How To iPhone & iPod iOS 9: The Basics Everything You Need to Know About iOS 9 Share Pin Email Print iOS controls apps in the background. Apple, Inc. iPhone & iPod Key Concepts Basics Installing & Upgrading Guides & Tutorials Tips & Tricks Switching from Android to iPhone by Sam Costello Updated August 04, 2017 Every year, when Apple debuts a new version of the iOS, the operating system for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, there's a mad dash to figure out whether your iPhone is compatible with the new software. And then, even if it is, there's the question of whether it makes sense to install the upgrade on an older device since that can mean slow performance and bugs.When it comes to iOS 9, not only are there lots of new features and bug fixes, but more devices were supported by the upgrade than in any previous release. iOS 9 Compatible Apple DevicesThe Apple devices that are compatible with iOS 9 are:iPhoneiPod touchiPadiPhone 6S series6th generation iPod touchiPad ProiPhone 6 series5th generation iPod touchiPad Air 2iPhone SE iPad Air iPhone 5S 4th generation iPadiPhone 5C 3rd generation iPadiPhone 5 iPad 2iPhone 4S iPad mini 4 iPad mini 3 iPad mini 2 iPad miniLater iOS 9 ReleasesApple released 11 updates to iOS 9 after its debut. Every update maintained compatibility with the devices in the list above, though some updates added support for devices and features that hadn't been released when iOS 9.0 was released. These include iOS 9.1, which added support for the iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Apple TV 4 and iOS 9.3, which added Night Shift and support for multiple Apple Watches being paired to the same iPhone. For a deeper look at all versions of the iOS, check out iPhone Firmware & iOS History. Key iOS 9 FeaturesWhile generally well received upon its release, iOS 9 was seen as delivering fewer major features than some other versions of the iOS. This version was largely focused on improving core functionality and stability of the OS, something many observers said was in need after the rapid pace of changes introduced in iOS 7 and 8. Among the major features ushered in with iOS 9 were:Features designed to understand the user's behaviors and proactively suggest tasks and featuresSupport for 3D Touch on iPhone 6S seriesNight Shift (in iOS 9.3 and up)Low-Power Mode for extended battery lifePrivacy and security improvementsMore support for older devicesTransit directions in Maps for selected citiesNumerous improvements to built-in appsInterface changes on the iPad, including split screen apps and picture in picture support for videosPublic beta program for early access to iOS updates.What To Do If Your Device Isn't CompatibleIf you don't see your device on this list, then it can't run iOS 9. That may be disappointing, but don't despair: iOS 8 is a good operating system.That said, if your device is so old that it's not supported here, you may want to think about upgrading to something new. You're probably eligible for an upgrade, so shop around and you might be able to get a great deal and some slick new hardware (but always remember to check when the next model is coming out so that you don't buy just before something new is released).iOS 9 Release History iOS 9.3.5 release: Aug. 25, 2016iOS 9.3.4 release: Aug. 4, 2016 iOS 9.3.3 release: July 18, 2016iOS 9.3.2 release: May 16, 2016iOS 9.3.1 release: March 31, 2016iOS 9.3 release: March 21, 2016iOS 9.2.1 release: Jan. 19, 2016iOS 9.2 release: Dec. 8, 2015iOS 9.1 release: Oct. 21, 2015iOS 9.0.2 release: Sept. 30, 2015iOS 9.0.1 release: Sept. 23, 2015iOS 9 release: Sept. 16, 2015iOS 10 was released on Sept. 13, 2016. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit Continue Reading