At the WWDC keynote on June 5, 2023, Apple delighted iPhone users by revealing a glimpse of what’s to come with the highly anticipated iOS 17 update. Packed with exciting new features and enhancements, this free software update promises to breathe new life into iPhones later this year. In this article, we will explore the release schedule, compatible devices, and the standout features of iOS 17.
Compatibility and Supported Devices
While iOS 17 brings a host of exciting features, it also marks the end of software support for certain older models. Apple has confirmed that iPhone 8 and iPhone X will not be compatible with iOS 17. However, users of iPhone XS and newer models can rejoice as they will be able to enjoy the latest iOS version.
The following iPhones are expected to support iOS 17, although not all devices may have access to all new features:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
It’s important to note that older iPhones might not receive the complete range of new features due to hardware limitations. For instance, previous models like iPhone 8 and iPhone X missed out on certain features in the previous iOS update.
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Exciting New Features in iOS 17
Journal: A new app called Journal takes center stage in iOS 17, building upon the Memories feature in Photos. Journal enables users to relive special moments by combining text, location, and photos. Users have the freedom to choose what to include, making it a personalized and immersive experience. The Suggestions API will also empower developers to integrate this functionality into their own apps.
StandBy: Taking inspiration from the Apple Watch, StandBy brings a new feature to iPhones. When placed on a stand at night, the iPhone will display the time with various clock styles and shuffles through the best shots from your photo library. StandBy also adapts to a red light tone to promote better sleep.
Contact Posters: iOS 17 introduces the ability to personalize how you appear in calls and on your contact card. Users can customize their poster with images, fonts, and colors. This functionality seamlessly integrates with Call Kit, allowing for customization in third-party VOIP apps.
Live Voicemail: With Live Voicemail, users will see live transcriptions of voicemail messages as they are being left, allowing them to decide whether to answer the call based on the content of the message.
FaceTime Enhancements: FaceTime gains the capability to leave video messages, further enhancing communication possibilities.
Messages: iOS 17 brings improvements to the Messages app, making it faster and more convenient. Users can now apply search filters, jump to the first unseen message in group chats, and swipe to reply on any message bubble. Audio messages will also be transcribed for easier accessibility.
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Stickers: Stickers receive a significant upgrade in iOS 17. Users will have access to all stickers in one place, including turning emojis into stickers and creating custom stickers from subjects in photos. Live Stickers can also be created from animated photos, offering a fun and engaging way to express oneself.
AirDrop: Apple simplifies the process of sharing information with AirDrop in iOS 17. By bringing two iPhones close together, users can seamlessly share content. Additionally, sharing with an Apple Watch is now possible. The content will continue to share over the internet even when the devices are physically separated. SharePlay integration enables users to share what they are watching by simply bringing their phones together.
Keyboard and Dictation: The iOS 17 keyboard boasts improved autocorrect accuracy and offers predictions in real-time. Users can tap the underlined word to revert to their original input. Dictation functionality has also been enhanced for more accurate and efficient voice-to-text conversion.
Siri: With iOS 17, users will only need to say “Hey Siri” once, eliminating the need for repetitive wake words and providing a smoother interaction with Apple’s virtual assistant.
Photos: In a delightful addition, iOS 17 introduces improved photo recognition capabilities. The software can now identify cats and dogs that are part of your family, making it easier to organize and search for pet-related memories.
Photo by: 9to5mac.com
iOS 17 represents a significant milestone for iPhone users, offering a range of new features and enhancements to elevate their mobile experience. Although older iPhone models may not have access to all features, the compatibility list ensures that a wide range of users can enjoy the benefits of the latest iOS update. From the new Journal app to improved messaging capabilities and simplified sharing with AirDrop, iOS 17 aims to make every moment on your iPhone more engaging and intuitive. Look forward to the release of iOS 17 this fall and get ready to discover a new level of functionality on your iPhone.
