What is iOS?

Before we dive into the specifics of iOS versions for iPad, let’s first understand what iOS is. iOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc. It is designed specifically for mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads. The first version of iOS was released in 2007 with the launch of the iPhone, and since then, it has undergone numerous updates and revisions.

Why does iOS version matter?

The version of iOS on your iPad can impact various aspects of your device, including:

• Security: Each version of iOS comes with security updates that address vulnerabilities and bugs in the previous version. If your iPad is running an outdated version of iOS, it may be more susceptible to hacking or malware attacks.
• Performance: The performance of your app can vary depending on the version of iOS you’re using. Older versions of iOS may have slower processing speeds and less memory, leading to poor performance of apps.
• Compatibility: Not all apps are compatible with all versions of iOS. If an app is designed to work only with a specific version of iOS, it may not work on your device if you’re using an older or newer version.
• Features: Each version of iOS comes with new features and improvements. If you’re running an outdated version of iOS, you may be missing out on the latest and greatest features that could improve your productivity and user experience.

How to check your iPad’s iOS version

To check which version of iOS your iPad is running on, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap on General.



3. Scroll down and tap on About.
4. Look for the section labeled “Software Information.”
5. The version number will be displayed under “iOS.”

Common iOS versions for iPad

There have been numerous updates to iOS since its launch in 2007, but some of the most popular versions include:

• iOS 14.1 – This is the latest version of iOS as of August 2021. It was released on September 16, 2020 and comes with numerous updates and improvements, including enhanced privacy features and improved performance.
• iOS 13.5.1 – This version of iOS was released on April 14, 2020 and includes security updates to address various vulnerabilities.
• iOS 12.4.7 – This version of iOS was released on August 18, 2020 and includes security updates to address various vulnerabilities.

Updating your iPad’s iOS version

When a new version of iOS is released, Apple may prompt you to update your device. However, if you haven’t received this prompt, or if you prefer not to update immediately, you can do so manually by following these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap on General.
3. Scroll down and tap on Software Update.
4. If there is an update available, it will download automatically. If not, you may need to check for updates manually by tapping on “Check for Updates.”
5. Once the update is ready, tap on Install.
6. Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.

Case study: Developing an iOS app for different versions of iOS

App Name: Smartnotes

Developer: Evernote Corporation

Target Devices: iPad (iOS 10 or later)

Smartnotes is a note-taking app that allows users to take notes using their voice, handwriting, or typed text.