Apple jumped to iOS 2 (initially called iPhone OS 2) because it was a major update that introduced key new features, most notably the introduction of the App Store which allowed third-party applications to be officially installed on iPhones and iPod Touches. This version also added numerous improvements such as enhanced Mail app features, support for push email, parental controls, and enterprise support like Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, security enhancements, and new language support. The update was released alongside the iPhone 3G in 2008, marking a significant evolution from the original iPhone OS 1 by enabling the iPhone to become a more versatile and developer-friendly platform beyond just built-in apps.
More recently, Apple jumped from iOS 18 directly to iOS 26 for a different strategic reason: to unify the naming across all its platforms (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS) and to align the software versioning with the year 2025. This jump reflects Apple's goal of creating more unity across devices with a consistent design and experience, as well as signaling a major identity shift toward an intelligent, AI-driven, and cross-device environment. This skip in version numbers also helps developers by providing a clear versioning roadmap and marking a clean break from legacy constraints.
In summary:
- The jump to iOS 2 was to launch the App Store and enable third-party apps, fundamentally expanding iPhone capabilities.
- The jump to iOS 26 (from iOS 18) was to unify Apple’s ecosystem naming, align with the calendar year, and mark a major evolution in software philosophy and technology integration.
