iOS 4
Version of the iOS operating system
iOS 4.1 home screen
DeveloperApple Inc.
Source modelClosed, with open source components
Initial releaseJune 21, 2010 (2010-06-21)
Latest release
iPhone 3G, iPod Touch (2nd generation)

4.2.1 (November 22, 2010 (2010-11-22)) [±]

iPhone 4 (CDMA)

4.2.10 (July 25, 2011 (2011-07-25)) [±]

iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 (GSM), iPod Touch (3rd generation), iPod Touch (4th generation), iPad (1st generation), iPad 2
4.3.5 (July 25, 2011 (2011-07-25)) [±]
Update methodiTunes through a computer
Package managerApp Store
Platforms
iPhone

iPod Touch

iPad

Kernel typeHybrid (XNU)
LicenseProprietary EULA except for open-source components
Preceded byiPhone OS 3
Succeeded byiOS 5
Official websiteApple – iPhone – New features in the iOS 4 Software Update at the Wayback Machine (archived June 30, 2010)
Support status
Obsolete, unsupported. Drops support for the first-generation iPhone and first-generation iPod Touch.

iOS 4 is the fourth major release of the iOS mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc., being the successor to iPhone OS 3. It was announced at the Apple Special Event on April 8, 2010, and released on June 21, 2010. iOS 4 was the first version branded as "iOS" rather than "iPhone OS",[1] due to the release of the iPad. It was succeeded by iOS 5 on October 12, 2011.[2]

iOS 4 introduced many features that have since become commonplace, such as folders on the home screen, significantly increasing the number of apps that can be displayed. Support for custom wallpapers on the iPhone was also added, although limited to newer devices due to animation performance requirements. The operating system also added a multitasking feature, letting apps dealing with Internet calling, location and audio playback function in the background, whereas a similar but more restricted "Fast App Switching" technology enabled any app to be left inactive in the background while users switch to other apps. iOS 4 also added a system-wide spell checking feature, enabled iBooks on iPhone, unified the Mail inbox to combine content from different email providers, and introduced both Game Center for social gaming and FaceTime for video calling.

The iOS 4 update introduced performance and battery problems on iPhone 3G devices, with Apple investigating the matter and promising then-upcoming updates. However, the company became the subject of a lawsuit from an unsatisfied customer over the issues. Around the same time, the release of iPhone 4 and its subsequent antenna problems made Apple focus on unsuccessfully attempting to patch the issues with software updates.

iOS 4 is the final version of iOS to have the iPod app for music and videos on iPhones. Starting with iOS 5, iPhones do not have the iPod app, but instead have the Music and Videos apps, as the iPod Touch and iPad do. It is also the last version of iOS that supports the iPhone 3G and second-generation iPod Touch as its successor, iOS 5, drops support for both models.

Apps

History

iPhone OS 4 was introduced at the Apple Special Event on April 8, 2010. At the WWDC keynote address on June 7, 2010, it was renamed to iOS 4 in order to be more inclusive to the iPod Touch and iPad.[3]

iOS 4 was officially released on June 21, 2010.[3]

System features

Home screen

iOS 4 raised the maximum number of home screen apps from 180 to 2,160 due to the addition of folders. These folders would automatically be named based on the containing apps' respective App Store category.[4] On iPhone, the ability to chose wallpapers and see them on the home screen was also added, though the feature was notably absent from iPhone 3G and the second-generation iPod Touch due to poor performance of icon animations.[5] Additionally, the iPhone's Dock was updated to be skeuomorphic, as with the Dock on the iPad and Mac OS X, and no longer has a grey line underneath it; the icons were redesigned to match.

Multitasking

iOS 4 introduced multitasking. The feature allowed users to switch between apps instantly by double-clicking the home button. It was implemented in such a way that did not cause excessive battery drain. Multitasking was limited to apps dealing with Internet calling, location, and audio playback, while a similar "Fast App Switching" technology meant users could leave an app and enter another, with the original app remaining in the background until the user returns.[6][7] This feature was notably absent from iPhone 3G and the second-generation iPod Touch due to performance issues.

Spell check

iOS 4 introduced a spell checking feature that underlined misspelled words in red. Tapping on the word would provide a pop-up with a recommended replacement.[8]

Camera

The Camera app now supports 5x digital zoom.[9]

App features

iBooks

iOS 4 introduced iPhone and iPod Touch support in iBooks, which was already included on the iPad. Though not a default app, it was available through the App Store.[10]

Mail

The Mail app featured a unified inbox on iOS 4, allowing users to see messages from all of their email accounts displayed together in a single inbox.[11] It also gained support for MobileMe e-mail aliases and multiple Exchange accounts for business users.[6]

Game Center

iOS 4.1 added a new app called Game Center, an online multiplayer social gaming network, which allows users to invite friends to play games and to compare their scores on a leaderboard.[12][13] It was not available on the iPhone 3G.[13]

FaceTime

iOS 4 introduced FaceTime, a videotelephony app that uses the device's camera to allow the user to make video calls with other FaceTime users.[14] This feature was absent from the iPhone 3G, second-generation iPod Touch, iPhone 3GS, and third-generation iPod Touch due to the lack of required features, such as a front-facing camera.

Safari

The Safari mobile web browser on iOS 4 added Bing as a search option in addition to Google and Yahoo!.[15] Beginning with iOS 4.2.1, specific words or phrases on a page could be searched.[16]

Problems

Performance and battery issues

iPhone 3G users reported performance and battery issues after upgrading to iOS 4. Apple started an investigation of the matter in July 2010.[17] In November, Apple was sued for the issues, with an unsatisfied customer alleging "violating the Consumer Legal Remedies Act, unfair business practices, and false and deceptive advertising", with further allegations that Apple knew its software would cause problems on older models. Apple never responded to the allegations, but wrote in a reply to another unsatisfied customer in August 2010 that updates were "coming soon".[18][19]

Alarm clock

In all versions of iOS 4, the alarm clock in the clock app had a problem in DST when it would go off an hour too early or too late.[20]

Antenna problems

Upon its release, some iPhone 4 users reported having technical problems with the phone's antennas.[21] Apple attempted to fix the issue in software with iOS 4.0.1,[22] but failed to do so.[23]

Supported devices

The first-generation iPhone and the first-generation iPod Touch cannot run iOS 4 and above due to hardware limitations, though the iPhone 3G did receive iOS 4, despite it having the same processor as the first-generation iPhone. This marked the first time Apple dropped support for older devices.[6]

Version history

Version Build Codename Release date Notes Update type
4.0 8A293 Apex June 21, 2010[3] Initial release for iPhone 4 GSM
  • Allows use of multiple Mail inboxes
  • Adds support for folders for app organization
  • Allows creation of music playlists
  • Introduces the iBooks app
  • Adds tap-to-focus in the Camera app
  • Allows uses of Bluetooth keyboards
  • Allows users to gift apps to other Apple IDs in the App Store, as long as those apps contained no fraudulent information
  • Adds spellcheck
  • iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 only:
    • Adds support for multitasking
    • Adds support for setting a home screen wallpaper
  • iPhone 4 only:
    • LED flash for camera
    • 5x digital camera zoom
    • FaceTime
 Initial Release
4.0.1 8A306 July 15, 2010 iPhone only
  • Changes the algorithm that displays cellular signal strength after Antennagate[24]
  • Fixes a bug with Microsoft Exchange accounts
 Bug Fixes
4.0.2 8A400 August 11, 2010
  • Fixes a bug that allowed a maliciously crafted PDF to lead to arbitrary code execution[25]
  • Fixes a bug that allows code running as user to gain system privileges
 Bug Fixes
4.1 8B117
8B118[lower-alpha 1]		 Baker September 8, 2010 Initial release on iPod Touch (4th generation)
  • Adds HDR photo capture support to the iPhone 4
  • Allows upload of high definition videos captured on the iPhone 4 to YouTube and MobileMe
  • Fixes a bug that allowed a maliciously crafted .tiff image to lead to arbitrary code execution[26]
  • Fixes a bug that allowed an attacker in a privileged network position to redirect FaceTime calls
  • Fixes multiple bugs that caused visiting a maliciously crafted website to lead to arbitrary code execution
  • Exclusive to iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPod touch (3rd generation):
    • Game Center, a service that allows syncing of game save data, achievements, and more. Game Center had previously been part of developer versions of iOS 4.[27]
 Feature Update
4.2 8C134 Unknown November 1, 2010[28]
  • Adds AirPlay, allowing devices to stream audio or video to the Apple TV (1st generation)
  • Adds AirPrint, allowing devices to print wirelessly to some HP ePrint printers
  • Allows users to create a free MobileMe account to access Find My iPhone, which allows location tracking and remote locking or wiping of a device
  • Adds support for the iPad (1st generation)
 Feature Update
4.2.1[lower-alpha 2] 8C148
8C148a[lower-alpha 3]		 Jasper November 22, 2010[30] Last version of iOS to run on iPhone 3G and iPod Touch (2nd generation) due to hardware and performance issues.
  • Replaces iOS 4.2 as iOS 4.2 prevented Wi-Fi from working on the iPad (1st generation), iOS 4.2 was later pulled from public view
 Bug Fixes
iPhone 4 (GSM) and iPad 2 only
4.3 8F190
8F191[lower-alpha 4]		 Durango March 4, 2011 Initial release on iPad 2
  • Adds personal hotspot to the iPhone 4 (GSM)
  • Introduces iTunes home sharing
  • Improves AirPlay[31][32]
  • Fixes multiple vulnerabilities in FreeType
  • Fixes multiple bugs that caused viewing maliciously crafted .tiff images to lead to arbitrary code execution
  • Fixes many, many bugs in WebKit that caused viewing a maliciously crafted website to lead to arbitrary code execution
  • Fixes a bug that allowed an attacker connected to the same network as an iPhone to be able to trigger a remote reset
 Initial Release, Feature Update
4.3.1 8G4 March 25, 2011
  • Fixes iPod touch screen glitches
  • Fixes bugs that prevented activation and connection of iPhones[33]
  • Fixes image flicker when using Apple Digital AV Adapter
  • Updates SSL certificates after fraudulent certificates were issued by a Comodo affiliate registration authority
  • Fixes multiple bugs that caused viewing of a maliciously crafted website to lead to arbitrary code execution[34]
 Bug Fixes
4.3.2 8H7
8H8[lower-alpha 5]		 April 14, 2011
  • Fixes a bug that caused FaceTime calls to freeze
  • Fixes connectivity issues on cellular-equipped iPads
  • Updates SSL certificates after fraudulent certificates were issued by a Comodo affiliate registration authority
  • Fixes multiple bugs that caused viewing of a maliciously crafted website to lead to arbitrary code execution[35]
 Bug Fixes
4.3.3 8J2 May 4, 2011 Fixes a bug that caused location to be reported incorrectly[36] Bug Fixes
4.3.4 8K2 July 15, 2011
  • Fixes bugs that caused viewing a maliciously crafted PDF to cause arbitrary code execution
  • Fixes a bug that caused code running as user to gain system privileges[37]
 Bug Fixes
4.3.5 8L1 July 25, 2011 Fixes a bug that allowed an attacker in a privileged network position to capture and/or modify data in SSL/TLS-protected network sessions Bug Fixes
iPhone 4 (CDMA) only
4.2.5 8E128 Unknown January 11, 2011 Preview release on iPhone 4 (CDMA). Only available to reviewers, never shipped on release devices Preview Release
4.2.6 8E200 Phoenix January 31, 2011 Initial release on iPhone 4 (CDMA), as while 4.2.5 also came with the device, 4.2.6 was the first public version.
  • Bug fixes for personal hotspots
 Initial Release
4.2.7 8E303 April 14, 2011
  • Fixes a bug that caused FaceTime calls to freeze
  • Updates SSL certificates after fraudulent certificates were issued by a Comodo affiliate registration authority
  • Fixes multiple bugs that caused viewing of a maliciously crafted website to lead to arbitrary code execution[34][35]
 Bug Fixes
4.2.8 8E401 May 4, 2011 Fixes a bug that caused location to be reported incorrectly[36] Bug Fixes
4.2.9 8E501 July 15, 2011
  • Fixes bugs that caused viewing a maliciously crafted PDF to cause arbitrary code execution
  • Fixes a bug that caused code running as user to gain system privileges[37]
 Bug Fixes
4.2.10 8E600 July 25, 2011 Fixes a bug that allowed an attacker in a privileged network position to capture and/or modify data in SSL/TLS-protected network sessions[37] Bug Fixes
  1. ↑ iPod Touch (4th generation) only
  2. ↑ No public release of iOS 4.2 is available, due to an issue that impacted Wi-Fi functionality on the iPad.[29]
  3. ↑ iPhone 3GS only
  4. ↑ iPad 2 only
  5. ↑ iPad 2 (CDMA) only

References

  1. ↑ "iPhone OS 4 renamed iOS 4, launching June 21 with 1500 new features". Engadget. June 7, 2010. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  2. ↑ Hardawar, Devindra (October 12, 2011). "iOS 5 available now, makes the iPhone 4 feel completely new". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on February 7, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  3. 1 2 3 Patel, Nilay (June 7, 2010). "iPhone OS 4 renamed iOS 4, launching June 21 with 1500 new features". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on June 14, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  4. ↑ Frakes, Dan (June 21, 2010). "Hands on with iOS 4 folders". Macworld. International Data Group. Archived from the original on July 3, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  5. ↑ Slivka, Eric (June 22, 2010). "Steve Jobs on Lack of Custom Wallpapers in iOS 4 for iPhone 3G". MacRumors. Archived from the original on August 1, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  6. 1 2 3 "iOS 4: What you need to know". Macworld. International Data Group. June 21, 2010. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  7. ↑ Newman, Jared (June 22, 2010). "Multitasking With iOS 4 is Horrible: Apple Blew It". PC World. International Data Group. Archived from the original on June 29, 2013. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  8. ↑ Ritchie, Rene (July 13, 2010). "iOS 4 features: Spell-check and text replace". iMore. Archived from the original on May 10, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  9. ↑ Ionescu, Daniel (June 21, 2010). "Apple iOS 4: 10 Best Features". PC World. International Data Group. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  10. ↑ Brownlee, John (June 21, 2010). "iOS 4, iBooks for iPhone Now Available For Download". Cult of Mac. Archived from the original on May 10, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  11. ↑ Ritchie, Rene (June 14, 2010). "iOS 4 review". iMore. Archived from the original on June 15, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  12. ↑ Holt, Chris (September 1, 2010). "iOS 4.1's Game Center to hit iPhone next week". Macworld. International Data Group. Archived from the original on January 15, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  13. 1 2 Grant, Christopher (September 8, 2010). "Download iOS 4.1 now, get Game Center (on your compatible iProduct)". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on May 10, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  14. ↑ Dormehl, Luke (June 21, 2017). "Today in Apple history: iOS 4 brings multitasking and FaceTime". Cult of Mac. Archived from the original on June 22, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  15. ↑ Sterling, Greg (June 7, 2010). "Bing Goes The iPhone". Search Engine Land. Archived from the original on July 29, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  16. ↑ Ritchie, Rene (September 16, 2010). "iOS 4.2 features: Find text on Safari web page". iMore. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  17. ↑ Ogg, Erica (July 28, 2010). "Apple to investigate iOS 4 problems on iPhone 3G". CNET. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on October 22, 2016. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  18. ↑ Ogg, Erica (August 20, 2010). "Slow iPhone 3G? iOS update could be on the way". CNET. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 10, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  19. ↑ Ogg, Erica (November 4, 2010). "Apple sued for iOS 4 problems on iPhone 3G, 3GS". CNET. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 10, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  20. ↑ Beaumont, Claudine (November 1, 2010). "Apple iPhone 4 alarm clock bug makes scores late for work". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on January 12, 2022.
  21. ↑ Chen, Brian X. (July 2, 2010). "Tests confirm iPhone 4's antenna flaws (Updated)". Wired. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  22. ↑ Dilger, Daniel Eran (June 25, 2010). "Death Grip hysteria may end Monday with iOS 4.01". AppleInsider. Archived from the original on November 13, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  23. ↑ Ionescu, Daniel (July 17, 2010). "Apple's iPhone 4 Antennagate Timeline". PC World. International Data Group. Archived from the original on July 15, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  24. ↑ Chartier, David (July 15, 2010). "Apple releases iOS 4.0.1 with new iPhone signal formula". Macworld. International Data Group. Archived from the original on May 11, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  25. ↑ Sande, Steven (August 11, 2010). "iOS 4.0.2 for iPhone/iPod Touch, iOS 3.2.2 updates available now". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on May 10, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  26. ↑ Slivka, Eric (September 8, 2010). "Apple Releases iOS 4.1 for iPhone and iPod Touch". MacRumors. Archived from the original on May 11, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  27. ↑ Kumparak, Greg. "iOS 4.1 brings a whole new look to Apple's Game Center". MobileCrunch. TechCrunch. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
  28. ↑ "iOS 4.2 GM Download Available Now". OS X Daily. November 1, 2010. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  29. ↑ Moren, Dan (November 12, 2010). "iOS 4.2 arrival near? All signs point to yes". Macworld. International Data Group. Archived from the original on December 11, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  30. ↑ Caldwell, Serenity (November 18, 2010). "Apple releases iOS 4.2.1 GM to developers". Macworld. International Data Group. Archived from the original on December 10, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  31. ↑ Rawson, Chris (March 4, 2011). "iOS 4.3 brings a handful of new features and new headaches". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  32. ↑ "iOS: A visual history". The Verge. Vox Media. September 16, 2013. Archived from the original on April 12, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  33. ↑ Cheng, Jacqui (March 25, 2011). "iOS 4.3.1 fixes iPod Touch graphics glitch, TV flickering issue". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on May 11, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  34. 1 2 Friedman, Lex (April 14, 2011). "Apple releases iOS 4.3.2, fixes FaceTime, 3G issues". Macworld. International Data Group. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  35. 1 2 Moren, Dan (May 4, 2011). "Apple releases iOS 4.3.3 to patch location bugs". Macworld. International Data Group. Archived from the original on June 19, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  36. 1 2 White, Charlie (July 15, 2011). "Apple iOS 4.3.4 Update Available, Prevents Hacking & Jailbreaking". Mashable. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  37. 1 2 3 Friedman, Lex (July 25, 2011). "Apple releases iOS 4.3.5 to fix certificate validation". Macworld. International Data Group. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  38. ↑ "Apple's new CDMA iPhone has built-in Wi-Fi hotspot with iOS 4.2.5". AppleInsider. January 11, 2011. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
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