The operating systems iOS and iPadOS are on iPhone and iPad. What is the difference? And why do the names of the systems have numbers?
Operating system
The iPhone and an iPad, like computers, have an operating system. This system ensures that the device works. On an iPhone the system is called iOS and on an iPad it is iPadOS. iPadOS is based on iOS, but has some additional features specifically designed for the iPad’s large screen.
Versions
Apple is constantly tinkering with the operating systems to make them better. Once a year, Apple releases a new version of the iOS and iPadOS operating systems. This usually happens at the end of September. The new versions contain improvements and new functions. In addition, security vulnerabilities are closed. A new version gets a higher number after the name of the system. The most recent version for iPhones is iOS 15. For iPads, it’s iPadOS 15.
devices
Unfortunately, there are sometimes older devices on which the latest version cannot be installed. For example, the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 got stuck with iOS 12. That does not immediately mean that those devices are no longer usable. The device will still work normally. In the beginning, Apple also provides minor security updates if necessary. If a version becomes really outdated, apps may no longer work properly.
Which version do I have?
It can be useful to know which version your device has. For example, the latest versions of the operating systems always offer new functions. If you’re using an older version, you obviously don’t have those features yet. In addition, some apps only work on certain versions of operating systems.
To update
As soon as Apple releases a new version of the operating system, that system can be put on the iPhones and iPads. Usually a message appears on the screen that an update is ready. You can also see for yourself if there is an update.