Apple’s iOS 17 is set to bring new features and updates to iPhones later this year. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about iOS 17, including its expected release date, new features, how to download the beta, and compatible devices.
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When Will iOS 17 Be Released?
Apple has not officially announced an iOS 17 release date yet, but based on previous iOS release patterns, we can predict when it will likely launch.
iOS 17 will probably be unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) which is usually held in June. The first iOS 17 beta will likely be released to developers shortly after.
Several more iOS 17 betas will then follow over the next few months. The public beta typically launches in July, which allows the general public to test the software before the official release.
The final stable version of iOS 17 will likely be released in September 2023, alongside the release of the newest iPhone models.
While the exact date is still uncertain, the general consensus based on expert analysis of Apple’s patterns points to a September 2023 iOS 17 release.
New Features Expected in iOS 17
While Apple has not shared official details yet, several leaks and rumors have emerged about potential iOS 17 features based on code found in early betas. Here are some of the most credible and exciting features expected in iOS 17:
- Reactions for FaceTime – iOS 17 will allow users to express themselves more creatively in FaceTime with new animated reactions like hearts, celebrations, balloons, and more. This will make video calls more dynamic.
- Revamped Up Next carousel – The Up Next carousel in the Podcasts app will get redesigned cards, a 3-dot menu, and compact playback indicator to easily identify unfinished podcasts.
- Updated camera leveling – The camera app will have improved leveling capability with the addition of a horizontal line to help users ensure their landscape shots are perfectly level.
- Journal app – iOS 17 is rumored to include a new built-in app called Journal to support documenting daily reflections and memories. It may support integration with photos.
- StandBy mode – A new StandBy mode will display glanceable information when the iPhone is charging and idle, allowing users to quickly see info without unlocking.
- AirDrop sharing updates – iOS 17 will further improve the user-friendly AirDrop sharing feature for faster sharing between Apple devices.
- Text input improvements – Intelligent text input will be improved to increase typing speed, accuracy and efficiency.
These new additions will allow users to accomplish everyday tasks faster and enrich basic iPhone functions like messaging, photography and sharing. More new features will likely be unveiled with the first iOS 17 beta release.
How to Download the iOS 17 Public Beta
Interested iOS users can download the iOS 17 public beta to test out features before the official release.
Here are the steps:
- On your iPhone, go to Apple’s beta software portal using Safari.
- Use your Apple ID to sign up for the public beta program.
- Read the disclaimer about beta software and consent to the terms.
- Tap enroll your iOS device and follow the prompts.
- Once enrolled, go to Settings > General > Software Update and download the iOS 17 public beta OTA update.
The public beta will likely be available starting in July 2023 and will be updated regularly throughout the beta testing period leading up to the public release. Downloading the beta will allow you to explore iOS 17 features early, but keep in mind betas can be unstable.
Which iPhones Are Compatible With iOS 17?
Based on Apple’s software update history, iOS 17 will be compatible with the following iPhone models:
| 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 SE (2nd and 3rd generation) |
The newest iPhones, including the iPhone 15 line expected in September 2023, will ship with iOS 17 pre-installed. Many older iPhone models will not be eligible for the update.
Before downloading iOS 17, check the compatible devices list to ensure your iPhone can run the latest update. Attempting to run iOS 17 on incompatible iPhones may lead to a poor and buggy experience.
Exciting Improvements in iOS 17
Beyond the new features, expert reviews of the iOS 17 beta suggest there are underlying improvements that will optimize performance.
- Better battery life – Code optimizations in iOS 17 improve battery life. Tests show the update adds up to one hour of extra runtime per charge on supported iPhones.
- Faster speeds – iOS 17 brings faster speeds thanks to software enhancements. Apps open quicker and everyday tasks have less latency.
- Expanded language support – The iOS keyboard will support more language options and be more context-aware when switching languages.
- Accessibility updates – VisualLookUp, Door Detection and Live Captions are just some of the expanded accessibility features coming in iOS 17.
- Refined apps – Default iPhone apps like Messages, Mail, Safari and Weather get design tweaks and new capabilities.
- Greater personalization – More customizable widgets, notifications options and Focus modes allow adjusting iPhone setup based on personal preferences.
These changes ‘under the hood’ will further optimize iOS 17 when running on compatible iPhones. Users can expect an even faster and more polished software experience.
Anticipated iOS 17 Supported Devices List
Based on the iOS 16 compatible devices list and Apple’s standard 5-6 years of software update support per device generation, the following iPhones are expected to support 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 SE (2022 and 2024 models) |
The supported devices list is not yet confirmed by Apple but this covers the likely iPhone models that will be compatible with iOS 17, based on historical iOS support and device life cycles. The final list should be unveiled at WWDC 2023.
Only devices listed as supporting iOS 17 by Apple will be able to update safely to the latest software version. Using iOS 17 on unsupported iPhones may lead to slow performance, app crashes, and other issues.
Key Takeaways on iOS 17 Release and Features
- iOS 17 will likely be released in September 2023, following the standard Apple software update timeline.
- New iOS 17 features based on credible leaks include a revamped Podcasts app, Journal app for reflections, StandBy mode, Reactions in FaceTime and camera updates.
- Downloading the iOS 17 public beta allows users to test features early but betas can be unstable.
- iOS 17 will be compatible with iPhone models as old as the iPhone X and iPhone 8 series.
- Under-the-hood improvements will optimize battery life, speed, accessibility and personalization in iOS 17.
- Check Apple’s iOS 17 compatibility list before updating to ensure your iPhone model is supported for a smooth upgrade.
The countdown begins for the launch of iOS 17. As we get closer to the release date, more details will emerge about the new capabilities coming in the latest iPhone software update.
iOS 17 FAQ
Q1. When will iOS 17 be released?
The official release date is still unconfirmed, but based on Apple’s patterns, iOS 17 will likely be released in September 2023.
Q2. Will my iPhone get iOS 17?
iOS 17 should be compatible with iPhone models going back to the iPhone 8 and iPhone X series. Check Apple’s compatibility list to confirm your device will support iOS 17 before updating.
Q3. How do I get the iOS 17 beta?
You can enroll in the iOS 17 public beta through Apple’s beta software portal starting in July 2023. The beta allows early access to test iOS 17.
Q4. What are the new features in iOS 17?
Rumored new iOS 17 features include a new Journal app, Reactions in FaceTime, camera updates like leveling, StandBy mode, and redesigned apps like Podcasts. More features will be revealed closer to launch.
Q5. Will iOS 17 have better battery life?
Yes, iOS updates typically include battery life optimizations. Early iOS 17 testing shows around 1 hour of extra runtime per charge gained.
Q6. Does iOS 17 make my iPhone faster?
iOS 17 is expected to bring performance improvements to make iPhones feel faster thanks to software enhancements by Apple engineers.
Q7. When will iOS 17 stop being supported?
Apple usually supports iOS updates for 5-6 years after release. Based on that timeline, iOS 17 will likely stop being supported around 2028-2029.
Q8. Will my iOS 17 beta data carry over?
Yes, your settings, apps and files will be saved when updating from an iOS 17 beta to the final public release version.
Q9. Can I revert back from iOS 17?
Yes, you can revert to iOS 16 for up to two weeks after updating by using iPhone recovery mode and iTunes or Finder on a computer.
Conclusion
iOS 17 promises to bring new levels of personalization, intelligence, connectivity, functionality and performance to iPhones. With features like Reactions in FaceTime, the new Journal app for reflections, camera upgrades and design tweaks across the system, users have a lot to look forward to.
Under-the-hood refinements will also enhance battery life, speed and accessibility. iOS 17 shapes up to be a major update that will allow iPhone users to accomplish more and customize their experience to match personal preferences and workflows.
As we get closer to the anticipated September 2023 release, Apple will reveal more details about the update at WWDC 2023. Users interested in testing the new features early can enroll in the iOS 17 public beta in summer 2023.
With support extending back to 2017’s iPhone X and iPhone 8, the vast majority of active iPhones will be compatible with iOS 17. Owners of supported models can upgrade to enjoy all the new capabilities when iOS 17 arrives later this year.