Apple will debut iOS 17 in a couple of months to the not-quite-as-new-anymore iPhone 14 and choose older telephones. The replace is predicted to deliver modifications to Apple’s first-party apps and enhance the working system general.

Although competitor Google has already launched Android 14 for testing (and teased somewhat of what it’s going to be about), Apple usually retains fully mum on what to anticipate from the most recent iOS until its debut at WWDC (its annual developer convention), which frequently takes place in June annually. Choose different options will likely be revealed with the launch of the iPhone 15, later this 12 months, seemingly in September.

It’ll be some time till we get extra particulars of iOS 17, however we do have some concept of what the following model of iOS may seem like, and beneath you’ll be able to learn up on what we already know, in addition to a short want listing of what we’d like to see from the brand new replace, when it does ultimately break cowl.

As extra rumors and experiences emerge with fleshed-out particulars, we’ll be updating this text, so be sure to verify again for additional particulars recurrently. 

iOS 17: Minimize to the chase

• What’s it? The following massive replace for iOS – the iPhone’s working system
• When does it come out? Anticipated to drop in the midst of September
• How a lot does it price? It’s going to be a free improve
• Which telephones are supported? As but unknown. Seemingly the iPhone XS and newer

iOS 17 launch date

iOS 17 is predicted to be launched on or across the center of September, to coincide with the anticipated iPhone 15 launch. Earlier than that, Apple will unveil iOS 17 at WWDC in June. The dates for WWDC haven’t been launched but, however we assume the announcement will likely be made someday within the subsequent few weeks.

Shortly after WWDC, Apple will launch two beta variations of iOS – a developer preview, and a public construct. The general public beta is commonly dependable sufficient to make use of on a every day telephone a couple of month or two after this system begins.

iOS 17 anticipated options

In the case of iOS 17’s options, one factor we could be fairly positive about is that we received’t see quite a lot of massive additions, just like the lock display screen or dwelling display screen widget upgrades that got here with earlier releases.

Based on Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman – who’s a reasonably dependable leaker of all issues Apple – the corporate is permitting iOS and macOS to take a again seat this 12 months, as it really works on its new mixed-reality headset. Which means whereas there will likely be some new options, there received’t be as many as there may ordinarily be; with the corporate shifting focus to a brand new and probably thrilling product class. 

“Apple’s deal with the xrOS working system – together with iOS 16 snags – has additionally price it some new options in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, the following main iPhone and iPad software program updates. That software program, codenamed Daybreak, might have fewer main modifications than initially deliberate,” Gurman stated in his Energy On publication (opens in new tab). 

Apple’s iOS updates typically characteristic enhancements to first-party apps, together with Music and Messages. The Messages app is reportedly in line for a redesign this 12 months, however particulars are gentle, at current. As for large modifications to issues like notifications, the corporate doesn’t usually overhaul its interface in the identical manner Google does each few years, however there are nonetheless a couple of modifications we’d prefer to see.  

iOS 17 characteristic want listing

Tremendous Siri

ChatGPT is taking the world by storm, and Google and Microsoft have been fast to react. Apple set the world on fireplace with the launch of Siri, alongside the iPhone 4S, however the digital assistant nonetheless has but to succeed in its full potential. As generative AI fashions develop in reputation, the massive and really engaged iPhone person base would give Apple a bonus over its opponents, if it launched its personal GPT-powered chatbot.

Improved notifications

This explicit want comes as commonplace – and goes ungranted – with each Apple replace. The corporate has labored to barely tweak iOS notifications yearly, however they’re nonetheless horribly mediocre. There’s restricted notification bundling or quick-reply help, and actionable notifications are nonetheless few and much between in comparison with Android.

Yearly, we hope that Apple will deliver Notification Middle as much as par – and yearly Apple does the equal of inserting a smiley band-aid on a gaping wound. Typically, Apple likes to do issues its personal manner, and that’s superb; on this case, nevertheless, it is time for the corporate to swallow its pleasure and do the accomplished factor.

RCS help 

RCS, or Wealthy Communication Companies, is gaining reputation on Android telephones. It primarily turns primary SMS messaging into the equal of extra fashionable apps, like iMessage or Fb Messenger. Now, it’s not essential for Apple to make RCS work on iPhones, however it will be higher than the plain previous SMS we at the moment have.

You possibly can see when somebody’s typing, get learn receipts, ship bigger information and extra. It’s an rising commonplace – very similar to USB-C – and in international locations the place texting by way of the Messages app is extra widespread than one thing like WhatsApp or Telegram, there’s no draw back to upgrading the Messages expertise for everybody, as iOS customers preferring to not allow iMessage for one motive or one other will even to utilize RCS’ further performance with out compromise.