Every fall, Apple releases new versions of operating systems for its mobile devices. This year it also released a new iOS, already the sixteenth in a row. At the same time, the operating system for the iPad, iPadOS 16, became available also.
We are so used to the fact that Apple's mobile technology runs on iOS, and it seems that only developers remember about iPadOS. A few years ago, Apple decided to bring the capabilities of tablets closer to laptops and separated the iPhone’s and iPad’s operating systems. Now iOS and iPadOS are, although similar, but technically different. And by tradition they are released on the same day.
What does the new iOS and iPadOS release mean for users?
Many people are waiting for the iOS release, because it usually means the uprise of new, interesting functionality, additional useful and unusual features. This year, we get, for example, the cancellation of sending text messages and advanced image editing features. So, people or objects can be automatically removed from the image.
What does this mean for developers?
Developers will receive new system libraries and new features in the old ones. And they also need to check the compatibility of external libraries with the new operating systems, to retest applications, make corrections if necessary, and think about adding something new.
Also it may be worth evaluating whether it is rational to support iOS older versions, as iPhone and iPad users update fairly quickly. Below is the statistics as of May 2022:
- iOS 15 - 82%
- iOS 14 - 14%
- Other iOS versions - 4%
- iPadOS 15 - 72%
- iPadOS 14 - 18%
- Other iPadOS versions - 10%
Who wouldn't be excited about the release of iOS and iPadOS 16?
The owners of old devices are not always happy with the new operating system release. New iOS and iPadOS often cannot be installed on old devices. This is what happened this year as well. iOS 16 will work starting with iPhone 8. The list of supported devices includes:
- iPhone 8, 8 Plus,
- iPhone X, XS, XS Max, XR,
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max,
- iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max,
- iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max,
- iPhone SE II generation and later.
iPadOS 16 can be instaledl on:
- iPad Mini, starting from the 5th generation,
- iPads - from the 5th generation ,
- iPad Air - from 3rd generation (III generation and later),
- iPad Pro - all models.
How to find out which iPhone or iPad model you have?
iPhone owners tend to know what model they have. iPads usually are changed less often, and their models are less known. If you do not know what model you have, you can look in the settings. Go to device settings and select: General -> About this device.