iPhone OS 2, also known as iOS 2, is the second major release of Apple's mobile operating system, following iPhone OS 1. Released on July 11, 2008, alongside the iPhone 3G, it was the first version to support third-party applications through the introduction of the App Store. This update included new features such as a redesigned Mail app with push email, the ability to save images, enhanced language support, a search bar in Contacts, multiple calendars in the Calendar app, and support for WPA2 Wi-Fi security. The update was free for iPhone users but cost $9.95 for iPod touch users at the time. It was succeeded by iPhone OS 3 in June 2009. The final version of iPhone OS 2 was 2.2.1, which mainly provided bug fixes and security patches. Additionally, the term "iOS 2" nowadays may refer to the iPhone OS 2 from 2008, but Apple has continued evolving iOS with many subsequent versions. For instance, the latest iOS updates in 2025 are significantly advanced, such as iOS 26.0.2, focusing on bug fixes rather than new features. To summarize:
Aspect| Details
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Release Date| July 11, 2008
Key Features| App Store launch, push email, multiple calendars
Devices Supported| iPhone (1st gen), iPhone 3G, iPod Touch (1st & 2nd)
Cost| Free for iPhone; $9.95 for iPod Touch update
Final Version| iPhone OS 2.2.1
Successor Version| iPhone OS 3 (June 17, 2009)
This version marked a significant milestone in Apple's ecosystem by officially allowing third-party app installation, paving the way for the vibrant app ecosystem that exists today.