On June 17, 2009, Apple released iOS 3, the third iteration of its mobile operating system and the last to be given the full name “iPhone OS 3.” Support for the iPad arrived with iOS 3.2, when the name was given its current abbreviation.
iOS 3 brought a host of then-new features including MMS, a landscape keyboard, iTunes video and audiobook support, a new Spotlight search users could access by swiping left on the Home screen and more.
There was also the addition of cut, copy and paste, which had been among the most requested iOS features since the iPhone originally shipped. While newer iPhone owners may not see the big deal about this, there really was a time when the ability to send someone a link inside a text message — without having to laboriously type it out in full — was something Apple users were celebrating.
Another big feature was the introduction of Find My iPhone, which has continued to make waves in the years since. Find My iPhone was originally available only to MobileMe users, which carried a $99 per year charge, although Apple later made it free to users.
While iOS 3 was more of a subtle improvement than a massive rethink of Apple’s mobile operating system, it was a significant step forward at the time that made all of our iPhones better. And, of course, it was also the first iOS version to make it to iPad when Apple’s tablet arrived in 2010.
Do you have fond/not-so-fond memories of iOS 3? Leave your comments below.
