Everything You Need to Know About the New iPhone Update in iOS 17

During the WWDC keynote on June 5, 2023, Apple highlighted some of the new features arriving in iOS 17 this autumn. These include the Journal app, Live Voicemail, and a novel way to use Stickers. Continue reading to discover about all of the new features and improvements that will be available on your iPhone in 2023.

This free software update will include numerous interface enhancements, bug fixes, and new functionality. It's like getting a new iPhone without having to pay for it. This article will teach you all you need to know about iOS 17. We talk over its release schedule and when you can expect the beta and final versions; how to download it when it's available; iPhone models that are likely to be able to run iOS; and the features we expect and want to see in the new operating system.

Release date of iOS 17: When will iOS 17 be available?

On June 5, iOS 17 was introduced and presented at WWDC 2023, but it will not be available to iPhone customers globally until the autumn, most likely around mid-September. (The last iOS update released outside of September was iOS 5 in October 2011.) It is expected to take place shortly after the iPhone 15 announcement event. Between the iPhone 14 and the iOS 16 upgrade in 2022, there was a five-day wait, and a six-day delay in 2021. The release of a new version of iOS has been very consistent throughout the last many years:

Monday, September 12, 2022: iOS 16 is released.

Monday, September 20, 2021: iOS 15 is released.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020: iOS 14 is released.

Monday, September 17, 2018: iOS 12 Thursday, September 19, 2019: iOS 13

As a result, we predict the release of iOS 17 on Monday, September 11, 2023.

When will the iOS 17 beta be available?

Before the final version is released in the autumn, a series of beta versions of iOS 17 will be made available to testers, with the first developer beta scheduled for the first day of WWDC 2023. Our expected timeline is as follows:

In early to mid-June 2023, iOS 17 is unveiled at WWDC, and the first developer beta is released.

In July 2023, Apple releases the first public beta of iOS 17.

Apple releases a flood of new development and public betas between June and September 2023.

Apple releases the iPhone 15 in early September 2023.

In mid-September 2023, the final public version of iOS 17 is released.

How to Download and Install iOS 17 Beta and Full Version?

Once the final release is available, installing iOS 17 will be a breeze. Navigate to General > Software Update in the Settings app on your iPhone; iOS will scan for available upgrades and lead you through the installation procedure. Simply follow the procedures described in our iOS update guide. It will be much easier if you have enabled Automatic Updates, which can be done from the same page.

You can, however, install betas both before and after the official release of iOS 17 a year later. There are two types of betas: developer betas, which are released first, and public betas, which are released a day or two later.

In either case, it is vital to stress that betas are not completed software and may have flaws. That is why they are being tested. So expect things to go wrong, possibly disastrously, and we don't recommend downloading a beta on your primary device. If that doesn't put you off, read our iOS beta installation guide. See How to Join Apple's Beta Programme and Test New Software for more information on how to participate.

iOS 17 Compatibility: Which iPhones will be able to run iOS 17?

iOS 17 will not support the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. This verifies our earlier prediction that the iPhone XS and later would be capable of running iOS 17.

The iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X were all released in the same year. They will all be able to run iOS 16, so Apple should continue to support them for a few years. Previous versions, like the iPhone 7, iPhone SE (2016), and others, are incompatible.

The following iPhones will support iOS 17, albeit not all of the new capabilities will be available:

Here are the phones that will work with iOS 17.

Apple's iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max are all available.

iPhone 12 small iPhone 12 The iPhone 12 Pro Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max

The iPhone XS Max

The iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and iPhone SE (second generation or later) are all available.

Even if your preferred device receives an additional year of software support, older iPhones may not acquire the full range of new features. The iPhone 8 and iPhone X missed out on a lot of great stuff last year due to their outdated technology. 

iOS 17 introduces new features.

In iOS 16, many new features were released, including as a redesigned Lock Screen, unsending iMessages, and the iCloud Shared Photo Library, but what can we expect in iOS 17? Is it true that there will be "fewer major changes" than usual, as has been reported? Apple has so far announced the following:

Messages

It will be more efficient and convenient. Search filters can be used to narrow down the results of a search. Go to the first message you haven't seen previously in a group conversation. To respond, swipe on any of the bubbles. Audio communications transcripts are made.

You can also use Messages to notify relatives and friends that you have left for home and to keep them updated on your travels. After you set off it will recognise if you aren’t making progress towards the aim and ‘check in with you’. They can also check your battery level and cell status to see if you are available to take a call. The sleek new appearance allows you to concentrate on what is most important.

Contact Posters

This allows you to personalise your appearance in calls and on your contact card. You can customise your poster by modifying the image, font, and colour scheme. This is Call Kit compliant and can be used in third-party VOIP apps.

Journal

This is a new piece of software that builds on Memories in Photos to provide a new way to recall memorable moments. A new way to remember and write about experiences that incorporates text, location, photographs, and other material. You chose what to include. API recommendations for use in developer projects.

Stickers

All of the stickers will be visible at the same time. Emoji are now only available as stickers. You can glance at it, stick it, and resize it. Photographic subjects can be removed and made into stickers. Live Stickers can be used to turn live animated images into moving stickers. Stickers have been added to the system in places where emoji can be found.

AirDrop

Apple is making changes to AirDrop to make it easier to use. Simply bringing your phones close together will allow you to communicate information. You may easily choose which phone numbers and email addresses to share. You can also share using an Apple Watch. For example, if you want to share photographs, simply connect your phones and share. And if you leave, the information will disseminate on the internet. This is also compatible with SharePlay, so simply bring your phones together to share what you're watching.