What features have been added to the Files app since it was introduced with iOS 11?

As far as I'm aware, the Files app was introduced in iOS 11 and replaced the iCloud Drive app - what I can't seem to find, however, is how functionality of the app has evolved from iOS 11 to 13. Could somebody explain how the app has added features across iOS builds - for example, what changed from iOS 11 to 12, and from 12 to 13?


iOS 11 introduced the Files app.

iOS 12 added the following features, summarised from

  • https://support.apple.com/HT209084
    • AR Quick Look support

iOS 13 added the following features, summarised from

  • https://support.apple.com/HT210393

    • External drives supported in Files to access and manage files on a USB drive, SD card, or hard drive
    • SMB support to connect to a server at work or a home PC
    • Local storage for creating folders on the local drive and adding your favorite files
    • Zip and Unzip support for creating and expanding Zip files
  • https://appletoolbox.com/everything-in-the-new-files-app-for-ipados/

    • Document scanning previously only in Notes, now available to scan to Files directly.
    • Column view (iPadOS).
    • Multiple Files app windows (an iPadOS feature supported by Files app).