! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much! It's really work for me, the workaround. It's so helpful😊 I am trying to download the ESPN Fantasy Football App to my 4th gen Ipod currently updated to the iOS.6.1.6 software. The App requires iOS 7 so it won't let me download it from the App store. I tried getting the app on my computer then installing it on my synced device to get an older version but the message asking me if I want to install the older version never comes up. It only says that I need iOS for the app to download. I had the previous version of the app on my ipod up until 10 min ago before I deleted it to download the new one (before I knew that I needed iOS 7 for the app), but I don't know if I have ever backed up my ipod before to try to downgrade the current app. Any suggestions? Thanks a bunch. By AppleClubSupport on 11/28/14 • Reply
Note that not all apps offer older versions. If you don't have the app in your iTunes library on your computer, then the older version is lost, sorry. Dear Apple Club, I have the older version of an app on my 1st gen I pad. What I am trying to do is to get this particular app onto my new I pad air.(2014 model) I am at a loss as to how to do this. I have DL'd the app from I tunes when I synced my devices, but the version that showed up on my Air, did not have any of my data on it from the older version although I logged in. Frustrating! Could you advise me step by step as to how to resolve this problem? I asked the app developers, but I think they are from a foreign country and are not getting back with me. If I didn't really love this app I wouldn't mess with it. Thanks bunches! -🍎L❤️ER
By AppleClubSupport on 11/28/14 • Reply There are different ways that apps store data, and we probably wouldn't have knowledge of a particular app, so you'll probably have to wait for a reply from their support. I have an app, Music Tube, that I have updated twice since the version I like, and last night I was able to go back to the most previous version using a video on Youtube, which I think showed the same way. Is it possible to go back to the version before it? (If I can't do it on my own computer, I told my cousin about it. Maybe she hasn't updated it since then, but she might of.) Hi! i have tried this but it wont work! I accidently deleted Facebook Chat on my Ipod 3rd gen and now it wont let me download it back as I do not have IOS7. ( the Ipod is 4.2.1) it doesn't give me the choice to download an older version. Hey guys HUGE THANK YOU for this. Enjoying Spotify right now, not as fancy as the latest version I can see in my android mobile but oh I don't mind. It's the Music that matters. Thank you, thank you, thank you! When Yahoo Weather added ads I tried this method of local installation to get around it. It worked! I also discovered that because I use CrashPlan for backup I could go WAY back for some apps if I ever needed. Fantastic! This works brilliantly! Hi, I downloaded Workaround to get the older version of Facebook, but it did not work (IOS 6.1.6., system required IOS 7) can you please help? These instructions are a lot better than Apple's as they assume you already own the app! Ok, so yeah but I have an older IPod, and I can't download anything that's IOS7 or higher. But on the App store, and I look for IOS6 or lower, I cant find it, and so that's makes it to were I can't download anything... Which really *****! Instagram used to let download the last compatible version with my ios6 4th gen iPod and now it won't let me redownload. Instead of the message being:the newest version requires ios7 but the latest compatible version can be downloaded, and then it giving me the option to download the other version it just tells me: this application requires ios7 to be opened and used and the only option below is ok.. Please Help By AppleClubSupport on 4/05/15 • Reply I just now downloaded Instagram on iOS 6 without issue - the older version was still offered. Do you have an existing copy of the app that you are trying to update? Are you using a different Apple ID than when you downloaded it before? Both of these could be the cause of not being offered an older version. When was the last time you downloaded it successfully? By firefighter1211 on 4/12/15 • Reply I have the exact same problem as jonika r. I had Instagram on my iPod 4th gen and I deleted it like usual but this one time it didnt pop up the option to download the last compatible version. I am still using the same exact apple ID as before but same problem it only tells me that the app requires ios7 or later still no option to download the last compatible version. Please help guys I need Instagram back bad!!! Hi can someone please help me.. I have iphone 6 with the iOS 8 my phone kept playing up shutting down apps freezing and comig up and white screen resulting in me having to turn it on and off again constantly to work however my whatsapp was the only app that never used to close down but yesterday it kept coming up for me to type my number in on whatsapp as if I had just downloaded it once I was doing that it wouldn't do anything further but close it down numerous times so I thought if I reinstalled it would work again once I done that I discovered it had downloaded the newest version of whatsapp and had deleted all my chats, status etc I have been trying to solve the issue with apple and whatsapp but been no help I didn't back my phone up on iCloud as my phone is relatively new and hadn't got the chance to connect to wifi to do a backup, is there anyway I can redownload my older version of whatsapp as I hate the new version also is there anyway to get my data back?! Please help any info would be appreciated. Thank you By AppleClubSupport on 5/07/15 • Reply Unless you saved a copy of the older version of WhatsApp, you won't be able to re-install it, sorry. If you synced your iPhone with iTunes on your computer, there's a chance the old version may still be there. Thanks a lot!! By john.doe on 5/31/15 • Reply Very helpful. Apple makes it confusing to do this, but it's explained very well here. It's been frustrating not being able to download apps for my iPod Touch 4th gen but your workaround did the trick nicely. Thank you! This article has helped me! I will forever be indebted. And mind you technology tips never work for me and my gadgets. Thanks! It doesn't work. I tried doing it with my iBooks app for my iPod touch (which uses IOS 4.2.1) since I had the original books app before iBooks was even created. However, every time I try to sync it I just get the following message: 'The app 'iBooks' was not installed . . . because it requires a newer version of iPod software.' By AppleClubSupport on 7/09/15 • Reply From what you describe, it sounds like you are trying to install the latest version of the iBooks app using iTunes, and that is not what this article is suggesting. The purpose of downloading the app in iTunes is just so you have ownership of the app. Once you do, then the app needs to be downloaded from the App Store on your iPod touch. It should now ask you if you want to install an older version. By Kannan on 7/27/15 • Reply Yes, I was trying it in the wrong way, and i don't know how to do it. Please guide me with more details step by step.. Please help me out. Thank you. This doesn't work for me, I'm trying to get Snapchat back, I deleted it the other week too, experienced the same problem but then I got it back I'm not sure how but now I can't install it again? Please help! I really need and want it back, please! I have iPod touch 4th gen. Thank you so, so much! This was reaaally helpful! I thought there was no way to use some apps having other than the latest version of iOS and the latest devices Thanks can i update my ipod touch 4g 32gb to version 7 ios By AppleClubSupport on 9/18/15 • Reply No, iOS 7 requires a 5th generation or later iPod touch. Does this work for free apps, rather than assuming it doesn't I am asking here =D By AppleClubSupport on 10/03/15 • Reply Yes, it does work for free apps; price has no bearing on older version availability. Worked great! Thank you. Thanks, nice one! Thank you for the information. Your information is still relevant for iTunes version 12.3.3.7 and iPhone 4 version 7.1.2 I've tried this on my iPod Touch 2G running iOS 4.2.1 and it hasn't worked on various applications that I have tested to work on iOS 5.1.1. Thanks a Bunch!! Just managed to get a really useful app thanks to you! The work-around worked like a champ to let me download old version, EXCEPT when I try to open the app, it requires me to upgrade which of course I can't. Catch-22 By AppleClubSupport on 5/08/16 • Reply As mentioned, not all apps offer older versions. Although it did allow you to download an older version, the app developer does not want you to use it for one reason or another and has intentionally bricked it. I wonder if you can help with this: I opened an app on my iPad to find it had automatically updated - and I don't like the new version at all. I have an old version of an app on my wife's iPad, and it still works fine. When I go into iTunes the app is not in my library so I don't have an old version on iTunes that I can easily download as per this article - but I do have it on the wife's iPad. Is there a way of getting it off hers and onto mine? When I back up her iPad I see the old version on it but it doesn't appear in the iTunes library. Downloading 'not in my library' onlt downloads the new version. Help! By AppleClubSupport on 7/15/16 • Reply That does sound like a tricky situation, but I think we can get it resolved. The first thing you should do is delete any newer copy of the app from your iTunes library, if you have one. Next, on your wife's iPad which still has the older version of the app, connect it to your computer and open iTunes. Then, go to File > Devices > Transfer purchases from [device name]. This should load the old copy into your iTunes library. If you do not already have a copy of the app on your iPad, you should then be able to do a sync and have the older version downloaded to your iPad. I would also recommend, on your iPad, going to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Updates OFF (under 'Automatic Downloads') to prevent apps from updating automatically in the future. Hope this works for you. By Kenniff on 7/16/16 • Reply Thanks for the suggestion. It doesn't work I'm afraid. When I try to transfer the purchases from my wife's iPad it does not result in a copy of the app appearing. The app similarly does not appear in the list of apps that are on my wife's iPad when I connect it up to iTunes - and yet, it does show up in the screen arranging pane, and it IS there on the iPad, as I can use it on her iPad. I don't understand why it doesn't appear and doesn't transfer when it is plainly there. If only I could get it off I understand I could easily load it onto my own iPad. By Kenniff on 7/17/16 • Reply So the solution did not work with my wife's iPad - despite the app being on there it would not transfer when 'transferring purchases'. Luckily I also found a copy on a third (old) iPad and the solution worked perfectly there. Thanks guys! By AppleClubSupport on 7/17/16 • Reply You are welcome! I am not sure why it didn't work on your wife's iPad, but glad you found another iPad to get it working. I seem to be stuck with a similar issue. I can get the app downloaded and I get the message that asks to download an older version. So I have don this. However, when I open the snapchat app and attempt to login I still get an error message saying that the app is still only available for iOS. It seems that downloading the latest compatible version does not do anything. How do I get around this? I have used the app just a few weeks ago with no problems. I use iPod Touch with iOS 6.1.6 I seem to be stuck with a similar issue. I can get the app downloaded and I get the message that asks to download an older version. So I have don this. However, when I open the snapchat app and attempt to login I still get an error message saying that the app is still only available for iOS. It seems that downloading the latest compatible version does not do anything. How do I get around this? I have used the app just a few weeks ago with no problems. I use iPod Touch with iOS 6.1.6 Can we download the older version of the voice on stage? very helpful. worked for my iphone 4 |
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iOS is the name of the operating system that runs the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. It's the core software that comes loaded on all devices to allow them to run and support other apps. The iOS is to the iPhone what Windows is to PCs or macOS is to Macs.
Load more results. Apple Footer Apple Support. Lightweight iOS 9 features smarter search, improved multitasking, and less battery drain. Apple's OS update for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch also reinvigorates the Notes and Maps apps with. The trick to logging into two-factor auth with older devices is pretty easy, but it’s also easily overlooked or easily forgotten: for older iOS versions using two-factor authentication, you must authenticate by adding the pin code to the end of the normal password. Oct 02, 2017 The new 64 bit coded iOS 11 ONLY supports newer 64 bit hardware iDevices and 64 bit software, now. The iPad 4 is incompatible with this new iOS, now. This is why Apple introduced the new, lower cost 2017 iPad 5 model, in April. Ipad 4th Gen highest ios version upgrade More Less. Apple concurrently provides the same version of iOS for the comparable model of iPhone and iPod Touch, usually devices released in the same calendar year. IPhone users receive all software updates for free, while iPod Touch users paid for the 2.0 and 3.0 major software updates. As of iOS 4, Apple no longer charges money for iPod Touch updates. IOS 13 introduces a bold new look, major updates to the apps you use every day, new ways to help you protect your privacy, and improvements across the entire system that make your iPhone even faster and more delightful to use.
Apple Footer. Coming later this fall. Coming later this fall. Requires a 200GB or 2TB iCloud storage plan and a home hub such as Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad. Testing conducted by Apple in May 2019 using iPhone X and iPhone X S Max supporting normal peak performance, and iPad Pro (11‑inch) with iOS 12.3 and prerelease iPadOS and iOS 13, using the side or top button to wake the device.
Below you'll find a history of each version of the iOS when it was released, and what it added to the platform. Click the name of the iOS version, or the More link at the end of each blurb, for more in-depth information about that version.
See our article What is iOS? for a lot more on this innovative mobile operating system and how it works.
iOS 13
Support ended: n/a
Current version: 13.0. It will be released in Fall 2019.
Initial version: It will be released in Fall 2019.
Perhaps the biggest change introduced with iOS 13 is that the OS no longer runs on the iPad. That's due to the release of iPadOS (which begins with version 13). That's a new OS dedicated to the making the iPad a more useful productivity device and a potential laptop replacement. It's based on iOS 13 and has many of the same features, but also adds iPad-specific items.
Beyond that, iOS 13 shores up some core features, including launching apps faster, unlocking devices with Face ID faster, and overhauling pre-installed apps like Reminders, Notes, Safari, and Mail. Maybe the most obvious new feature is the Dark Mode, but the changes range much wider than that and further bolster the already-strong OS.
- System-wide Dark Mode
- Sign In With Apple user account system
- New privacy and security options
- New Portrait Lighting options
- Look Around, a Google Street View-style feature for Apple Maps
- New, improved Siri voice
- Overhauled stock apps like Reminders and Notes
- iPad (due to the release of iPadOS)
- 6th Gen. iPod touch
- iPhone 6 series
- iPhone 5S
iOS 12
Support ended: n/a
Current version: 12.3.2. It was released June 20, 2019
Initial version: It was released on September 17, 2018
The new features and improvements added in iOS 12 aren't as extensive or revolutionary as in some previous updates to the OS. Instead, iOS 12 focused more on making refinements to commonly used features and on adding wrinkles that improve how people use their devices.
Some of the key features of iOS 12 included improvements to Siri like Siri Shortcuts, enhanced Augmented Reality with ARKit 2, and giving users and parents ways to monitor and control their device use with Screen Time.
- Grouped Notifications
- Screen Time
- ARKit 2
- Siri improvements, including Siri Shortcuts and multi-step actions
- Memoji, a personalized kind of Animoji
iOS 11
Support ended: n/a
Current version: 11.4. It was released on May 29, 2018
Initial version: It was released on September 19, 2017
The iOS was originally developed to run on the iPhone. Since then, it's been expanded to support the iPod touch and iPad (and versions of it even power the Apple Watch and Apple TV). In iOS 11, the emphasis shifted from the iPhone to the iPad.
Sure, iOS 11 contains lots of improvements for the iPhone, but its major focus is turning the iPad Pro series models into legitimate laptop replacements for some users.
This is done through a series of changes designed to make the iOS running on iPad a lot more like a desktop operating system. These changes include all new drag and drop support, split screen apps and multiple workspaces, a file browser app, and support for notation and handwriting with the Apple Pencil.
iOS 10
Support ended: n/a
Current version: 10.3.3. It was released on July 19, 2017
Initial version: It was released on Sept. 13, 2016
The ecosystem that Apple built around the iOS has long been referred to as a 'walled garden' because it's a very pleasant place to be on the inside, but it's hard to gain access to. This was reflected in the many ways Apple locked down the interface of the iOS the options it gave to apps.
Cracks began to show in the walled garden in iOS 10, and Apple put them there.
The major themes of iOS 10 were interoperability and customization. Apps could now communicate directly with each other on a device, allowing one app to use some features from another without opening the second app. Siri became available to third-party apps in new ways. There were even apps built into iMessage now.
Beyond that, users now had new ways to customize their experiences, from (finally!) being able to delete built-in apps to new animations and effects to punctuate their text messages.
- iPhone 4S
- 5th gen. iPod touch
- iPad 2
- 1st gen. iPad mini
iOS 9
Support ended: n/a
Final version: 9.3.5. It was released on Aug. 25, 2016
Initial version: It was released on Sept. 16, 2015
After a few years of major changes to both the interface and technical foundation of the iOS, many observers began to charge that the iOS was no longer the stable, dependable, solid performer it had once been. They suggested that Apple should focus on shoring up the foundation of the OS before adding new features.
That's just what the company did with iOS 9. While it did add some new features, this release was generally aimed at solidifying the foundation of the OS for the future.
Major improvements were delivered in speed and responsiveness, stability, and performance on older devices. iOS 9 proved to be an important refocusing that laid the groundwork for the bigger improvements delivered in iOS 10 and 11.
iOS 8
Support ended: n/a
Final version: 8.4.1. It was released on Aug. 13, 2015
Initial version: It was released on Sept. 17, 2014
More consistent and stable operation returned to the iOS in version 8.0. With the radical changes of the last two versions now in the past, Apple once again focused on delivering major new features.
Among these features was its secure, contactless payment system Apple Pay and, with the iOS 8.4 update, the Apple Music subscription service.
There were continued improvements to the iCloud platform, too, with the addition of the Dropbox-like iClould Drive, iCloud Photo Library, and iCloud Music Library.
iOS 7
Support ended: 2016
Final version: 7.1.2. It was released on June 30, 2014.
Initial version: It was released on Sept. 18, 2013
Like iOS 6, iOS 7 was met with substantial resistance upon its release. Unlike iOS 6, though, the cause of unhappiness among iOS 7 users wasn't that things didn't work. Rather, it was because things had changed.
After the firing of Scott Forstall, iOS development was overseen by Jony Ive, Apple's head of design, who had previously only worked on hardware. In this version of the iOS, Ive ushered in a major overhaul of the user interface, designed to make it more modern.
While the design was indeed more modern, its small, thin fonts were hard to read for some users and frequent animations caused motion sickness for others. The design of the current iOS is derived from the changes made in iOS 7. After Apple made improvements, and users became accustomed to the changes, complaints subsided.
- iPhone 3GS
- iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, 3rd gen. iPad, and iPad 2 couldn't use all features of iOS 7
iOS 6
Support ended: 2015
Final version: 6.1.6. It was released on Feb. 21, 2014
Initial version: It was released on Sept. 19, 2012
Controversy was one of the dominant themes of iOS 6. While this version introduced the world to Siri — which, despite being later surpassed by competitors, was a truly revolutionary technology — problems with it also led to major changes.
The driver of these problems was Apple's increasing competition with Google, whose Android smartphone platform was posing a threat to the iPhone. Google had supplied the Maps and YouTube apps pre-installed with the iPhone since 1.0. In iOS 6, that changed.
Apple introduced its own Maps app, which was badly received due to bugs, bad directions, and problems with certain features. As part of the company's efforts to solve the problems, Apple CEO Tim Cook asked the head of iOS development, Scott Forstall, to make a public apology. When he refused, Cook fired him. Forstall had been involved with the iPhone since before the first model, so this was a profound change.
- None, but iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPad 2 couldn't use all features of iOS 6
iOS 5
Support ended: 2014
Final version: 5.1.1. It was released on May 7, 2012
Initial version: It was released on Oct. 12, 2011
Apple responded to the growing trend of wirelessness, and cloud computing, in iOS 5, by introducing essential new features and platforms. Among those was iCloud, the ability to activate an iPhone wirelessly (previously it had required a connection to a computer), and syncing with iTunes via Wi-Fi.
More features that are now central to the iOS experience debuted here, including iMessage and Notification Center.
With iOS 5, Apple dropped support for the iPhone 3G, 1st gen. iPad, and 2nd and 3rd gen. iPod touch.
- Wireless syncing and activation
- iPhone 3G
- 1st gen. iPad
- 2nd gen. iPod touch
- 3rd gen. iPod touch
iOS 4
Apple Ios Software Download
Support ended: 2013
Final version: 4.3.5. It was released on July 25, 2011
Initial version: It was released on June 22, 2010
Many aspects of the modern iOS began to take shape in iOS 4. Features that are now widely used debuted in various updates to this version, including FaceTime, multitasking, iBooks, organizing apps into folders, Personal Hotspot, AirPlay, and AirPrint. Vlc media player not working windows 7.
Another important change introduced with iOS 4 was the name 'iOS' itself. As noted earlier, the iOS name was unveiled for this version, replacing the previously used 'iPhone OS' name.
This was also the first version of the iOS to drop support for any iOS devices. It was not compatible with the original iPhone or the 1st generation iPod touch. Some older models that were technically compatible were not able to use all features of this version.
- Original iPhone
- 1st Gen. iPod touch
Apple Ios Software Versions For Windows 7
iOS 3
Support ended: 2012
Final version: 3.2.2. It was released on Aug. 11, 2010
Initial version: It was released on June 17, 2009
The release of this version of the iOS accompanied the debut of the iPhone 3GS. It added features including copy and paste, Spotlight search, MMS support in the Messages app, and the ability to record videos using the Camera app.
Also notable about this version of the iOS is that it was the first to support the iPad. The 1st generation iPad was released in 2010, and version 3.2 of the software came with it.
iOS 2
Support ended: 2011
Final version: 2.2.1. It was released on January 27, 2009
Initial version: It was released on July 11, 2008
One year after the iPhone became a bigger hit than almost anyone projected, Apple released iOS 2.0 (then called iPhone OS 2.0) to coincide with the release of the iPhone 3G.
The most profound change introduced in this version was the App Store and its support for native, third-party apps. Around 500 apps were available in the App Store at launch. Hundreds of other crucial improvements were also added.
Other important changes introduced in the 5 updates iPhone OS 2.0 included podcast support and public transit and walking directions in Maps (both in version 2.2).
iOS 1
Support ended: 2010
Final version: 1.1.5. It was released on July 15, 2008
Initial version: It was released on June 29, 2007
The one that started it all, which shipped pre-installed on the original iPhone.
This version of the operating system wasn't called the iOS at the time it launched. From versions 1-3, Apple referred to it as the iPhone OS. The name shifted to iOS with version 4.
It's hard to convey to modern readers who have lived with the iPhone for years how profound a breakthrough this version of the operating system was. Support for features like the multitouch screen, Visual Voicemail, and iTunes integration were significant advances.
While this initial release was a major breakthrough at the time, it lacked many of the features that would come to be closely associated with the iPhone in the future, including support for native, third-party apps. Pre-installed apps included Calendar, Photos, Camera, Notes, Safari, Mail, Phone, and iPod (which was later split into the Music and Videos apps).
Version 1.1, which was released in Sept. 2007 was the first version of the software compatible with the iPod touch.