Firmware is the software that runs the iPhone and provides much of its built-in functionality. This is a history of each version of the firmware (more commonly referred to as the iPhone OS), when it was released, and what it added to the iPhone.
iPhone Firmware History
iOS 5.1.1
Released: May 7, 2012
Added:
- Improved reliability when using HDR photos from the lock screen short cut
- Solved a problem with 2G/3G network switching
- Fixed bug with AirPlay playback
- Increased Safari bookmark and Reading List syncing
- Removed an incorrect error that would report a failed iTunes Store purchase even when the purchase succeeded.
iOS 5.1
Released: March 7, 2012
Added:
- Support for third-generation iPad
- Updated camera app for third-generation iPad
- Updated Camera shortcut from lockscreen
- Genius Mixes and Playlists for iTunes Match
- Japanese support for Siri
- Update AT&T network indicator to show 4G in many locations
- Bug fixes
iOS 5.0.1
Released: Nov. 10, 2011
Added:
- Fixed battery-related and Documents in the Cloud bugs
- Support for multitasking gestures on original iPad
- Improved Siri voice recognition for Australian users
iOS 5
Released: Oct. 12, 2011
Added:
- Support for iCloud and iTunes Match
- iMessage
- System-wide integration of Twitter
- Notification Center and updated lock screen to include notifications
- Built-in Reader and Reminders apps; a read-later and to-do list app, respectively
- Tweaks to the Camera app to add a camera shortcut to the lock screen and the ability to use the volume up button to take photos
- Formatting-related tweaks to Mail app
- Newsstand, a new app for reading magazines purchased through the App Store
- Tweaks to Game Center app, including support for turn-based network games
iOS 4.3.5/4.2.10
Released: July 25, 2011
Fixed:
- Fixes bugs and security holes
iOS 4.3.4/4.2.9
Released: July 15, 2011
Fixed:
- Fixes bugs and security holes
iOS 4.3.3/4.2.8
Released: May 4, 2011
Fixed:
- Reduces the size of the location awareness cache
- No longer backs up location data during sync
- Deletes location data when Location Services are turned off
iOS 4.3.1
Released: March 25, 2011
Fixed:
- Graphics problem on 4th gen. touch
- Bug when activating/connecting to wireless networks
- Image flicker on TV out using Apple Digital AV Adapter
- Problems authenticating to some web services
iOS 4.3
Released: March 11, 2011
Added:
- Adds support for iPad 2
- Adds the Nitro Javascript engine to Safari browser
- Adds improvements to AirPlay
- Adds support for Home Sharing and Personal Hotspot (iPhone only)
- Adds preference to make volume mute button either that or screen rotation lock
- Does not support Verizon iPhone
- Drops support for iPhone 3G and 2nd. gen. iPod touch
iOS 4.2.5
Released: February 10, 2011
Added:
- Adds support for the Verizon cellular network
- Adds 3G Mobile Hotspot functionality for CDMA iPhones
iOS 4.2
Released: November 22, 2010
Added:
- Brings all iOS 4 features to iPad
- AirPrint wireless printing
- AirPlay support
- Extends GameCenter support to iPad
- Free Find My iPhone service
- Search in page in Safari
- Software-based screen orientation lock for iPad
- Assign unique tones to individual SMS senders
iOS 4.1
Released: September 2010
Added:
- High Dynamic Range photos
- Game Center
- Many bug fixes (proximity sensor, Bluetooth, iPhone 3G)
iOS / iPhone OS 4
Released: June 22, 2010 for iPhone and iPod touch | Fall 2010 for iPad
With this release, the iPhone OS was renamed iOS
Added:
- Multitasking
- Folders to organize apps
- Unified email inbox and threaded email conversations
- Improved security and business features
- iBooks for iPhone, iPod touch
- iAd
- 100+ other fixes and features
- Drops support for the original iPhone
iPhone OS 3.2
Released: April 3, 2010
Added:
- This version of the OS is specific to the iPad and adds features and functionality for that device
iPhone OS 3.1.3
Released: Feb. 2, 2010
Added:
- Improved battery status reporting
- Fixes bug related to apps not launching
- Fixes bug related to Japanese Kana keyboard
- Various security fixes
iPhone OS 3.1.2
Released: Oct. 8, 2009
Added:
- Bug fixes for network connection lost and problems waking from sleep.
iPhone OS 3.1
Released: Sept. 9, 2009
Added:
- App Store Genius. Like the Genius feature for music, this tool recommends App Store programs based on what the user has previously enjoyed.
- New Ringtones. While previous ringtones were user-creatable through iTunes, users can now buy pre-made ringtones from record labels through the included iTunes Store app.
iPhone Firmware 3.0
Released: June 17, 2009
Sneak Preview: March 17, 2009
Added:
- Copy and paste
- MMS, aka multimedia messaging service; text messages with photos and videos
- Bluetooth connections between iPhones and iPod touches (the OS also unlocks the Bluetooth hardware included, but not currently used, in the second-generation iPod touch)
- Bluetooth stereo streaming
- Spotlight search functionality on the home page
- Tethering, to allow use of iPhone as modem for computers (for an additional fee)
- Background push notifications so apps can deliver content when they’re not being run
- Support for peripherals through the dock connector
- New app: Voice memos, which does what you’d expect from the name
- A revised Stocks app
- Landscape mode in mail, text, and notes
- Voice Control of phone and iPod (iPhone 3GS only)
- Notes that can sync to Macs and PCs, unlike in the current OS
- Form auto-fill and anti-phishing tools in Safari
- Shake-to-shuffle in the iPod app, a la the 4th-generation iPod nano
- The ability to rent and purchase movies, TV, and audiobooks over the air
- Parental controls and ratings for apps, iTunes content, etc.
- Find my iPhone feature for lost phones via MobileMe; includes remote deletion of data as an option
- Support for 30 new languages
- Purchases within apps now supported, works in paid apps only
