Apple iOS is currently in v6.x release, with iOS 6 having debuted in October 2012 in conjunction with the release of the iPhone 5. Recent versions of iOS have introduced a number of powerful new features to the mobile OS, most notably a built-in instant messaging client (iMessage), built-in support for Apple's iCloud personal cloud storage service and Apple's Siri advanced voice recognition application.
Older devices such as the original iPhone and iPod touch are not supported in the iOS 4, iOS 5 and iOS 6 family of updates, and the iPhone 3G and second-generation iPod Touch cannot be updated past iOS version 4.2.1.
The primary competitors to Apple iOS in the mobile operating system space are Windows Phone 7, Google’s Android OS, and the BlackBerry OS. Apple iOS does have a head start in the apps department, with its App Store already featuring more than 500,000 third-party applications.
IOS-6
iOS 6 is the sixth major update for Apple's iOS mobile operating system that powers portable Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Apple iOS 6 debuted in September 2012 in conjunction with the release of the iPhone 5.
Apple iOS6 features a completely redesigned Maps app with turn-by-turn navigation, a new Passbook location-aware digital wallet app for storing information (such as tickets, gift cards, boarding passes, etc.), the ability to use FaceTime on cellular connections (as well as Wi-Fi connections), greatly improved Facebook integration, enhanced iCloud integration, more sophisticated Siri capabilities, AirPlay for wireless streaming of content to an HDTV via Apple TV, Do Not Disturb call management tools and more
Features
Hardware and software made for each other.
Because Apple makes both