Each Version iOS is the name of the operating system that runs the iPhone and iPod touch. It’s the core software that comes loaded on all devices to allow them to run and support other apps. iOS is to the iPhone what Windows is to PCs or macOS is to Macs.
Below you’ll find a history of each version of iOS, including when it was released and what it added to the platform. For more in-depth information about that version, click on the links. OS 26 On September 15, 2025, Apple released iOS 26 to the general public. It’s compatible with iPhone 11 and later, including the iPhone 17 lineup, iPhone Air, and iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer).
The Lock Screen, Home Screen, and apps all received a brand-new Liquid Glass design as part of the update. Wallpapers are 3D spatial scenes, the Camera app has a simpler layout, Photos is divided into Library and Collections, and Safari shows more of the page while keeping key controls easily accessible. Apple Intelligence is built into more places. Live Translation works in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, including with AirPods. Visual intelligence recognizes content on-screen and suggests actions like adding events to your calendar. You can also create custom Genmoji and images with Image Playground, while Reminders now suggests and organizes tasks automatically.
Tools for minimizing interruptions are added to Phone and Messages. Call Screening collects caller information before ringing, Hold Assist waits on hold for you, and unknown senders are filtered into a separate Messages folder. Group chats support polls, typing indicators, custom backgrounds, and Apple Cash transfers.
Other highlights include improvements to CarPlay with compact call views and Live Activities, Apple Music with AutoMix and Lyrics Translation, and Maps with Visited Places and smarter daily routes. Wallet supports installment payments and Live Activities for boarding passes. A new Apple Games app brings all your games together, AirPods add camera remote features, and accessibility expands with Braille Access and a customizable reading experience. Safari also updated with advanced fingerprint protection by default.Much like iOS 14, iOS 15 is more of a collection of improvements to the iPhone platform than it is a themed release. Generally speaking, iOS 15 moves forward a number of important things Apple has been working on for a number of releases: Increases security and privacy, blocks more ad tracking, improves Siri and the camera app, and much more.
Some of the biggest steps forward are influenced by the recent remote-work trend. Features in that area include improvements to FaceTime audio, support for FaceTime conferencing on the web and Android, improvements to the Messages app, and more.
Key New Features:
Numerous updates to FaceTime were made with the intention of expanding the app’s user base and enhancing the user experience: SharePlay allows people on a FaceTime video call to watch video or listen to audio together, and share screens
To make FaceTime sound more natural, Spatial Audio adds Apple’s more natural, 3D audio experience. Enhanced Mic Modes allow you to isolate your voice from background noise to improve audio quality
Portrait Mode brings this terrific still-photos feature to video to blur your background
Cross-Platform support allows you to invite anyone to a FaceTime call with a link and for them to join from a web browser or Android devices.
Focus adds a set of smart notification and communication s settings based on what you’re doing at that moment.
The Photos app gains major improvements such as:
Live Text lets the app detect text inside your photos and convert it to text that can be copied and pasted, or phone numbers that can be tapped to call
Visual search lets you search within the Photos app for text embedded your photos.
In keeping with Apple’s ongoing commitment to user privacy, iOS 15 adds:
App Privacy Report lets you know what permissions each of your apps has, how often it accesses your data, and what third-party domains the app has contacted.
Mail Privacy Protection blocks tracking pixels, hides your IP address from marketers, and blocks the connection of your data from email with other data sources.
On-device Siri means that Siri recordings are no longer sent to or stored in the cloud. Siri works completely on your iPhone, and now works offline.
