The Ju 188 was a development of the Ju 88. It had a redesigned nose, new wings of greater span with pointed tips, and heavier armament.

The first major versions were the Ju 188E and Ju 188F of 1941, which entered service before the Ju 188A and were bombing and reconnaissance types respectively. Power for these was provided by 1,267kW BMW 801D and G engines. Next came the Ju 188A which had been held up by the slow delivery of the 1,323kW Jumo 213A engines. One version of the A was adapted to carry two torpedoes. The Ju 188D was a reconnaissance sister to the A fitted with the same engines and armament.

Projected versions of the Ju 188 included the C bomber (with a remotely controlled tail turret); G (development of the G); H reconnaissance aircraft (developed from the G); R night fighter; and the T photographic reconnaissance aircraft with a pressure cabin. The only other version to enter service was the Ju 188S, a three-seat high-altitude bomber powered by Jumo 213E engines and with a pressurised crew cabin. The priority for low-level attack aircraft caused an abrupt end to Ju 188S production, all remaining airframes being converted into unpressurised aircraft mounting a 50mm BK 5 cannon. More than 1,000 Ju 188s of all versions were built.