iOS update overview: this version runs your iPhone, iPad or iPod

Apple regularly releases a new version of iOS. But how do you know which version your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Apple Watch is running (maximum)? An overview.

Update your Apple device to the latest software

We’ve been in double digits for iOS for a while now, which saw the light of day in 2007 as iPhone OS 1. The first version of Apple’s mobile operating system was quite basic: For example, there were only a handful of apps available, including Safari, YouTube, and the calculator. Simultaneously with the release of the iPhone 3G (2008), iPhone OS 2 appeared, this time with the App Store and the ability to install third-party applications.

In June 2009, Apple released iPhone OS 3, the most notable new features being Spotlight search for the home screen, recording videos (exclusive to the iPhone 3GS), and the option to cut and paste. During WWDC 2010, Apple decided to rebrand iPhone OS as iOS. A logical choice, since the first iPad also appeared that year.

Enough about the past, it’s time to look at the various Apple devices and run on each iOS version. In the update overview below we have listed the different devices. That way you can see exactly whether your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch can be updated to a new software version. You can also see what software updates for the Apple Watch are.

iPhone update overview

As you can see below, quite a lot of iPhones still run on the latest version of iOS. The overview below is regularly updated, as new devices and iOS versions become available. Good to know: all iPhones running on iOS 14 will be updated to the new iOS 15. This update will appear later this year, probably around the release of the iPhone 13. Then we also expect a major iPad update: iPadOS 15.

• iPhone (2007): iPhone OS 1 – iPhone OS 3.1.3 (latest version)
• iPhone 3G (2008): iPhone OS 1 – iOS 4.2.1 (latest version)
• iPhone 3GS (2009): iPhone OS 3 – iOS 6.1.6 (latest version)
• iPhone 4 (2010): iOS 4 – iOS 7.1.2 (latest version)
• iPhone 4S (2011): iOS 5 – iOS 9.3.5 (latest version)
• iPhone 5 (2012): iOS 6 – 10.3.2 (latest version)
• iPhone 5C (2013): iOS 7 – 10.3.2 (latest version)
• iPhone 5S (2013): iOS 7 – iOS 12.4.7 (latest version)
• iPhone 6 (2014): iOS 8 – iOS 12.4.7 (latest version)
• iPhone 6 Plus (2014): iOS 8 – iOS 12.4.7 (latest version)
• iPhone 6S (2015): iOS 9 – iOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone 6S Plus (2015): iOS 9 – 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone SE (2016): iOS 9.3 – iOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone 7 (2016): iOS 10 – iOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone 7 Plus (2016): iOS 10 – 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone 8 (2017): iOS 11 – 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone 8 Plus (2017) – iOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone X (2017): iOS 11 – iOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone XR (2018): iOS 12 – iOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone XS (2018): iOS 12 – iOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone XS Max (2018) – iOS 12 – iOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone 11 (2019) – iOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone 11 Pro (2019) – iOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019) – iOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone SE (2020) – iOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone 12: iOS 14.1 – iOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone 12 mini: iOS 14.1 – iOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone 12 Pro: iOS 14.1 – iOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPhone 12 Pro Max: iOS 14.1 – iOS 14.7.1 (current)

iPad update overview

Apple introduced the first iPad in 2010. The device single-handedly created a thriving tablet market. Interest in this type of device has since decreased, but the iPad is still quite popular. Check below for the latest iPad update per model.

• iPad 1 (2010): iOS 3.2 – iOS 5.1.1 (latest version)
• iPad 2 (2011): iOS 4.2.1 – iOS 9.3.5 (latest version)
• iPad 3 (Retina, 2012): iOS 5.1 – iOS 9.3.5 (latest version)
• iPad mini (2012): iOS 6.0 – iOS 9.3.5 (latest version)
• iPad 4 (2012): iOS 6.0 – 10.3.3 (latest version)
• iPad mini 2 (2013): iOS 7.0 – iOS 12.4.7 (latest version)
• iPad Air (2013): iOS 7.0.3 – iOS 12.4.7 (latest version)
• iPad mini 3 (2014): iOS 8.1 – iOS 12.4.7 (latest version)
• iPad Air 2 (2014): iOS 8.1 – iPadOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPad mini 4 (2015): iOS 9.0 – iPadOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPad Pro 12.9 (2015): iOS 9.1 – iPadOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPad Pro 9.7 (2016): iOS 9.3 – iPadOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPad (2017): iOS 10.3 – iPadOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPad Pro 10.5 (2017): iOS 10.3 – iPadOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPad (2018): iOS 11.3 – iPadOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPad Pro 2018: iOS 12 – iPadOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPad Air 2019: iOS 12 – iPadOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPad mini 2019: iOS 12 – iPadOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPad 2019: iOS 12 – iPadOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPad 2020: iPadOS 14 – iPadOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPad Air 2020: iPadOS 14.1 – iPadOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPad Pro 2020: iPadOS 13.4 – iPadOS 14.7.1 (current)
• iPad Pro 2021: iPadOS 14.5.1 – iPadOS 14.7.1 (current)

iPod touch update overview

The iPod touch was the first media player with iPhone OS/iOS and the ability to download apps and media. The touch was introduced in 2007 and is now in its sixth generation. Check below to see if your iPod touch is running on the latest software version:

• iPod touch 1st generation (2007): iPhone OS 1.0 – iPhone OS 3.1.3 (latest version)
• iPod touch 2nd generation (2008): iPhone OS 2.1 – iOS 4.2 (latest version)
• iPod touch 3rd generation (2009): iPhone OS 3.1.1 – iOS 5.1.1 (latest version)
• iPod touch 4th generation (2010): iOS 4.1 – iOS 6.1.6 (latest version)
• iPod touch 5th generation (2012): iOS 6.0 – iOS 9.3.5 (latest version)
• iPod touch 6th generation (2015): iOS 8.4 – iOS 12.4.7 (latest version)
• iPod touch 7th generation (2019): iOS 12 – iOS 14.7.1 (current)

Apple Watch update overview

The very first Apple Watch was announced in Fall 2014 and released in April 2015. The Apple Watch Series 1 and 2 followed in September 2016. The former is almost the same as the original Watch, but with a faster CPU. The Series 2 is faster, water resistant and equipped with GPS. The Series 3 and Series 4 and 5 make the watch even more independent of the iPhone.

• Apple Watch 1st Generation (2015): watchOS 1 – watchOS 4.3.2 (latest version)
• Apple Watch Series 1 (2016): watchOS 6.2.6 (current)
• Apple Watch Series 2 (2016): watchOS 6.2.8 (current)
• Apple Watch Series 3 (2017): watchOS 7.6.1 (current)
• Apple Watch Series 4 (2018): watchOS 7.6.1 (current)
• Apple Watch Series 5 (2019): watchOS 7.6.1 (current)
• Apple Watch Series 6 (2020): watchOS 7.6.1 (current)

Update iOS: this is how you do it

To check whether you really have the latest iOS version on your device, go to ‘Settings > General > Software update’. If an iPhone or iPad update is available, make sure your device is sufficiently charged (at least 50 percent) in advance. Connect your device to WiFi to avoid downloading the update at the expense of your data bundle. If the update is not successful or if you do not have enough space, connect your device to a PC with iTunes to update via that program.

To perform an Apple Watch update, first make sure your iPhone is updated. Make sure your smartwatch is sufficiently charged and connected to your phone via Bluetooth. On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app and go to My Watch > General > Software Update. Follow the instructions on the screen. The update can take a few minutes to an hour.

Curious what new features each update introduced? In our iOS version overview you can read everything about the software, from iPhone OS 1 to the more recent iOS 13 and iOS 14. Want to be the first to know when a new iOS version is ready for download? Sign up for our newsletter or download the iPhoned app.