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iPhone Firmware & iOS History

By , About.com Guide

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Updated October 02, 2012

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 6
Released: Sept. 19, 2012
Added:

  • Replaced earlier Maps app with new, Apple-created Maps app
  • Turn-by-turn directions
  • Do Not Disturb
  • Passbook
  • New privacy controls
  • Removed YouTube app
  • Expanded features for Siri
  • Facebook integration
  • Support for FaceTime over cellular networks, where available
  • Bug fixes

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:

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:

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.
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