about iOS The definitive guide to iOS 17: A comprehensive overview of all the essential information about iOS.

In 2023, Apple released new versions of the iPhone. Additionally, all iPhones from the iPhone XR and up will receive an update: iOS 17. This significant operating system update was made accessible to millions of iPhones on September 18, 2023, which falls on a Monday.

At the WWDC event on June 5, Apple announced the upcoming features of iOS 17. These include contact posters, NameDrop, StandBy, Live Voicemail, FaceTime video voicemail, an updated Siri voice recognition model, significant enhancements to autocorrect and dictation, and numerous other improvements.

It’s as if you’re getting a brand new iPhone for free. In this article, we cover all the information you need to know about iOS 17, including its features and any problems that may arise. We also track the most recent version and what to expect in the next update.

As of September 18th, the latest version of iOS, iOS 17, has been released.

What is the most recent version of iOS?

The first version of iOS 17 was launched on September 18. However, there will be numerous updates in the following months, including smaller releases to fix bugs and address security issues, as well as larger releases that introduce new features.

Haven’t received the update yet? While some individuals have already received the iOS 17 update at 10 am ET, 1 pm PT, or 6 pm BST, it may take some time for it to appear on your iPhone.

Here are some of the highlights of the upcoming iOS 17 updates.

of iOS software

The most recent update of the iOS software, known as iOS 17 beta.

Apple has been conducting a beta program ever since unveiling the specifics of iOS 17 at WWDC. With the public release of iOS 17, the beta testing will continue. The current beta version is known as the iOS 17 Release Candidate, but Apple is expected to begin working on iOS 17.1 in the near future. This update is likely to address any initial glitches and issues that may arise with the initial release of iOS 17.

If you wish to keep receiving updates for iOS 17 beta, please refer to the steps on how to obtain it on your iPhone. We also explain how to switch back from iOS 17 beta to a non-beta version for testers who prefer to use the complete version of iOS 17.

How to download and install iOS 17 on your iPhone.

Setting up iOS 17 is a straightforward process. Simply follow these instructions:

1. Launch the Settings application

2. Tap General
3. Tap Software Update

This screen displays the current version of iOS that is installed on your device. If there is a newer version available, it will be indicated. It may show “Install Now” if the update has been downloaded but not yet applied, or “Download and Install” if the update has not been downloaded yet.

To update to iOS 17, simply follow the given instructions. You may be required to agree to the terms and conditions again, and the process of downloading, verifying, and applying may take a few minutes. Afterward, your iPhone will restart and you will be greeted with new feature introductions on some welcome screens.

Please refer to our comprehensive guide on updating your iPhone to iOS 17 and troubleshooting any potential problems with the installation.

Which phones are compatible with iOS 17 and can run the newest software?

The iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X will not be compatible with iOS 17. However, they will continue to receive security updates for at least one year as they are capable of running iOS 16. Some iPhones will be able to run iOS 17, but not all of the new features will be supported.

• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR

• Second generation or newer iPhone SE

If your selected device receives an additional year of software support, keep in mind that older iPhones may not have access to all new features. For instance, last year the iPhone 8 and iPhone X were unable to access many exciting features due to their outdated processor. For further details, review all previous versions of iOS and determine which version is compatible with your iPhone.

iOS 17: Features

iOS 16 had several fresh elements, such as a revamped Lock Screen, the ability to unsend iMessages, and the iCloud Shared Photo Library. However, what can we expect from iOS 17? Speculation hinted at fewer significant alterations than usual, but Apple has now revealed multiple additions for the upcoming update, which we will outline below. For a general look at the new features, check out our comparison of iOS 16 and iOS 17.

Some of the new additions will not be accessible right away. A minimum of five features for iOS 17 will not be fully functional, such as AirDrop via the Internet, the Journal application, Collaborative Apple Music playlists, AirPlay in hotel rooms, and NameDrop for Apple Watch. These features are expected to be released in a future software update later this year.

You might be interested in checking out: iOS 17 features that were not included in the WWDC presentation and iOS 17 features that are tempting us to upgrade.

Journal

This is a fresh application that expands on the concept of Memories in Photos, providing a novel approach to reminiscing about cherished occasions. It allows users to document and reflect on experiences through text, location, and photos, among other features. Additionally, there is a Suggestions API available for developers to integrate into their own applications.

Scheduled for a future update “later this year”

StandBy

This feature appears to be influenced by the Apple Watch. By placing your phone in a horizontal position on a stand at night, you can view the time using a clock and various clock styles. Additionally, you have the option to view a slideshow of your favorite photos, display widgets, and check Live Activities such as game scores. There is also a Night Mode available, which displays red text to reduce eye strain at night. It’s similar to using an alarm clock. For instructions on how to use StandBy to turn your phone into a smart home hub, please see: How to use StandBy for smart home automation.

Contact Posters

You can use this feature to customize your appearance during calls and on your contact card. Your personalized contact card will be visible to your friends in their Contacts. You have the option to personalize your poster by adding images, fonts, and colors. This feature is compatible with Call Kit, allowing it to be used in third-party VOIP applications.

Check out: Step-by-step guide for creating and personalizing your Contact Poster on iOS 17.

Live Voicemail

When someone calls and leaves a voicemail, you will receive a real-time transcription of their message. This allows you to decide whether or not to answer the call.

Read: How to use Live Voicemail in iOS 17.

Phone calls

Apple has implemented updates to the Phone application, including replacing the Contacts button, relocating the in-call buttons, and refreshing the icons.

Following some negative feedback, Apple has seemingly relocated the end-call button to the center as of mid-August.

FaceTime

Apple is introducing a feature that allows users to leave a video message on the FaceTime app when the recipient does not answer.

In addition, you can use your Apple TV to receive FaceTime calls.

Messages

The speed of the Messages app will be enhanced, and there will be search filters that allow you to specify terms for a more focused search. Additionally, you can easily go to the first unread message in a group chat, respond to messages by swiping on the bubble, and have audio messages automatically transcribed.

The Check-In feature now informs your Family and Friends when you have reached your destination safely. In case you are not moving towards your destination, the messages will remind you to reply. If you fail to respond, the feature will share your location, battery life, and cell service status with the designated contact.

Ring Tones and Text Tones

There are 24 additional Ringtones available on iOS 17, such as Dollop, Kettle, Scavenger, Steps, Storytime, Unfold, and Valley. To modify the ringtone, navigate to Sounds & Haptics and select Ringtone.

There are new options for text tones such as Cheers, Droplet, Portal, Slide, and Welcome. You can locate them in the Sounds & Haptics section of your settings under Text Tone.

Read more here: iOS 17 adds lots of new Ringtones and Text Tones

Stickers

All emoji on iOS 17 can now be adjusted in size as stickers. Objects from pictures can be extracted and transformed into stickers. Animated live photos can also be converted into Live Stickers.

Take a peek at the potential new emoji that may be added to iOS 17 in 2024.

AirDrop

Apple is simplifying the process of using AirDrop, making it easier for users to share information. By simply bringing their phones close together, they can select which phone numbers and email addresses they want to share on their iPhone or Apple Watch. For instance, if someone wants to share photos, they can easily do so by bringing their phones in proximity.

A future update will include a new feature for AirDrop – the option to initiate a transfer in person but then leave before it is complete, with the transfer being finished over the Internet.

The feature of AirDrop through the internet will be included in a future update.

NameDrop

NameDrop is a newly added function that utilizes AirDrop for effortless sharing of contact information. Say goodbye to the hassle of making a missed call to a new acquaintance just to give them your number.

Keyboard and Dictation

Autocorrect has been enhanced to be even more precise. By tapping on the underlined word, you can choose to go back to the original word you typed. While typing, you will receive suggestions and can simply tap the space bar to insert them. The autocorrect feature will also utilize machine learning to adjust to your writing style. In addition, Dictation now uses a new speech recognition model for improved accuracy.

Hey Siri

You can now summon Siri without having to say “Hey” every time. With the implementation of the new transformer model for dictation and autocorrect, Siri has become more accurate and able to understand your commands better. Additionally, you can make multiple requests in a single command.

Photos

The iOS 17 People album will utilize on-device machine learning to identify “additional pictures of a user’s preferred individuals” along with cats and dogs.

Apple Music

Collaborative playlists on Apple Music will be available in a future update, allowing you to share and collaborate on playlists with friends. This feature will allow them to add, remove, and change the order of songs.

This feature will be included in a future update.

Smaller features

Additionally, there are several lesser-known enhancements that were not highlighted during the keynote. These include upgrades to Spotlight search, Notes, Autofill, and Apple Music. To learn more, check out our guide on setting and adjusting crossfade in Apple Music.

Apple ID passkey

Apple unveiled that iOS 16 will have support for passkeys, but it will become widely available in iOS 17. With the release of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma, users will have the option to use Face ID or Touch ID on their iPhone to log into their Apple ID with a passkey instead of a password.

are not currently available

At the moment, iOS 17 does not support third-party app stores or sideloading.

Prior to WWDC, there were speculations that Apple would begin to loosen restrictions on the iPhone in iOS 17. This includes permitting the distribution of apps outside of the App Store, utilizing NFC for contactless payments beyond Apple Pay, allowing browsers to use other rendering engines besides Apple’s Webkit, and other changes. These changes are in response to the EU’s new Digital Markets Act and are expected to only affect iPhones running iOS 17 in regions covered by EU law.

At the WWDC event, Apple did not address the modifications, which is not unexpected. Additionally, there are no mentions of sideloading or third-party app stores on the iOS 17 website. Nevertheless, this does not indicate that these changes will not be implemented in iOS 17, whether at its release or at a later point in 2024.

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