Apple’s iPhone operating system has had 19 major releases, beginning as iPhone OS in 2007 and reaching iOS 26 in 2025. The timeline below lists each major release’s first public date and defining changes; it does not include later point releases or security updates.
Every major iPhone OS and iOS release
Dates below are the first public release dates for each major version. Apple’s naming changed over time: the first three releases were called iPhone OS, and the iOS name began with version 4. iOS 26 followed iOS 18 after Apple adopted year-based numbering; the skipped numbers do not represent omitted releases in this timeline.
| Major release | First public release | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone OS 1 | June 29, 2007 | Shipped with the original iPhone and established the iPhone’s operating system. |
| iPhone OS 2 | July 11, 2008 | Brought the App Store and support for third-party native apps. |
| iPhone OS 3 | June 17, 2009 | Added copy and paste, MMS, Spotlight search, and broader system capabilities. |
| iOS 4 | June 21, 2010 | Renamed the platform iOS and added multitasking, folders, and features for the Retina display era. |
| iOS 5 | October 12, 2011 | Introduced Notification Center, iMessage, iCloud integration, and PC-free activation. |
| iOS 6 | September 19, 2012 | Introduced Apple-designed Maps and Passbook, expanded Siri, and added Facebook integration. |
| iOS 7 | September 18, 2013 | Delivered a major visual redesign, along with Control Center and AirDrop for iOS. |
| iOS 8 | September 17, 2014 | Added Notification Center widgets, app extensions, HomeKit, HealthKit, and Continuity features. |
| iOS 9 | September 16, 2015 | Focused on performance and battery improvements, Proactive suggestions, and transit support in Maps. |
| iOS 10 | September 13, 2016 | Expanded Messages, added raise to wake, redesigned the Lock screen, and expanded Siri and app integration. |
| iOS 11 | September 19, 2017 | Introduced Files, redesigned Control Center, ARKit, and iPad-focused multitasking changes. |
| iOS 12 | September 17, 2018 | Emphasized performance and added Screen Time, grouped notifications, and Siri Shortcuts. |
| iOS 13 | September 19, 2019 | Added system-wide Dark Mode and Sign in with Apple. iPad software began its separate iPadOS release line. |
| iOS 14 | September 16, 2020 | Added Home Screen widgets, App Library, App Clips, and compact call and Siri interfaces. |
| iOS 15 | September 20, 2021 | Introduced Focus modes, FaceTime links, Live Text, a redesigned Safari, and SharePlay. |
| iOS 16 | September 12, 2022 | Added Lock Screen customization, editable Messages, Passkeys, and Safety Check. |
| iOS 17 | September 18, 2023 | Introduced Contact Posters, NameDrop, StandBy, Live Voicemail, and interactive widgets. |
| iOS 18 | September 16, 2024 | Added broader Home Screen and Control Center customization, RCS support, and groundwork for Apple Intelligence on supported hardware. |
| iOS 26 | September 15, 2025 | Moved to year-based numbering, introduced Liquid Glass, expanded Apple Intelligence, updated Phone and Messages, and added Apple Games. |
What came before iOS?
The iPhone’s operating system was originally named iPhone OS. Apple used that name for versions 1, 2, and 3, starting with the software that shipped on the first iPhone in 2007. With iOS 4 in 2010, Apple adopted the shorter iOS name. The timeline therefore has three iPhone OS releases before the iOS-branded releases.
Why does the list jump from iOS 18 to iOS 26?
Apple switched to year-based major-version numbering in 2025. iOS 26 followed iOS 18 as the next major iPhone operating-system release; versions 19 through 25 were not public major releases in this sequence. The new number aligns the operating-system version with Apple’s product-year convention.
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
Which release brought the biggest redesign?
iOS 7 was the clearest break with the earlier interface. Released in 2013, it replaced the previous skeuomorphic visual language with a flatter design and added Control Center and AirDrop for iOS. iOS 26 later introduced Liquid Glass, a new visual design, but it did so as part of a broader release that also changed features and numbering.
What changed when iOS 13 arrived?
iOS 13 marked the end of the iPhone and iPad sharing one iOS release branch: Apple launched iPadOS separately, while iPhone software continued as iOS. On iPhone, iOS 13 also brought system-wide Dark Mode and Sign in with Apple.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
What is the latest iOS version?
The latest major version in this chronology is iOS 26, first publicly released on September 15, 2025. That identifies the major release, not the latest point-release number or build. Apple’s release notes and security-update archive provide the changing details for individual updates; release dates and builds can also differ in some deployment contexts.
Which iPhones support iOS 26?
Compatibility depends on the iPhone model, and individual iOS 26 features can have narrower hardware requirements than the operating system itself. The release overview used for this chronology does not establish a model-by-model compatibility list, so check Apple’s current iOS 26 compatibility information for the specific iPhone before updating. Apple also notes that feature availability can vary by device, language, region, and applicable law.
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
Major releases are not the whole update history
This timeline covers major releases only. Point releases may add features, fix bugs, or deliver security updates, and their version numbers and availability are device- and context-specific. For exact builds and security content, use Apple’s release notes and security archive rather than treating the major-release dates above as a complete update record.
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
