Everything You Need to Know About iOS 8

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.

Another significant, positive change from earlier versions of the OS had to do with device support. In the past, when a new version of the iOS was released, some older iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch 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 Generation iPod Touch	iPad Air 2
iPhone 6	5th Generation iPod Touch	iPad Air
iPhone 5S		4th Generation iPad
iPhone 5C		3rd Generation 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 and 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 the update caused problems in the 4G cellular connection and Touch ID fingerprint scanner features of the then-recently released iPhone 6 series models. Apple released iOS 8.0.2, which delivered the same improved features as 8.0.1 and fixed the 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 to swap data and tasks between iOS devices and Macs
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 or newer — that's because it can only run newer versions). That isn't entirely bad news. Having the latest and greatest features is preferable, but many devices not 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, 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.