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:
- 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.
