ios updates in order iphone

IOS Updates: Order Your iPhone Now

By Steven HarrisApril 11, 2026

Staying up-to-date with iOS updates is crucial for enhancing your iPhone's performance, security, and overall user experience. Apple regularly releases updates that bring new features, improve existing ones, and patch security vulnerabilities. But with so many updates rolling out, it can be challenging to keep track of them in order. Let's explore the iOS update history and understand how to keep your iPhone's software current.

Before delving into the updates, it's essential to understand that Apple follows a versioning scheme for iOS. The first digit represents the major release, the second digit indicates minor updates, and the third digit signifies bug fixes and security patches. With this in mind, let's explore the iOS updates in order, starting from the most recent.

iOS 15 and Later

Released in September 2021, iOS 15 brought significant improvements to FaceTime, enhanced notifications, and new features like Focus modes. It also introduced Live Text, which allows users to extract text from images and interact with it.

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iOS 15.1, released shortly after the initial launch, introduced features like ProRAW photography and support for the COVID-19 vaccination card in the Wallet app. Since then, Apple has released several updates, including iOS 15.2, 15.3, and 15.4, each bringing new features, improvements, and bug fixes.

iOS 15.4

Released in March 2022, iOS 15.4 introduced several notable features, such as Face ID support while wearing a mask and new emojis. It also brought improvements to the iCloud Keychain and the ability to use the Apple Watch as a Face ID alternative.

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iOS 15.4.1 and 15.5 followed, focusing mainly on bug fixes and security improvements. iOS 15.6, released in July 2022, introduced minor improvements and bug fixes, while iOS 15.7, released in September, focused on security and performance enhancements.

iOS 16

Announced at WWDC 2022, iOS 16 is set to bring significant changes to the iPhone, including a customizable Lock Screen, improved notifications, and new multitasking features. It also introduces the ability to edit and unsend iMessages and a new way to manage your home with Matter support.

The first developer beta of iOS 16 was released in June 2022, with public betas following soon after. Apple is expected to release the final version of iOS 16 in September 2022, alongside the new iPhone models.

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iOS 14 and Earlier

Before iOS 15, Apple released several updates that significantly improved the iPhone experience. iOS 14, released in September 2020, introduced a redesigned Home Screen with widgets, improved Siri, and new features like App Clips and Picture in Picture.

iOS 14.1, 14.2, and 14.3 followed, each bringing new features and improvements. iOS 14.4, released in January 2021, introduced support for AirPods Max and new ways to recognize and control your iPhone using your Apple Watch. iOS 14.5, released in April 2021, brought significant changes like the ability to unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch while wearing a mask and new Siri voices.

iOS 13

Released in September 2019, iOS 13 introduced a system-wide Dark Mode, improved Maps, and a new way to sign in to apps using your Apple ID. It also introduced the ability to take selfies using the rear camera and new Memoji customization options.

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iOS 13.1, 13.2, and 13.3 followed, each bringing new features and improvements. iOS 13.4, released in March 2020, introduced iCloud Drive folder sharing and new Memoji stickers. iOS 13.5, released in May 2020, focused on COVID-19 contact tracing with the introduction of the Exposure Notification API.

iOS 12

iOS 12, released in September 2018, focused on performance improvements and introduced new features like Screen Time, enhanced notifications, and a new way to measure distance using the iPhone's camera. It also introduced Animoji and Memoji, allowing users to create customizable avatars.

iOS 12.1, 12.2, and 12.3 followed, each bringing new features and improvements. iOS 12.4, released in July 2019, introduced the ability to use your iPhone as a second screen for your Mac and enhanced security features.

Keeping your iPhone's software up-to-date is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and security. To check for and install updates, open the Settings app, tap on General, and then tap on Software Update. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it. By staying current with the latest iOS updates, you'll enjoy new features, improved performance, and enhanced security on your iPhone.