iOS 17, Apple’s latest mobile operating system announced at WWDC 2023, is now available for download. It offers redesigned communication experiences, updates to AirDrop, iMessage improvements, a new StandBy mode, interactive widgets and more.
Which iPhone models support iOS 17?
Bad news for those who own an iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone X: these smartphones are no longer supported. As of now, the most recent iOS releases require a second-generation iPhone SE, iPhone XS/XS Max, or iPhone XR. Here is the full list of supported iPhone models:
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation).
- iPhone XR.
- iPhone XS and XS Max.
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max.
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
What’s new in iOS 17?
Redesigned phone experience. With iOS 17, you can create a personalized contact poster and express yourself with photos, Memoji, and typography. Contact Posters are available in the standard phone app and in third-party calling applications.
Live voicemail. You can see the real-time transcription or pick up the phone when someone leaves a voicemail.
FaceTime audio and video messages. If the person you’re trying to reach via FaceTime is unavailable, you can leave a video or audio message. Plus, FaceTime is now available on Apple TV 4K, powered by Continuity Camera on your iPhone.
iMessage improvements. The ‘blue bubble’ camp can now enjoy the latest developments in iMessage, such as a new place for iMessage apps, automatic check-in, a swipe-to-reply gesture, search filters and audio message transcription.
Stand-by. Turn your iPhone sideways when it’s charging to display useful information like date and time, music, photos, live activities, Siri results, and more. StandBy also works with third-party apps.
Interactive widgets. You can now check off reminders, play music, interact with smart home items and more, all from the home screen without opening the associated apps.
NameDrop. You can exchange phone numbers, email addresses, and other contact-related information, including your contact poster, with other people by holding two iPhones together.
AirDrop improvements. iOS 17 makes sharing items via AirDrop much easier. Bring two iPhones together to start the transfer. Later this year, users will have the option to transfer files via AirDrop over the internet when they are away.
Keyboard improvements. Apple has finally reworked its autocorrect logic, making it more useful and less intrusive. iOS 17 automatically underlines corrected words so you can get back to the original with one tap. Moreover, you can use inline prediction and complete words or entire sentences by tapping the spacebar key.
Safari upgrades. The built-in iOS browser lets you create dedicated spaces for work, personal browsing, and other activities, separating history, extensions, tab groups, cookies, and favorites.
AirPods. With iOS 17, the second-generation AirPods Pro get Adaptive Audio that dynamically combines transparency mode and noise cancellation. You can also quickly mute or unmute during a call by pressing the voice on your AirPods. Finally, Apple has made automatic switching easier, faster, and more reliable.
Health app. iOS 17 brings numerous upgrades to the Health app, allowing you to track even more health data, like your emotions and sunlight exposure (with compatible Apple Watch models). The medication tracker can give you more reminders and give you graphs, highlights and overviews of when and how consistently you take your medications. Finally, your iPhone can alert you if you hold it too close to your eyes, potentially causing risks to your vision.
Siri improvements. Say goodbye to “Hey Siri.” With iOS 17, you can just say “Siri.” Additionally, the digital assistant supports back-to-back requests.
And here are some other notable changes that iOS 17 brings:
- Downloadable maps for offline use and real-time monitoring of electric vehicle charging stations.
- Receive autofill verification codes in Mail.
- Share password with trusted contacts.
- Communications safety with extra protection for sensitive videos and photos received in Messages, AirDrop, FaceTime and more. iOS 17 can also blur sensitive images and videos before you view them.
How to download iOS 17?
- Launch the Institutions app on your iPhone.
- Go to General > Software update.
- Wait for your iPhone to detect the update, then tap iOS 17 at the bottom of the screen. Please note that you can continue to use iOS 16 and receive updates for it even if your iPhone supports a newer release.
- Continue with the on-screen instructions.
Will you update your iPhone today?