iPhone OS 2 (now part of iOS history) was released to expand the original
iPhone's capabilities alongside the iPhone 3G.
It launched on July 11, 2008, as a paid update for iPod Touch and free for
existing iPhones, primarily to introduce the App Store for direct app
downloads.
Key Reasons for Release
- Addressed limitations of iPhone OS 1 by adding third-party apps via the App Store, revolutionizing mobile software distribution.
- Coincided with iPhone 3G hardware, enabling features like GPS and faster 3G connectivity that required OS upgrades.
- Announced March 6, 2008, to boost ecosystem growth after the first iPhone's success.
Context in iOS Evolution
iPhone OS 2 marked the shift from a closed system to an app-centric model, setting the stage for modern iOS up to iOS 26 in 2025.
The "2" likely refers to this version number, as the query format suggests inquiry into its purpose.
