Apple has officially released iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, its next-generation operating systems for iPhone and iPad. These new updates were first announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June and have since undergone testing by developers and beta testers. This testing phase has allowed Apple to gather valuable feedback and make necessary refinements to the software before its public release.
One of the notable features introduced in iOS 17 is the customized look for each person that calls you. The person placing the call can customize their appearance, adding a personal touch to incoming calls. Another new feature is the StandBy feature, which transforms the iPhone into a home hub when it’s placed horizontally. This home hub displays information such as the calendar, time, home controls, and more. Additionally, widgets on the Home Screen are now interactive, allowing users to perform tasks like checking off items on a to-do list or turning off lights without needing to open an app.
AirDrop has also been improved in iOS 17, and there’s a new function called NameDrop, which allows for quick sharing of contacts. Users can now even initiate a SharePlay session by simply holding two iPhones together. On the iPad, iPadOS 17 brings updates to widgets and the Lock Screen to create more parity with iPhones. For the first time, iPads will support customized Lock Screens, and Home Screen widgets will become interactive. iPadOS 17 also introduces support for Live Activities, and the Health app is now available on iPads, taking advantage of the larger display sizes. Improvements have also been made across various apps like Notes, Messages, FaceTime, and Safari.
The beta versions of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 were previously available to registered users through Apple’s developer portal, allowing them to provide feedback and help Apple refine the software. While Apple initially stated that iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 would be released in the fall of 2023 without specifying a specific date, we can look to the timeline of previous releases for an estimation. Based on past years, it is likely that iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 will be released shortly after the announcement of the iPhone 15 series during Apple’s “Wonderlust” event on September 12. Pre-orders for the new iPhones are expected to go live a few days later on September 15, with the new iPhones coming pre-installed with iOS 17. If everything goes according to plan, iOS 17 should be available by the expected launch of the iPhone 15 series on September 22.
As for device compatibility, iOS 17 is compatible with the iPhone XS and newer models, meaning support has been dropped for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X. iPadOS 17, on the other hand, is compatible with the second-generation iPad Pro, the third-generation iPad Air, the sixth-generation iPad, and the fifth-generation iPad mini and newer models. However, it drops support for the first-generation iPad Pro and the fifth-generation iPad.
Overall, the release of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 brings a range of exciting features and improvements to Apple’s mobile operating systems. Users can look forward to a more personalized experience, enhanced widgets, improved app functionality, and more. With the updates now rolling out to eligible devices, Apple enthusiasts can begin enjoying these new features on their iPhones and iPads.