HiOS claims to allow for a wide range of user customization without requiring rooting of the mobile device.[3] The operating system is bundled with pre-installed utility applications. The company claimed that the applications would allow users to free up memory, freeze applications, limit data accessibility to applications among others.[4]
History
In April 2016, Tecno Mobile released HiOS 1.0, based on Android 6.0 "Marshmallow", featuring a launcher and micro-intelligence.[5][6][7] The HiOS was first launched on Tecno Boom J8.[8][9][10] In March 2017, HiOS 2.0 was released based on Android 7.0 "Nougat", launching on Camon CX and L9 Plus.[11][12] It came with a customized home screen launcher.[13]
In October 2017, HiOS 3.0 was also released based on Android 7.0 as seen in HiOS 2.0, but with improved user interfaces, launching on Phantom 8 and Camon CM.[14][15][16] It came pre-installed with new music player and browser app.[17][18]
In November 2018, HiOS 4.1 was released based on Android 8.1 "Oreo", launching on Camon 11 and Camon 11 Pro.[19][20][21] HiOS 4.1 added support for single-handed mode, gesture controls and facial recognition-based security.[22][23]
In April 2019, HiOS 5.0 was released based on Android 9.0 "Pie", launching on Spark 3 and Phantom 9.[24][25] In September 2019, HiOS 5.5 was also released based on Android 9.0 "Pie", launching on Camon 12 and Spark 4.[26][27]
In February 2020, HiOS 6.0 was released based on Android 10, launching on Camon 15.[28][29] The beta version of HiOS 6.0 was released to Tecno Spark 3 Pro on 1 December 2019, allowing system-wide dark theme to be set by the user, as with the original Android 10.[30]
In September 2020, HiOS 7.0 was released based on Android 10, launching on Camon 16 series.
In May 2021, HiOS 7.6 was released based on Android 11, launching on Camon 17 series.
In August 2021, HiOS 7.6 was released as an upgrade based on Android 11, on Camon 16 series.