After new iPhones, it’s time for the new iOS. The Cupertino-based technology company officially unveiled iOS 17 a few months ago in June during WWDC 2023, alongside iPadOS 17, tvOS 17, and watchOS 10. Thereafter, it was available for beta testing. Apple has finally released its new OS globally featuring enhancements like Standby Mode, Name Drop, and more, exclusively for iPhone XS and above models.
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Which iPhones will get iOS 17?
Apple will be rolling out the iOS 17 update for the iPhone SE (2nd generation) to the more recent iPhone 15 models.
Apple’s new OS operating system will only be accessible on iPhones equipped with the A12 Bionic chip or later. It means that the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus, all released in 2017, will not receive the update.
To cut a long story short, the iPhones older than 5 years will not support iOS17. This is because the new iOS demands more powerful hardware than previous iOS versions.
How to check iOS 17 availability on my iPhone?
Usually, your iPhone will notify you whenever a new iOS update is available. However, you can check for the updates manually by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
How to update your iPhone to iOS 17?
Before starting the update, ensure that you have backed up your iPhone. This is important in case anything goes wrong during the update process. You can back up your iPhone to iCloud or a computer using iTunes or Finder.
To update your iPhone to iOS 17:
- Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If iOS17 is available, tap Download and Install.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Tap Agree to the terms and conditions.
- The update will begin downloading and installing, which can take several minutes.
- Once installed, your iPhone will restart.
Highlighted Features of iOS 17
- StandBy Mode: iOS 17 introduces StandBy, a novel full-screen display mode that offers quick information at a glance when your iPhone is charging. It includes a clock, calendar, photos, weather updates, music playback controls, and customizable widgets.
- Contact Posters: In iOS 17, the Phone app receives an exciting addition as customizable Contact Posters. This feature empowers users to personalize the information their contacts see when they call, and it also brings live voicemail and the option to silence unknown callers to specific regions.
- NameDrop: The new OS introduces NameDrop, a convenient way for users to share their contact information with others by simply bringing their iPhones into proximity with each other.
- Enhanced Widgets: iOS 17 takes widget functionality to the next level, allowing users to include interactive widgets on both their lock screen and home screen. These widgets seamlessly integrate with both Apple’s own apps and third-party applications.
- FaceTime Enhancements: iOS 17 elevates the FaceTime experience with a set of new features, including the ability to send audio and video messages, apply captivating 3D video effects, and initiate FaceTime calls directly from an Apple TV.
- Journal: Journal is a new way to relive your special moments. It’s a way to capture your thoughts on life’s big events or everyday activities. It’s like a note-taking app where you can make an entry with photos, music, audio recordings, and more. Mark important moments and revisit them later to find new insights or set new goals. Apple also emphasizes the privacy of Journal with end-to-end encryption with iCloud. The app is not available right now and will be available later this year.
There are many more new small features added to the iOS. Here is a full list of new features in iOS 17. Also, feel free to visit Apple’s website for a detailed overview.
Have you got the iOS 17 already? Which feature do you like the most? Let us know in the comments below.
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