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The world’s most advanced mobile operating system

iOS is Apple’s mobile operating system that runs on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Historically, Apple releases a new iOS version once a year, the current version is iOS 13.

In 2007, Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone and iPhone OS. During the event, Jobs referred to the operating system as OS X because it shared a similar Unix core compared to the Mac. When Apple launched the iPhone SDK a year later, they officially changed the name to iPhone OS.

In the summer of 2008, Apple added the App Store to iPhone OS with version 2.0, and this set the stage for the “app economy” that we still enjoy to this day.

Version 3.0 was released in 2009, and it included copy/paste, MMS support, Spotlight, mobile tethering, and push notifications for 3rd party apps.

In version 4, Apple finally renamed iPhone OS to iOS (with the iPad sharing the same software). The major features were multitasking and FaceTime.

iOS 5.0 introduced Notification Center, iMessage, Siri, and iCloud.

iOS 6.0 removes Google Maps in favor of Apple Maps and added the Passbook app (now known as Wallet).

Version 7.0 brought a dramatic redesign of iOS with a new font, flatter icons, a and new Photos app. The redesign was led by Jony Ive.

Version iOS 8.0, Apple finally allowed third-party keyboards and the ability to share files from different apps.

Version 9.0 included Apple Maps, an overhauled Notes app, and multitasking for iPad.

Version 10.0 included an SDK for Siri, Maps, and iMessages.

Version 11.0 included a new iPad Dock, Customizable Control center, drag and drop on iPad, and the Files app with third-party integration.

Version 12.0 added Screen Time features for managing your time on devices, the Shortcuts app, ARKit 2.0, and Memoji.

iOS 13 added Dark Mode, swipe-style typing, a redesigned share sheet, made app downloads 50% smaller, 2x faster app launch speed, Memoji Stickers and Memoji Makeup, HomeKit-enabled routers and HomeKit Secure Video, a new “Sign in with Apple” option for logging into third-party services, all-new Apple Maps, and much more.

Compatible Devices with iOS 13

  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone 8
  • iPhone 8 Plus
  • iPhone 7
  • iPhone 7 Plus
  • iPhone 6s
  • iPhone 6s Plus
  • iPhone SE
  • iPod touch (7th generation)

Hands-on: Is this new 5-in-1 charging station a must-have for Apple users?

I have reviewed countless 3-in-1, 4-in-1, and all-in-one chargers that promise to be the best, from no-name brands to higher-end brands. For the most part, they get the job done. They are able to charge my three Apple devices, my iPhone, my AirPods, and my Apple Watch. But with each one there is always a sacrifice. Either it’s too expensive, made of the wrong material, the LED indicators are too bright, the stand doesn’t swivel enough, etc. But it seems like Zeera’s new VOXN Charging Station checks off pretty much every box I would ever need. Here’s what sets it apart from the rest.

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Exclusive: iOS 16 has new hidden system to restrict specific features based on the user’s location

exclusive: iOS 16 has new hidden system to restrict specific features based on the user%E2%80%99s location

You can use an iPhone or iPad almost anywhere in the world, but some iOS features are only available in specific places. In some cases, these restrictions are related to local regulations (such as FaceTime not being available in the UAE). 9to5Mac has now learned that Apple has been testing a new, more modern system hidden in iOS 16 to restrict features based on the user’s location.

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Developer ports iOS emulator to Android, but you shouldn’t get excited about it

Developer ports iOS emulator to Android, but you shouldn't get excited about it

Earlier this year, developer Hikari no Yume created a tool called “touchHLE,” which is able to emulate old iOS apps on Macs and Windows PCs. Based on this project, another developer identified as “ciciplusplus” has ported this same iOS emulator project to Android. However, you shouldn’t get too excited about it for now.

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LumaFusion launches new, pro-level, multicam editing feature for iPhone and iPad

LumaFusion video editor app

Ever since Apple released the redesigned iPad Pro back in 2018, my iPad has turned into my main form of computing. I use it to write these articles, manage the YouTube channel, answer emails, watch videos, and interact with teammates via Slack. More importantly, though, I use the iPad to edit all of the videos you see on the 9to5Mac YouTube channel, and I have used the same software since 2018 – LumaFusion.

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Hands-on: The 3 best modern food reservations apps on iOS for 2023

One of my biggest hobbies, aside from loving tech, is food. Eating out at a good restaurant is the best way to put a smile on my face. One of the issues I face living in the NYC area is that every new and popular restaurant is reserved weeks, if not months, in advance. In order to combat this, I have been leveraging three apps to make sure I get prompt reservations but also to earn a little cash back and perks along the way. In this article I want to share the three best food reservation apps and how I use them to not only make reservations, but also earn some perks just by using them!

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iOS 16.4 allows health authorities to end their support for Apple’s COVID-19 Exposure Notifications feature

Back in 2020, Apple and Google teamed up to launch the Exposure Notifications API for COVID-19 contact tracing. The feature aimed to alert you to potential COVID-19 exposures, allowing you to get a test and isolate yourself if necessary.

Three years later, Apple is now giving health agencies the ability to sunset their adoption of the Exposure Notifications API.

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Hands-on: The 3 Best Modern Investing Apps on iOS for 2023

Ever since Robinhood hit the scene in 2015, we have seen a huge influx of both retail investors and retail investing applications. Even though Robinhood has had its issues, they did prove that the average person likes the idea of being able to invest when they want, how they want, and at little to no cost. This new model sent shockwaves through the traditional investing world.

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PCalc for iOS and Mac enhanced with new capabilities for functions, conversions, and constants

PCalc update

The powerful and popular advanced calculator PCalc has gotten a valuable update today. Arriving for all Apple devices, the release brings the ability for user functions and conversions to call other functions and conversions, the option to reference constants within user functions and conversions, and more.

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iOS 16 was all about personalization: What will iOS 17 bring? Here is our wishlist [Video]

iOS 16 seemed to be all about personalization, bringing a more customized user experience and collaboration. Apple introduced new features like the customizable Lock Screen, which brought new widgets. They also brought Live Activities and iMessage enhancements like undo send and editing an already sent message. Freeform, the new collaboration app, was introduced as well as a new digital whiteboard to collaborate in real time with other colleagues or students in your class. Even though these were great additions, there are still some features that we want to see in iOS 17 to further improve our iPhone experience. Here is our iOS 17 wishlist!

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Hands-on: Three of my favorite games for iPhone and iPad

There seems to be an infinite number of games available on the app store, with the list growing on a daily basis. Games in different genres, different price points, and different use cases. I have spent a minimum of 100 hours, if not more, playing these three games I am about to mention, both on my iPhone and on my iPad Pro. So if you’re an iOS or iPadOS user looking for some great games to play, then these are 100% worth a try.

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