Introduction
iOS 17 is Apple’s newest operating system for iPhones and iPads. While an official release date has not yet been announced, iOS 17 is expected to come out in Fall 2023 based on Apple’s software update timeline.
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Updating to iOS 17 will give you access to the latest features and improvements that Apple has included in the new OS. However, before updating, it’s important to make sure your device is compatible and to properly prepare your iPhone or iPad beforehand.
This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to update to iOS 17 once it’s released.
We’ll cover:
- Checking device compatibility
- Backing up your device
- Downloading and installing the update
- Going through the setup process
- Joining the iOS 17 public beta
Following these instructions will ensure a smooth update process so you can start taking advantage of all the great additions in iOS 17.
Checking Device Compatibility
The first step is to check whether your device will be able to run iOS 17. Apple typically provides support for iOS updates for devices that are less than 5 to 6 years old.
Based on previous iOS release history, the following iPhones and iPads should be compatible with iOS 17:
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS, XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8, 8 Plus
- iPhone 7, 7 Plus
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th gen)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd gen)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th gen)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd gen)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd gen)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st gen)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad (9th gen)
- iPad (8th gen)
- iPad (7th gen)
- iPad (6th gen)
- iPad (5th gen)
- iPad Mini (6th gen)
- iPad Mini (5th gen)
- iPod touch (7th gen)
If you have an older model than what’s listed, your device likely won’t be able to update to iOS 17. The update requires an A10 chip or later.
You can check your device model and chip information by going to Settings > General > About. This will show details like “iPhone X with A11 Bionic chip”.
Backing Up Your Device
Before updating, it’s highly recommended to back up your iPhone or iPad. Backing up ensures you have a saved copy of your data and settings in case anything goes wrong during the iOS 17 installation process.
There are two ways to back up an iOS device – using iCloud or using iTunes on a computer.
Backing Up to iCloud
- Connect your device to a Wi-Fi network and launch Settings.
- Tap on your Apple ID profile at the top of the screen.
- Select “iCloud” and then “iCloud Backup”.
- Tap “Back Up Now” to perform an immediate iCloud backup. The backup can take several minutes depending on how much data you have.
- Check that the date/time shown under “Last Backup” is current to confirm the backup completed.
Backing Up to iTunes on a Computer
- Connect your device to your computer using the USB cable that came with your iPhone/iPad.
- Open iTunes on your computer.
- Select your connected device in iTunes.
- In the Backups section, click “Back Up Now”.
- Let the backup fully complete. On the Summary screen, check that the date shows the current date/time to confirm completion.
No matter which backup method you use, make sure your device is charged enough to complete the process. You’ll also need enough iCloud storage or disk space on your computer to hold the backup.
Downloading and Installing the iOS 17 Update
Once Apple releases iOS 17 to the public, you can download and install it:
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to a Wi-Fi network. You’ll need a Wi-Fi connection to download the iOS update.
- Launch Settings > General > Software Update.
- When iOS 17 appears on this screen, tap “Download and Install”. If you don’t immediately see the update, keep checking back for when it’s available.
- Follow the prompts to download and install iOS 17. The update process can take several minutes. Your device may restart a couple times during the installation.
- Keep your device on the Wi-Fi network and connected to power until the update finishes.
- When your iPhone or iPad screen returns to your Home screen, iOS 17 is installed. All your apps and settings should remain intact.
- To confirm the update, launch Settings again and look at the General > Software Update screen or check your iOS version under General > About. It should show that you’re running iOS 17.
Setting Up Your Device on iOS 17
Once the software update is complete, you’ll need to finish setting up your device.
Here’s what to expect after the iOS 17 installation:
- Activation Screen – You’ll see the familiar “Hello” screen and need to select your language.
- Wi-Fi Setup – Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password to connect.
- Apple ID Login – Sign in with your Apple ID and password. This restores your settings from iCloud.
- Terms and Conditions – Read and agree to Apple’s terms to continue.
- Touch ID/Face ID Setup – If needed, you’ll go through the steps to setup biometric authentication again.
- Passcode Creation – You may need to create a new device passcode.
- Siri Setup – Choose whether to enable Siri and go through the voice process.
- Apple Pay Setup – If you use it, you’ll need to re-add credit/debit cards to Apple Pay.
- iCloud Keychain Recovery – You may need to re-verify saved passwords stored in iCloud Keychain.
- Home Screen Setup – Your Home screen icons will repopulate after the update. Set it up to your liking.
- App Data Downloads – Give it some time for your apps to re-download data after updating.
Finally, your device will be completely ready to use with iOS 17! Take some time to explore new features you couldn’t wait to try out.
Joining the iOS 17 Public Beta
For those that want early access, Apple offers public beta versions of new iOS releases. The iOS 17 public beta will likely launch in mid-2023, a couple months before the full launch.
Joining the public beta allows you to test out iOS 17 features, but keep in mind that beta software can be buggy. Only install on a secondary device if you rely on your iPhone or iPad’s performance.
Here are the steps to join the iOS public beta program:
- On your device, sign up at the Apple Beta Software Program website.
- Tap “Sign Up” and enter your Apple ID details.
- Read and accept the terms and conditions for joining the beta.
- From the website, download and install the Apple Beta Software Profile on your device.
- Reboot your iPhone or iPad after installing the profile.
- Check for a software update in Settings to download the iOS 17 public beta.
As new beta versions are released, your enrolled device will automatically get them over-the-air. Be sure to provide Apple with feedback about the beta performance.
Once iOS 17 nears launch, you can delete the beta profile to opt out. Then your device can update to the final iOS 17 build once it’s publicly released.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new features does iOS 17 have?
While full details haven’t been revealed yet, rumors indicate iOS 17 may include:
- A redesigned multitasking interface for iPads
- New fitness tracking capabilities
- Enhancements to messaging and Apple Maps
- Improvements to notifications, widgets, and Siri
- Updated privacy protections
- Accessibility enhancements
- And more to be announced!
Will iOS 17 work on my older iPhone model?
iOS 17 is expected to be compatible with iPhones back to the iPhone X and newer. Older models like the iPhone 7 likely won’t be able to update. Check Apple’s compatibility list once iOS 17 is launched to know for sure.
How much storage space do I need for iOS 17?
Plan to have at least 10GB of available storage space on your device before updating. The iOS 17 download may be around 3-4GB and you’ll need room for the installation process.
Can I still use my apps if I don’t update to iOS 17?
Most apps should still work if you remain on an older iOS version, but over time more apps and services will begin requiring you to update to the latest OS. Update at some point to keep full app functionality.
Is updating to iOS 17 safe? What if something goes wrong?
Apple thoroughly tests iOS updates for safety. But as an extra precaution, be sure to backup your device before installing. If you encounter issues, you may be able to restore your device from the backup.
How can I provide feedback about iOS 17?
Once updated, use the Feedback Assistant app on your device to report any bugs found in iOS 17. Apple uses feedback to improve the software. You can also provide feedback if you join the public beta program.
Conclusion
Updating your iPhone or iPad to the latest iOS version enables you to access new features and important security protections. By taking some time to check compatibility, back up your device, and safely install iOS 17, you can have a smooth update experience.
Following this guide, you’ll be prepared to update your device to iOS 17 when it launches later in 2023. Enjoy exploring what’s new with Apple’s latest iOS! Let us know if you have any other questions about updating your iPhone or iPad.
Table 1: iOS Device Compatibility with iOS 17 (Expected)
| Device | Able to Update to iOS 17? |
| iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max | Yes |
| iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max | Yes |
| iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max | Yes |
| iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max | Yes |
| iPhone XS, XS Max | Yes |
| iPhone XR | Yes |
| iPhone X | Yes |
| iPhone 8, 8 Plus | Yes |
| iPhone 7, 7 Plus | No |
| iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen) | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th gen) | Yes |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd gen) | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th gen) | Yes |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd gen) | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen) | Yes |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen) | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd gen) | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st gen) | Yes |
| iPad Pro 10.5-inch | Yes |
| iPad Pro 9.7-inch | No |
| iPad (9th gen) | Yes |
| iPad (8th gen) | Yes |
| iPad (7th gen) | Yes |
| iPad (6th gen) | No |
| iPad (5th gen) | No |
| iPad Mini (6th gen) | Yes |
| iPad Mini (5th gen) | Yes |
| iPod touch (7th gen) | Yes |