iOS is a mobile operating system created and developed by Apple Inc. exclusively for its hardware. First released in 2007 for the iPhone, it has since been extended to support other Apple devices such as the iPad, iPod Touch, and Apple TV. It is the second most popular mobile operating system globally, after Android.
iOS is known for its user-friendly interface, strong security features, and a vast ecosystem of apps available through the App Store. Apple provides regular updates to iOS, introducing new features, security enhancements, and performance improvements. The latest version is iOS 26.4 Beta 1, which was released on February 17, 2026. These beta versions allow users to test upcoming features and provide feedback to Apple before the official release.
Users can access these features early by joining the Apple Beta Program and installing the iOS Beta Profile. This profile allows devices to receive beta versions of iOS updates, providing a sneak peek into the future of iOS. The AirPods also have beta firmware available for developers to test features and debug issues.