Version: 6.0
Platform: Compatible devices
Apple source ↗iOS 6
Apple previewed the iOS 6 beta on June 11, 2012 and announced the free update for September 19. iPhone 5 was introduced with this system. An Apple release dated September 24 confirms that devices had already been updated; the announcement date is not treated as proof of actual availability.
- Type
- Operating system
- Family
- iOS
- Major version
- 6
- Preview
- 2012-06-11
- Announced availability
- 2012-09-19
- Initial distribution
- Software update
- Upgrade price
- Free
- Main changes
- Apple Maps · Passbook · Guided Access
- Documented updates
- 6.0 · 6.1
- Limit
- System support does not imply support for every feature.
The version introduces Maps with Apple-designed cartography, Facebook integration, Shared Photo Streams and Passbook for passes on iPhone and iPod touch. Guided Access can restrict a device to one app and limit touch input to selected areas. Do Not Disturb and a VIP mailbox in Mail are also added. Features are not identical across devices or countries.
The initial upgrade list includes iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPad 2, third-generation iPad and fourth-generation iPod touch. iPhone 5, the 2012 fifth-generation touch, the original iPad mini and fourth-generation iPad were announced with iOS 6. Relations distinguish factory software from upgrades; an announcement naming only the major version does not prove a specific minor revision.
iOS 6.1 stays within this entry. Apple announced it available on January 28, 2013, adding LTE support for more carriers, individual song downloads for iTunes Match and Siri movie-ticket purchases through Fandango in the US. LTE needs compatible hardware and a supported carrier: the update does not add that hardware to an iPad 2 or iPhone 3GS.
Dates documented by Apple
Selected releases, not a complete history. Dates follow Apple's release records, not the latest page edit. No builds are included.
ISO date: year-month-day.
Version: 6.0.1
Platform: Compatible devices
Apple source ↗Version: 6.1
Platform: Compatible devices
Apple source ↗Version: 6.1.3
Platform: Compatible devices
Apple source ↗Version: 6.1.6
Platform: iPhone 3GS / iPod touch (4th generation)
Apple source ↗Devices and compatibility
iPhone 5 (2012)
Included at introduction · 6.x
Apple names the factory major version, not a specific minor revision. Features vary by model.
iPhone 5 (China)
Included at introduction · 6.x
Apple names the factory major version, not a specific minor revision. Features vary by model.
iPhone 5 (GSM and CDMA)
Included at introduction · 6.x
Apple names the factory major version, not a specific minor revision. Features vary by model.
iPhone 5 (GSM International)
Included at introduction · 6.x
Apple names the factory major version, not a specific minor revision. Features vary by model.
iPhone 5 (GSM North America)
Included at introduction · 6.x
Apple names the factory major version, not a specific minor revision. Features vary by model.
iPod touch (5th generation, 2012) · A1421
Included at introduction · 6.x
Apple names the factory major version, not a specific minor revision. Features vary by model.
iPad (4.ª generación) (2012)
Included at introduction · 6.x
Apple names the factory major version, not a specific minor revision. Features vary by model.
iPad (4th generation) (A1459 · Wi-Fi + Cellular)
Included at introduction · 6.x
Apple names the factory major version, not a specific minor revision. Features vary by model.
iPad (4th generation) (A1460 · Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM))
Included at introduction · 6.x
Apple names the factory major version, not a specific minor revision. Features vary by model.
iPad mini (2012)
Included at introduction · 6.x
Apple names the factory major version, not a specific minor revision. Features vary by model.
iPad mini (A1454 · Wi-Fi + Cellular)
Included at introduction · 6.x
Apple names the factory major version, not a specific minor revision. Features vary by model.
iPad mini (A1455 · Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM))
Included at introduction · 6.x
Apple names the factory major version, not a specific minor revision. Features vary by model.
iPhone 3GS (16 / 32 GB) · A1303 (2009)
Official upgrade · 6.0
System support does not imply support for every feature.
iPhone 4s (16 / 32 / 64 GB) · A1387 (2011)
Official upgrade · 6.0
System support does not imply support for every feature.
iPad 2 (A1396 · Wi-Fi + 3G)
Official upgrade · 6.0
System support does not imply support for every feature.
iPad (3.ª generación) (2012)
Official upgrade · 6.0
System support does not imply support for every feature.
iPad (3rd generation) (A1403 · Wi-Fi + Cellular (VZ))
Official upgrade · 6.0
System support does not imply support for every feature.
iPad (3rd generation) (A1430 · Wi-Fi + Cellular)
Official upgrade · 6.0
System support does not imply support for every feature.
iPod touch (4th generation, 2010) · A1367
Official upgrade · 6.0
System support does not imply support for every feature.