Difference Between Apple iOS Versions and Features
Apple iOS Versions vs Features
Apple iOS 5 vs Apple iOS 4.3.3 vs 4.3.2 vs iOS 4.3.1 vs iOS 4.3 vs iOS 4.2.1 vs iOS 4.2 vs iOS 4.2.x vs iPhone OS 3.0 vs iPhone OS 2.0/ Apple iOS 4.2.8 vs iOS 4.2.7 vs iOS 4.2.6 vs iOS 4.2.5
iOs 5 and iOS 4.3.3 and iOS 4.3.2 and iOS 4.3.1 and iOS 4.3 and iOS 4.2.1 and iOS 4.0 and iPhone OS 3.0 are different versions of the Apple’s mobile platform. Apple iOS is the live blood of the Apple iDevices, the iPhone, iPad and the iPod Touch. iOS is the proprietary mobile operating system developed by Apple on the foundation of Mac OS X. It’s built on the Mac OS X core and based on OS X kernel, BSD sockets for networking, and Objective C. C/C++ compilers are used for native performance. Cocoa Touch is the framework used for User Interface. The First version iOS was released with the first generation iPhone in June 2007. It was then known iPhone OS. The name iOS was given only in June 2010. There were several minor updates released for iPhone OS 1.0. The second major release iPhone OS 2.0 came with iPhone 3G in July 2008. Again there were many updates to IPhone 2.0. The third major release was in June 2009, that was introduced with iPhone 3GS. The fourth major release iOS 4 was released with iPhone 4 in June 2010. iOS 4 is not fully backward compatible. Some devices like iPhone 3G and second generation iPod Touch are not compatible with iOS 4.x. The major update to iOS 4.0 is the iOS 4.2.1, it was updated to include large screen iPad in November 2010. iOS 4.3 was introduced in March 2011 with the release of iPad 2. iOS 4.3 had three updates so far.
The first update iOS 4.3.1 was issued on 25 Mar 2011, just 16 days after the release of iOS 4.3 to fix some bugs in iOS 4.3. The second update iOS 4.3.2 was released on 14 April 2011. iOS 4.3.2 was released to fix a screen freezing issue that some iOS 4.3 and 4.3.1 users encountered when they tried to hold FaceTime chat and to fix an issue some iPad users faced when connecting to international 3G networks. The latest update iOS 4.3.3 was released on 4 May 2011. iOS 5 was released on 12 October 2011. It has over 200 new features.
iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, iPad, iPod touch 4th generation and 3rd generation are compatible with iOS 5.
iOS 5
iOS 5 is the latest released version announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2011 in San Francisco on 6th June 2011, and released on 18 October 2011.
Apple iOS is a proprietary mobile operating system derived from Mac OS X. It was initially designed and meant for the much famed Apple iPhone. However as Apple got more innovative with its devices the operating system is now available on iPad, iPod Touch and Apple TV. This is an operating system with a well managed application eco system closely guarded and controlled by Apple. Applications that are made available in the App Store for download by iPhone/iPad users, are tightly screened by Apple. There for users can be at ease that their devices will not be contaminated with malicious applications.
iOS 5 is the latest released version. Apple claims that the new version operating system includes over 1500 APIs and more than 200 new features. The 10 most important features are the Notification Center, iMessage, Newsstand, Reminders, Twitter integration, enhanced Camera features, enhanced Photo features, improved Safari browser, PC free activation to iOS devices and new Game Center features. The other features include TV mirroring, Wi-Fi sync to iTunes, iCloud sync, etc. iOS 5 was released to App developers on 6 June 2011 and available for users since 12 October 2011.
Apple iOS supports multi-touch displays. Gestures such as tap, pinch, swipe left and right are available for iOS. iOS 5 introduced advanced gestures such as closing four/five fingers together to return to Springboard, which manages the home screen.
During its early releases iOS did not allow multitasking for 3rd party applications for it was assumed that allowing the feature would drain too much battery. After the release of iOS 4, multitasking is supported for using 7 API’s allowing seamless switching between third party apps. Multitasking is improved further in iOS 5. Apple claims the feature is offered while not compromising battery life or performance.
Earlier versions of iOS used to block the entire screen with notification alerts. The release of iOS 5 has demonstrated a less intrusive Notifications design. As of iOS 5 notifications are aggregated on top of the screen to a window that can be dragged down.
Since early versions iOS included email clients, calendar app, camera app, photo viewer, and more. Some improvements are introduced to these apps in iOS 5. iMessage is a new messaging service included in iOS 5. Safari is the browser used in iOS. iOS 5 includes a new Safari engine that offers a better browsing experience than before.
The feature that was most anticipated and missing in iOS 5 is the Near Field Communication (NFC). Also, like in the previous versions, iOS 5 too does not support Adobe Flash Player.
Apple iOS 5 Release: 12 October 2011 Table_01 |
New Features and Improvements 1. Notification Center – with the new Notification Centre now you can get all your alerts (including new email, texts, friend requests, etc.) in one place without any interruptions to what you are doing. The swype down notification bar appears briefly at the top of the screen for a new alert and disppears quickly. – All alerts in one place – No more interruptions – Swype down from the top of any screen to enter Notification Center – Customize to see what you want – Active lock screen – notifications display in the lock screen for easy access with one swype 2. iMessage – it is a new messaging service – Send unlimited text messages to iOS devices – Send text, photos, videos, locations and contacts to any iOS device – Send group messaging – Track messages with delivery and read (optional) receipt – See the other party typing – Encrypted text message – Switch between iOS devices while chating 3. Newsstand – read all your news and magazines from one place. Customize Newsstand with your newspaper and magazine subscriptions – Browse stores right from Newsstand – When you subscribe it appears in the newsstand – Folder for easy access to favorite publications 4. Reminders – organize yourself with to-do lists – To-do list with due date, location etc. – View list by date – Set time based or location based reminder alert – Location reminder: get alert when you near the set location – Reminders work with iCal, Outlook and iCloud, so that it auto update change to all your iDevices and callendar 5. Twitter integration – system wide integration – Single sign in – Tweet directly from browser, photo app, camera app, YouTube, Map – Reply to friend in the contact by start typing name – Share your location 6. Enhanced Camera features – Instant access to Camera app: access it right from the lock screen – Pinch to Zoom gestures – Single tap focus – Focus/Exposure locks with touch and hold – Grid lines ti help compose a shot – Volume up button to capture the photo – Photo stream via iCloud to other iDevices 7. Enhanced Photo features – on screen editing and organize in photo album from Photo apps itself – Edit / Crop photo from Photo apps – Add photos to album – iCloud automatically push photos to your other iDevices 8. Improved Safari browser (5.1) – displays only what you like to read from the web page – Removes ads and other clutters – Add to reading list – Tweet from browser – Update reading list in all your iDevices via iCloud – Tabbed browsing – Performance improvement 9. PC Free activation – no more need for PC: activate your device wirelessly and do more with your Photo and Camara apps right from the screen – OTA software upgrades – On screen camera apps – Do more on screen like on screen photo editing – Back up and restore via iCloud 10. Enhanced Game Center – more features added – Post your profile picture – New friend recommendations – Find new games right from Games Center – Get on the spot overall achievement score 11. Wi-Fi Sync – wirelessly sync your iDevice to your Mac or PC vis shared Wi-Fi connection – Auto sync and iTunes back up when connected to power source – Purchases from iTunes appear in all your iDevices 12. Enhanced mail features – Format text – Create indents in the text of your message – Drag to rearrange names in the address field – Flag important messages – Add/Delete mailbox folders on your device – Search mails – Free email account with iCloud that will be updated in all your iDevices 13. Additional Calendar features – Year/Weekly view -Tap to create new event – Drag to edit date and duration – Add/rename/delete calendars directly from your device -View attachment right from calendar app – Calendar sync/share via iCloud 14. Multitasking gestures for iPad 2 – Multi finger gestures – New moves and short cuts like swipe up for multi tasking bar 15. AirPlay Mirroring – Support for video mirroring 16. Innovative new features for differently abled people – Work with specialized hardware accessories for differently abled – LED Flash and custom vibration to indicate incoming call – Custom element labeling 17. Support iClouds – iCloud wirelessly pushes files across multiple devices managed together |
| Compatible Devices: iPad2, iPad, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPad Touch 3rd and 4th generation |
iOS 4.3.3
It was issued to fix the infamous location tracking issue with Apple’s iDevices. Apple to overcome the location tracking issue has decided not back up the location database to iTunes and to completely delete the location database when a user turns off the location service. The update is available via iTunes. Apple iOS 4.3.3 is compatible with iPhone 4 (GSM model), iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, iPad, iPod touch 4th generation and 3rd generation. This update is not compatible with CDMA iPhone. Apple issued a separate update with the same improvement for CDMA iPhone 4, it is iOS 4.2.8.
Apple iOS 4.3.3 Release: May 04 2011 |
New Improvements: 1. No back up of the location database to iTunes. 2. The location database cache size reduced. 3. The location database cache will be deleted entirely when Location Services areis turned off. |
Compatible Devices: iPhone 4 (GSM model), iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, iPad, iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (3rd generation) |
iOS 4.3.2
iOS 4.3.2 update fixes a screen freezing issue that some iOS 4.3 and 4.3.1 users encountered when they tried to hold FaceTime chat. It also fixes an issue some iPad users faced when connecting to international 3G networks.
Following are the improvements and fixes in the official release of the iOS 4.3.2 update
1. Fixes an issue that occasionally caused blank or frozen video during a FaceTime call
2. Fixes an issue that prevented some international users from connecting to 3G networks on iPad Wi-Fi + 3G
3. Contains the latest security updates
Apple iOS 4.3.2 Release: 14 April 2011 |
1. Fixes an issue that occasionally caused blank or frozen video during a FaceTime call 2. Fixes an issue that prevented some international users from connecting to 3G networks on iPad Wi-Fi + 3G 3. Contains the latest security updates a. certificate trust policy – blacklisting the fraudulent certificates. This is to protect from an attacker with a privileged network position who may intercept user credentials or other sensitive information. b. libxslt – protection from possible disclosure of addresses on the heap when a user visits a maliciously crafted website. c.Fix for Quicklook issue – A memory corruption issue existed in QuickLook’s handling of Microsoft Office files when the user views a maliciously crafted Microsoft Office file. d. Fix for WebKit issue – Fix for unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution when visiting a maliciously crafted website. |
Compatible Devices: iPhone 4 (GSM model), iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, iPad, iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (3rd generation) |
Apple iOS 4.3.1
iOS 4.3.1 was issued as a revision to iOS 4.3. It was released to fix some bugs and resolve some issues raised by users. It’s available for download from iTunes.
| Apple iOS 4.3.1 Release: 25 March 2011 |
| Improvements and Bug fixes 1. Fixes an occasional graphics glitch on iPod touch (4th generation) 2. Resolves bugs related to activating and connecting to some cellular networks 3. Fixes image flicker when using Apple Digital AV Adapter with some TVs 4. Resolves an issue authenticating with some enterprise web services |
| Compatible Devices: • iPhone 4 (GSM model), iPhone 3GS • iPad 2, iPad • iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (3rd generation) |
Apple iOS 4.3
Apple iOS 4.3 is a major release. It has added some new features and incorporated existing features in iOS 4.2.1 with improvements to some features. Apple iOS 4.3 is released with Apple iPad 2 in March 2011. Apple iOS 4.3 has more features and functionality comparing to Apple iOS 4.2. Apple iOS 4.3 supports additional multifinger multitouch gestures and swipes. iTunes Home sharing is another feature added in Apple iOS 4.3. Improved video streaming and AirPlay support is also introduced in iOS 4.3. And there is performance improvement in Safari with new nitro JavaScript engine. Airplay features include additional support for photo slide shows and support for video, audio editing from third party applications and share content in social network.
Apple iOS 4.3 Release: March 2011 |
| New Features 1. Improvements to Safari Performance with Nitro JavaSript Engine 2. iTunes home sharing – get all iTunes content from anywhere in the house to iPhone, iPad and iPod over shared Wi-Fi. You can play it direct without download or sync 3. AirPlay features improved – stream videos from photo apps direct to HDTV via Apple TV, Auto search Apple TV, Built in slideshow options for photo 4. Support Video, Audio editing Apps in Apps Store such as iMovie 5. Preference for iPad Switch to mute or rotation lock 6. Personal hotspot (iPhone 4 only feature) – you can connect up to 5 devices over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB; up to 3 of those connections over Wi-Fi. Auto switch off to save power when personal hotspot no longer in use. 7. Supports additional multifinger multitouch gestures and swipes. (This feature is not available for users, only for developers for testing)* 8. Parental Control – users can restrict access to some applications. 9. HDMI capability – you can connect to HDTV or any other HDMI device via Apple Digital AV adapter (need to purchase separately) and share 720p HD videos from your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch (4th generation only). 10. Push notifications for comments and follow requests and you can Post and Like songs directly from the Now Playing screen. 11. Improvement to message setting – you can set the number of times to repeat an alert. 12. Improvement to call feature – with single tap you can make conference call and pause to send a passcode. |
| Compatible Devices: • iPhone 4 (GSM model), iPhone 3GS • iPad 2, iPad • iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (3rd generation) |
* Apple has included a new multitasking gestures for iPad in the latest SDK release for developers to test multi finger pinch and swipe. However this feature is not available for users. We can expect this to come in iOS 5 with iPhone 5 release. With that feature, you can use multi fingers to pinch to the Homescreen, swipe up to reveal the multitasking bar, and swipe left or right between apps.
Two applications are introduced with iOS 4.3. One is the new version of the iMovie, Apple boasts it as a precision editor and with iMovie you can send HD video around with one tap (you don’t have to go through iTunes). With one tap you can share it with your social network, YouTube, FaceBook, Vimeo and many other. Its priced at $4.99. With the new iMovie you get over 50 sound effects and additional themes such as Neon. Music automatically switches with themes. It supports multitrack audio recording, Airplay to Apple TV and it is an universal application.
GarageBand app is the other, you can plug in touch instruments (Grand Piano, Organ, Guitars, Drums, Bass), get 8tracks recording and effects, 250+ loops, email AAC file of your song and it is compatible with Mac version. This also priced at $4.99.
Apple iOS 4.0 – iOS 4.2.1
The fourth version iPhone OS commonly referred as Apple iOS or iOS version 4 was released in June 2010 that specially supports multitasking, iAd, Game Centre and more. iOS 4.2.1 is a major update to iOS 4.0. iOS 4.x are not fully backward compatible. Some devices like iPhone 3G and second generation iPod Touch are not compatible with iOS 4.x. iOS 4.0 also had many minor upgrades.
iOS 4.0.1 was released in July 2010, it came with the fix to reception signal indicator.
iOS 4.0.2 was released in August 2010 to fix some security issues.
iOS 4.1 released in Sept 2010 featured improved battery life, introduction of game centre, supports for HDR Photography (High Dynamic Range Imaging) and introduced a tool called PING to discover social music network.
iOS 4.2 released in November 2010 was not released to public and was suppressed by the release 4.2.1 in November 2010.
The next major update to iOS 4.0 was the iOS 4.2.1, it was updated to include large screen iPad in November 2010.
iOS 4.2.1 supports multi tasking, Airprint, Airplay, Find Mobile, Game Center, many languages and keyboard support, different tone alerts for text, iTune TV show rental, Calender invites and responds , accessibility enhancement, notes with different fonts and better mail client functionality.
| Apple iOS 4.2.x |
1. Multitasking This is a method of sharing common processing resources such as a CPU to multiple applications. (a)Background audio – Can listen to music while surfing web, play games etc. (b)Voice over IP – Voice over IP applications can receive calls and continue talking while using other applications. (c) Background location – Provides efficient way to monitor location of users when they move and in different towers. This is a great social networking feature to identify friend’s locations. (If they allowed only) (d) Local notifications – Application and alert users of scheduled events and alarms in the background. (e) Task finishing – Application will run in the background and finish the task completely even if user leave it. (i.e click mail application and let the mail app check mails and now you can message (SMS) to send SMS while you are on call, still the mail application will receive or send mails.) (f) Fast Application Switching – Users can switch from any application to any so that other applications will be running in the background until you switch it back. 2. Airprint AirPrint makes it simple to print email, photos, web pages, and documents right from your iPhone. 3. IAd – Advertising on Mobile (Mobile Advertisement Network) 4. Airplay AirPlay lets you stream digital media wirelessly from your iPhone to the new Apple TV or any AirPlay-enabled speakers and you can watch movies and photos on your widescreen TV and play music through the best speakers in the house. 5. Find my iPhone The MobileMe feature helps you locate your missing device and protect its data. This feature is now free on any iPhone 4 running iOS 4.2. Once you set it up, you can find your lost device on a map, display a message on its screen, remotely set a passcode lock, and initiate a remote wipe to delete your data. And if you eventually find your iPhone, you can restore everything from your last backup. 6. Game Centre It allows you to find friends to play or auto match someone to play with you in multiplayer games. 7. Keyboard and Directory enhancement iOS 4.2 supports for 50 languages. 8. Folders Organize apps in to folders with drag and drop feature 9. Messages with text tone Assign custom 17 tones to people in the phone book, so that when you get SMS without looking at the text you can identify who sent it. |
iPhone OS 3.0
iPhone OS 3.0 was released in June 2009, which supports cut, copy and paste, new youtube and many other features.
Apple iOS 3.X was released with iPhone 3GS. On top of the features that existed, iOS 3 came with many attractive features like, Cut, Copy and Paste, Display address with drop PIN in maps, walking directions in map, more you tube features like login, commenting, rating videos, contact editable with recent calls, HD video recording, captured video trimmer, SMS function renamed as messages, MMS functionality with sending images, video and vcards, Find my phone option added in mobileMe, iCalender subscription support, improvements in Safari, Support HTML5, Press and hold to get open, open in new page and copy links, improved language support, Tethering over USB, Bluetooth and new voice memo applications.
iPhone OS 2.0
iPhone OS 2.0 was released in July 2008, which supports 3rd party applications, exchange server, push email and has additional enhancements.
iOS for CDMA iPhone 4
Apple iOS 4.2.5, iOS 4.2.6 and iOS 4.2.7 are the versions of iOS for iPhone 4 CDMA model. It is interesting to note that the CDMA iPhone 4 or known as Verizon iPhone 4 is not compatible with iOS 4.3 and its updates. iOS 4.2.5 was released with the introduction of CDMA iPhone 4 for Verizon network and the first update iOS 4.2.6 was released in February 2011. iOS 4.2.7 is the latest release and it was released on 14 April 2011. It is a small update to iOS 4.2.6.
iOS 4.2.8
It was issued to fix the infamous location tracking issue with Apple’s iDevices. Apple to overcome the location tracking issue has decided not back up the location database to iTunes and to completely delete the location database when a user turns off the location service. The update is available via iTunes for CDMA iPhones.
Apple iOS 4.2.8 Release: May 04 2011 |
| New Improvements: 1. No back up of the location database to iTunes. 2. The location database cache size reduced. 3. The location database cache will be deleted entirely when Location Services areis turned off. |
| Compatible Devices: • iPhone 4 (CDMA model) |
iOS 4.2.7
iOS 4.2.7 is a small update, it has mainly included security updates and there is no feature improvement as such.
| Apple iOS 4.2.7 Release: 14 April 2011 |
| New updates: Contains the latest security updates 1. certificate trust policy – blacklisting the fraudulent certificates. This is to protect from an attacker with a privileged network position who may intercept user credentials or other sensitive information. 2. libxslt – protection from possible disclosure of addresses on the heap when a user visits a maliciously crafted website. 3. Fix for Quicklook issue – A memory corruption issue existed in QuickLook’s handling of Microsoft Office files when the user views a maliciously crafted Microsoft Office file. 4. Fix for WebKit issue – Fix for unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution when visiting a maliciously crafted website. |
| Compatible Devices: • iPhone 4 (CDMA model) or known as Verizon iPhone 4 |
Apple iOS 4.2.6
iOS 4.2.6 has incorporated few improvements and fixes to iOS 4.2.5. The main features are same as iOS 4.2.5.
| Apple iOS 4.2.6 Release: February 2011 |
| Features (Updates and features incorporated from previous versions) 1. Home screen Folders 2. Unified Inbox and threading for Mail 3. Personal Hotspot (carrier dependent, not available in all areas, additonal fees may apply) 4. Spotlight search 5. Custom text tones – offers 17 additional text alert tones 6. Multitasking 7. Game Center 8. Bluetooth keyboard support 9. Home screen wallpaper 10. Data protection 11. Over-the-air Notes sync 12. AirPrint 13. AirPlay 14. VoiceOver 15. FaceTime (requires a Wi-Fi connection and may not be available in all countries or regions) 16. VGA Tv out (connects through the Dock Connector to VGA Adapter, sold separately) 17. HDMI out (connects through the Dock Connector to Apple Digital AV Adapter, needs to buy the adapter separately) 18. HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos |
| Compatible Devices: • iPhone 4 (CDMA model) or known as Verizon iPhone 4 |
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