Another significant improvement over earlier versions of the OS involved device support. In the past, when a new version of the iOS was released, some older iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models were blocked from using some advanced features of that version of the iOS. With iOS 8, any device that could run iOS 8 could use all of its features.
iOS 8 Compatible Apple Devices
Key iOS 8 Features
After the major interface and feature changes introduced in iOS 7, iOS 8 wasn’t so dramatic a change. It used basically the same interface but also delivered some valuable improvements to the OS and the pre-loaded apps. Important new iOS 8 features include:
Handoff to swap data and tasks between iOS devices and Macs. Support for Third-party keyboards. Health app and HealthKit framework. App extensions to allow the sharing of features between apps. Family Sharing for purchases from the iTunes and App Store. iCloud Drive. Touch ID support in third-party apps. HomeKit for smart home/Internet of Things support. Redesigned Notification Center. Sending audio clips in iMessage. AirDrop from iOS devices to Macs.
What If Your Device Isn’t iOS 8 Compatible?
If your device isn’t in the table above list, it can’t run iOS 8 (in some cases, that’s because it can only run newer versions). That isn’t entirely bad news. Having the latest and greatest features is always best, but many older devices can run iOS 7, which is a very good operating system. If your device can’t run iOS 8, it might be time to consider upgrading to a new phone. Not only will you be able to run the latest OS, but you’ll also get a ton of valuable new features like a faster processor, longer battery life, and an improved camera.
Later iOS 8 Releases
Apple released 10 updates to iOS 8. All of those releases were compatible with all devices in the table above. For an overview of and details on the iOS’s full release history, check out iPhone Firmware and iOS History.
iOS 8 Release History
iOS 8.4.1 release: Aug. 13, 2015iOS 8.4 release: June 30, 2015iOS 8.3 release: April 8, 2015iOS 8.2 release: March 2, 2015iOS 8.1.3 release: Jan. 27, 2015iOS 8.1.2 release: Dec. 9, 2014iOS 8.1.1 release: Nov. 17, 2014iOS 8.1 release: Oct. 20, 2014iOS 8.0.2 release: Sept. 25, 2014iOS 8.0.1 release: Sept. 24, 2014 (withdrawn due to bugs)iOS 8 release: Sept. 17, 2014
iOS 9 was released Sept. 16, 2015.
