Apple is predicted to debut iOS 17 later this yr, with the software program replace set to carry adjustments to the corporate’s first-party apps and enhancements to the general expertise of utilizing the perfect iPhones.
Though competitor Google has already launched Android 14 for testing (and teased a number of the options it’s going to introduce), Apple sometimes retains shtum about what its subsequent iOS updates will carry to the desk. That mentioned, we’re all however sure we’ll hear extra at WWDC (Apple’s annual developer convention) in June, forward of the iPhone 15 launch in September.
Regardless of the shortage of official data, we do have already got some thought of what iOS 17 may appear to be, and beneath, you’ll be able to learn up on what we already know in regards to the upcoming replace. We have additionally included transient want listing of what we’d like to see launched come September. We’ll even be updating this text as extra rumors and stories emerge, so ensure that to test again commonly.
iOS 17: Reduce to the chase
- What’s it? The subsequent massive replace for iOS – the iPhone’s working system
- When does it come out? Anticipated to drop in the midst of September
- How a lot does it value? It’s going to be a free improve
- Which telephones are supported? Conflicting stories, however probably iPhone 11 and newer
iOS 17 launch date
iOS 17 is predicted to be launched on or across the center of September, to coincide with the anticipated iPhone 15 launch. Earlier than that, Apple will unveil iOS 17 at WWDC (World Large Developer’s Convention) in June. Apple has introduced WWDC 2023 for June 5, with the occasion set to “highlight the most recent iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS developments”.
Shortly after WWDC, Apple will launch two beta variations of iOS – a developer preview, and a public construct. The general public beta is usually dependable sufficient to make use of on a day by day cellphone a few month or two after this system begins.
iOS 17 availability
We have heard conflicting stories surrounding the supply of iOS 17.
Based on a one MacRumors (opens in new tab) supply “with a confirmed observe file,” iOS 17 will drop help for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, whereas iPadOS 17 will shun the first-generation iPad Professional (each the 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch fashions) and fifth-generation iPad. All six units had been launched between November 2015 and November 2017.
If that rumor rings true, Apple may have dropped help for nearly all units operating the A11 Bionic chip or older with its subsequent main software program updates. The sixth- and seventh-generation iPad, in addition to the second-generation iPad Professional, will reportedly be exceptions to the rule.
Nonetheless, a second respected leaker – the exact same particular person who first hinted that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will characteristic Apple’s Dynamic Island – has since counterclaimed (opens in new tab) that iOS 17 might be suitable with all iPhones able to operating iOS 16.
At this stage, then, there’s little certainty round which iPhones will (and gained’t) be supported by iOS 17 – however we’re inclined to consider that the previous rumor has extra weight.
Apple routinely drops help for older units with each re-creation of iOS and iPadOS – the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7 and iPad Air 2 had been among the many fashions left behind by iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, for example – and each the iPhone X and iPhone 8 at the moment are 5 years outdated, which is normally grounds for the chopping block.
By the way, in case your iPhone does qualify for Apple’s subsequent massive replace, it will likely download iOS 17 automatically (opens in new tab). iOS 16.4 launched a code that makes iPhone updates obtain by default, with Apple evidently hoping that the change will make sure that most individuals are operating the most recent model of iOS.
iOS 17 anticipated options
Relating to iOS 17’s options, one factor we might be fairly positive about is that we gained’t see quite a lot of massive additions, just like the lock display or house display widget upgrades that got here with earlier releases.
Nonetheless, though Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman had previously reported (opens in new tab) that improvement on the Apple VR headset would result in “fewer main adjustments” for iOS 17, the seasoned Apple skilled has since claimed (opens in new tab) that the upcoming replace will truly present a number of of customers’ “most requested options.”
“When Apple got down to develop iOS 17, the preliminary considering was to name it a tuneup launch – one centered extra on fixing bugs and enhancing efficiency than including new options,” Gurman wrote in a current e-newsletter. “The hope was to keep away from the issues of iOS 16, an formidable replace that suffered from missed deadlines and a buggy begin. However later within the improvement course of, the technique modified.
“The iOS 17 launch is now anticipated to boast a number of ‘good to have’ options, even when it lacks a tentpole enchancment like final yr’s revamped lock display. The aim of the software program, codenamed Daybreak, is to test off a number of of customers’ most requested options.”
As Gurman notes, it’s unlikely that iOS 17 will introduce any main overhauls to the expertise of utilizing the greatest iPhones, since a lot of the high-hanging fruit – customized iOS lock screens, customized keyboards and so forth – has been fulfilled by Apple lately.
As a substitute, iOS 17 will extra possible supply a variety of serious updates to present iPhone options and apps, like CarPlay, Siri and Messages.
iOS 17 wishlist
1. Tremendous Siri
ChatGPT is taking the world by storm, and Google and Microsoft have been fast to react. Apple set the world on fireplace with the launch of Siri, alongside the iPhone 4S, however the digital assistant nonetheless has but to succeed in its full potential. As generative AI fashions develop in recognition, the big and really engaged iPhone consumer base would give Apple a bonus over its opponents, if it launched its personal GPT-powered chatbot.
2. Improved notifications
This explicit want comes as normal – and goes ungranted – with each Apple replace. The corporate has labored to barely tweak iOS notifications yearly, however they’re nonetheless horribly mediocre. There’s restricted notification bundling or quick-reply help, and actionable notifications are nonetheless few and much between in comparison with Android.
Yearly, we hope that Apple will carry Notification Middle as much as par – and yearly Apple does the equal of putting a smiley band-aid on a gaping wound. Generally, Apple likes to do issues its personal method, and that’s nice; on this case, nevertheless, it is time for the corporate to swallow its delight and do the carried out factor.
3. RCS help
RCS, or Wealthy Communication Companies, is gaining recognition on Android telephones. It primarily turns primary SMS messaging into the equal of extra fashionable apps, like iMessage or Fb Messenger. Now, it’s not vital for Apple to make RCS work on iPhones, however it might be higher than the plain outdated SMS we at present have.
You possibly can see when somebody’s typing, get learn receipts, ship bigger recordsdata and extra. It’s an rising normal – very like USB-C – and in international locations the place texting through the Messages app is extra frequent than one thing like WhatsApp or Telegram, there’s no draw back to upgrading the Messages expertise for everybody, as iOS customers preferring to not allow iMessage for one cause or one other can even to utilize RCS’ extra performance with out compromise.