iOS 8: The Basics

With the introduction of iOS 8, Apple introduced hundreds of great new features like Handoff and iCloud Drive, improvements to the iOS's user interface, and new built-in apps like Health. 

One major, positive change from the past had to do with device support. In the past, when a new version of the iOS was released, some older models were unable to use certain advanced features available in that version of the iOS.

That was not true with iOS 8. Any device that could run iOS 8 could use all of its features.

iOS 8 Compatible Apple Devices

iPhone	iPod touch	iPad
iPhone 6 Plus	6th gen. iPod touch	iPad Air 2
iPhone 6	5th gen. iPod touch	iPad Air
iPhone 5S		4th gen. iPad
iPhone 5C		3rd gen. iPad
iPhone 5		iPad 2
iPhone 4S		iPad mini 3
		iPad mini 2
		iPad mini

Later iOS 8 Releases

Apple released 10 updates to iOS 8. All of those releases continued to be 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 & iOS History.

Problems with iOS 8.0.1 Update 

The iOS 8.0.1 update was notable because Apple withdrew it the day it was released. This about face came after reports that it caused problems in the 4G cellular connection and Touch ID fingerprint scanner of the then-recently released iPhone 6 series models. It released iOS 8.0.2, which delivered the same improved features as 8.0.1 and fixed those bugs, the next day.

Key iOS 8 Features

After the major interface and feature overhauls introduced in iOS 7, iOS 8 wasn't quite as dramatic a change. It used basically the same interface, but also delivered some core changes to the OS and some valuable improvements to the apps that came pre-installed on it. Notable iOS 8 features include:

• Handoff
• Third-party keyboards
• Health app and HealthKit framework
• App extensions for sharing features between apps
• Family Sharing of iTunes and App Store purchases
• 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 on this list, it can't run iOS 8 (in some cases—such as the iPhone 6S series—that's because it can only run newer versions). That isn't entirely bad news. Having the latest and greatest features is preferable, but every device on this list can run iOS 7, which is a very good operating system in its own right (see the full list of iOS 7-compatible devices).

If your device can't run iOS 8, or is one of the older models on the list, it might be time to consider upgrading to a new phone. Not only will be able to run the latest OS, but you'll also benefit from a ton of valuable new hardware features like a faster processor, longer battery life, and an improved camera.

iOS 8 Release History

• iOS 8.4.1 release: Aug. 13, 2015
• iOS 8.4 release: June 30, 2015
• iOS 8.3 release: April 8, 2015
• iOS 8.2 release: March 2, 2015

• iOS 8.1.3 release: Jan. 27, 2015
• iOS 8.1.2 release: Dec. 9, 2014
• iOS 8.1.1 release: Nov. 17, 2014
• iOS 8.1 release: Oct. 20, 2014
• iOS 8.0.2 release: Sept. 25, 2014
• iOS 8.0.1 release: Sept. 24, 2014 (withdrawn due to bugs)
• iOS 8 release: Sept. 17, 2014

iOS 9 was released Sept. 16, 2015.