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How to know what ios you have

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How to know what ios you have

As an iOS developer, it is crucial to be familiar with your current operating system (OS) and its features.

However, many developers are not aware of the exact version of iOS they are currently running on their devices. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to determine the iOS version you have on your device, as well as its key features and capabilities.

How to Check Your Current iOS Version

The easiest way to check your current iOS version is by opening the Settings app on your device. Here are the steps:

  1. Open the Settings app on your device.
  2. Scroll down until you find the “General” section.
  3. Tap on “About iPhone” (or “iPad”, depending on which device you have).

    4. As an iOS developer, it is crucial to be familiar with your current operating system (OS) and its features.

  4. You will see your current iOS version displayed at the top of the screen. For example, it might say “iOS 14.4”.
  5. You can also see other important information about your device, such as its model number and carrier.

Checking Your Current iOS Version Manually

If you prefer to check your current iOS version manually, you can do so using a command-line tool on your computer. Here are the steps:

  1. Connect your iOS device to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Open Terminal on your computer. You can find Terminal by searching for it in Spotlight or by going to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
  3. Type “xcrun simctl list devices” and press Enter. This will display a list of all the iOS devices connected to your computer, along with their serial numbers and current OS versions.
  4. Look for the device that corresponds to your own device (it should have the same model number). You can also use the serial number to identify your device if it’s not listed by name.
  5. The current OS version will be displayed next to the device name. For example, it might say “iPhone12,OS14.4”.

Why Know Your Current iOS Version?

Knowing your current iOS version is important for a few reasons:

  • It allows you to determine if your app is compatible with the current OS version. If it’s not, you may need to update your app or find an alternative solution.
  • It helps you stay up-to-date with new features and security updates that are only available in newer OS versions.
  • It helps you identify any compatibility issues with third-party libraries or frameworks that you use in your app.
  • It allows you to tailor your development process to the specific capabilities and limitations of the current OS version. For example, if you’re working on a device with a smaller screen, you may need to optimize your UI for that size.

Examples of iOS Versions and Their Key Features

Here are some examples of different iOS versions and their key features:

iOS 14.4 (Current)

  • Dark Mode with a customizable schedule

  • App Library for easier organization of apps

  • Picture in Picture mode for multitasking

  • Improved privacy controls, including the ability to turn off app tracking and location data sharing

iOS 13.7 (Predecessor)

  • Dark Mode with a customizable schedule

  • Improved Privacy and Security features, including the ability to control which apps have access to your location and other sensitive data

  • Sign in with Apple for secure authentication across apps and websites

  • Improved performance and stability

iOS 12.5.1 (Ancestor)

  • Group FaceTime for up to 32 people in a call

  • Enhanced privacy controls, including the ability to turn off app tracking and location data sharing

  • ARKit 2.