iOS 17 superguide: What’s new in iOS 17

Apple has launched for 2023, but there’s another iPhone update available for all iPhones from the iPhone XR up: iOS 17. The iOS 17 update was made available to hundreds of millions of iPhones on Monday, September 18, 2023. New features in iOS 17 include contact posters, NameDrop, StandBy, Live Voicemail, FaceTime video voicemail, a whole new Siri voice recognition model, huge improvements to autocorrect and dictation, and a lot more.

It’s almost like getting a new iPhone without paying a penny. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about iOS 17, including all the features and any issues that arise, as well as keeping tabs on the latest version and what is coming in the next update. : Apple released the second beta of iOS 17.3 to developers on January 3, 2024, but then withdrew it due to a bug.

iOS 17: What’s the latest version? The initial iOS 17 release was on September 18, but just days later on September 21 with three zero day security patches that “may have been actively exploited”. More information here: That same day there was a update for iPhone 15 models that fixed a bug for new iPhone buyers.

Some users who bought new iPhone 15 models discovered that they were during the . This same fix was then issued for other iPhones on September 27. All new iPhones should be updated to before attempting a data transfer from an old iPhone. arrived on October 4 with a fix for a problem that was –specifically the iPhone 15 Pro.

There are also two security fixes, more here: Next up was , which arrived on October 25. New features include improvements to AirDrop (file transfers continue over the internet when you are out of range), new StandBy options, Favorites in Music and a number of bug and security fixes. Then arrived, which was a minor update fixing a couple of bugs.

One bug related to Apple Pay and other NFC features becoming unavailable on iPhone 15 models after wireless charging in BMW cars, the other bug related to the Weather Lock Screen widget which might not correctly display snow. on November 30 fixed a couple of WebKit security vulnerabilities that have been exploited in the wild.

WebKit being the browser engine used by Safari. The current version of iOS 17 is . It arrived on December 11 and included the Journal app, new Weather and Clock widgets, and Stickers for Message reactions. There will be a lot of updates over the coming months, both minor point releases for bug fixes and security updates and major releases that add new features.

Here’s a look at just some of the . and iOS 15 are still receiving security updates. iOS 17 beta: What’s the latest iOS beta? Apple has run a beta program since it revealed the details of iOS 17 at WWDC. Now that the full version of iOS 17 is available to the public the beta testing continues. On December 12 Apple issued the first beta of to developers.

The update includes a new feature that should make it harder for thieves to mess up your digital life using a stolen passcode. Apple released iOS 17.3 beta 2 on January 3, but had to withdraw it due to an infinite boot loop bug. iOS 17.3 Release date and new features iOS 17.2 was first released to developers on October 26 and then arrived on iPhones on December 11.

That’s just over six weeks of testing. iOS 17.1 was first released to developers on September 27 and was made available for download just four weeks later on October 25, which was a fast turnaround, perhaps because of pressure from France to address an issue with iPhone 12 radiation levels. Assuming a six week turnaround, we could see iOS 17.3 on iPhones around , but the holiday period may mean that we are waiting a little longer.

Here are the new features expected for iOS 17.3: If you’d like to continue to receive iOS 17 beta updates read . We also describe how to for those testers who wish to use the full version of iOS 17. iOS 17.2: New features These are the features that arrived in iOS 17.2: There are also a number of bug fixes including AirDrop improvements and a fix for an issue that may prevent wireless charging in certain vehicles.

iOS 17.1: New features The following new features arrived in iOS 17.1 on October 25. iOS 17.1 also addresses the highlighted by the French government agency, Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR). Apple claims that France’s testing method does not allow for the off body detection and increased connectivity power that Apple has employed on all iPhones for more than a decade, so the update will accommodate this specific test protocol.

After this update, iPhone 12 users in France may notice reduced wireless performance when the signal is poor. Apple maintains that iPhone 12 models are safe to use. In addition, the update fixes a number of security flaws in Find My, Siri and the Weather app. More here: . That security fix has also been released for iOS 16 and iOS 15.

iOS 17: Bugs and problems : Apple has addressed a problem that was causing the iPhone 15 Pro to overheat. The iOS 17.0.3 update is designed to fix this problem. : Apple issued an update to iOS 17 on September 21 to address some security flaws. Another security fix came on October 4. Some people when updating iOS complain that their iPhone slows down, or that their battery runs out quickly, or that their phone feels hot.

This can be typical behavior after an iOS update as the iPhone spends a few days carrying background tasks related to the update, such as re indexing, this can in turn cause it to use more battery up, and get hot. You could try restarting your iPhone to see if that helps. Apple has previously addressed this issue in a Tweet: Thanks for reaching out! We'll be happy to help.

It's normal for your apps and features to need to adjust up to 48 hours after an update. Let's have you reach out to us in a DM if this is still an issue after that time so we can help you look into this further. : Another issue people sometimes encounter after updating the iOS is that their iPhone struggles to stay connected to Wi Fi networks.

Again, it’s worth restarting the iPhone if this happens. Alternatively, look at: . : We encountered this issue (the clock was stuck in Cupertino). The fix was as follows: iOS 17: How to install iOS 17 on your iPhone Installing iOS 17 couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these steps: On this screen you’ll see the version of iOS you have installed, and if a new version is available it will say so.

It may say “Install Now” if the update was already downloaded in the background but not yet applied, or “Download and Install” if you haven’t even downloaded it yet. Just follow the instructions there to upgrade to iOS 17. You may need to re agree to terms and conditions, and it will take several minutes to download, verify, and apply.

Then your iPhone will restart, and you’ll be presented with some welcome screens that introduce new features. We have more information about installing iOS 17 and addressing any issues with it here: If you install an update and want to revert to the previous version there is a very small window in which you can do that, but it can be done, read: .

iOS 17 Compatibility: Which phones can run the latest software? iOS 17 will not support the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, or the iPhone X. They are all able to run iOS 16 though, so they should get support through security updates for at least another year. The following iPhones get , although some won’t support all of the new features: Even if your chosen device is granted another year of software support, it’s worth noting that older iPhones may not get the full range of new features.

In 2022, for example, the iPhone 8 and iPhone X missed out on due to their older processor. For more information take a look at and find out . iOS 17 Features: What’s new in iOS 17 There were many new , including a redesigned Lock Screen, unsending iMessages, and the iCloud Shared Photo Library, but what is new in iOS 17? Initial rumors suggested that there would be “fewer major changes” than usual–but at WWDC 2023 Apple announced numerous new features for the update which we will describe below.

You can also read for an overview of what’s new. Not all the new features were available for the September launch though. At least including AirDrop over the Internet, the Journal app, Collaborative Apple Music playlists, AirPlay in hotel rooms, and NameDrop to Apple Watch. Some of these features arrived in subsequent software updates.

You may like to read: and . This is a brand new app that builds on Memories in Photos to bring a new way to relive special moments, remember and write about experiences with text, location, and photos, and more. There is also a Suggestions API for developers to use in their apps. The Journal app arrived in iOS 17.2 (see details above).

This seems to borrow from the Apple Watch. Put the phone in landscape on a stand at night and see the time with a clock and a range of clock styles. You can also shuffle through your best photos, display widgets, and see Live Activities, like game scores. You can also choose Night Mode to display red text and minimize eye strain at night.

Remember alarm clocks? It’s a bit like that. See: Apple This will let you personalize how you appear in calls and on your contact card (since your custom contact card will show up in Contacts for your friends). You can customize your poster with images, fonts, and colors. This works with Call Kit so it can be used in third party VOIP apps.

See: Apple If someone calls and leaves a message you will see a live transcript as they speak. That way you can see if you want to pick up or not. Read: . Apple Apple made some changes to the Phone app. It replaced the Contacts button, moved the in call buttons, and updated the icons. After a bit of a backlash, Apple midway through testing.

Apple added the ability to leave a video message in the FaceTime app when people don’t answer. You will also be able to Apple The Messages app should feel faster, and search filters will let you add terms to a search to narrow the results. You’ll also be able to jump to the first unread message in a group chat, swipe to reply on any bubble, and automatically transcribe audio messages.

A new Check In feature will also let Family and Friends know if you’ve made it to a destination safely. Messages can recognize if you aren’t making progress toward the destination and prompt you to respond. If you don’t, it will share information with the selected contact, including your location, battery level, and cell service status.

Additional Messages features arrived in iOS 17.2 including the ability to react to Messages with any emoji or sticker. There is also a new catch up button to go straight to the first unread message. There are 24 new Ringtones in iOS 17 including Dollop, Kettle, Scavenger, Steps, Storytime, Unfold and Valley.

To change the ringtone go to Sounds & Haptics, then tap Ringtone. New text tones include Cheers, Droplet, Portal, Slide and Welcome. Find them in Sounds & Haptics setting under Text Tone. Read more here: All emoji across iOS 17 are now stickers that can be resized. Subjects from photos can be lifted out of photos and turned into stickers.

You can turn live animated photos into Live Stickers. As of iOS 17.2 you will see Sensitive Content Warnings for stickers if you have enabled it for Messages. . Apple Apple is changing the way AirDrop works it will be much simpler to use. You only need to bring your phones close together and you will be able to share information.

You can easily choose the phone numbers and email addresses you want to share on an iPhone or Apple Watch. For example, if you want to share photos, just bring your phones close together. AirDrop improvements that arrived in iOS 17.2 included expanded contact sharing options and the ability to share boarding passes, movie tickets, and other eligible passes by bringing two iPhones together.

Another AirDrop related change will come in a later update – the ability to start an AirDrop in person, but then leave before the transfer completes with the transfer finishing over the Internet. AirDrop over the Internet arrived in iOS 17.1. A new feature that takes advantage of AirDrop is NameDrop, an easy way to exchange contact info.

No more having to miss call a new friend just so they have your number. Apple Autocorrect is “more accurate than ever,” says Apple. Tap the underlined word to get the option to revert to the word you had typed. You can get predictions in line as you type and just tap the space bar to add them. Machine learning will also learn your writing style and adapt autocorrect accordingly.

Additionally, Dictation leverages a new speech recognition model to make it even more accurate. You no longer need to say, “Hey” every time you want to summon Siri. Siri is powered by the new transformer model that the new dictation and autocorrect is, making it far more accurate and better able to understand what you mean.

You can also make multiple requests in the same command. The People album in iOS 17 uses on device machine learning to recognize “more photos of a user’s favorite people” as well as cats and dogs. Apple’s web browser gains a new Profiles feature to allow a user to separate work related browsing from other browsing.

Profiles can be tied to Tab Groups and Favourites. Additionally, Search in Safari is more responsive, according to Apple, with “easier to read and more relevant suggestions”. The Safari update comes to iOS 16 and iOS 15 as well. Collaborative Apple Music playlists are coming to Apple Music, but not until a later update.

You’ll be able to share playlists with friends and they will be able to add, remove and reorder the songs. Coming in iOS 17.3 (probably). Smaller features There are also that Apple didn’t mention in the keynote that are worth knowing about, including improvements to Spotlight search, Notes, Autofill, and Apple Music, see: .

Apple announced support in iOS 16 but it’s going mainstream in iOS 17. In iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma, you’ll can log into your Apple ID with a passkey using Face ID or Touch ID on your iPhone instead of a password. iOS 17: Third party app stores and sideloading Ahead of WWDC, there were reports that Apple will start to , allowing the distribution of apps outside of Apple’s own App Store, the use of NFC for touchless payments beyond Apple Pay, browsers that don’t have to use Apple’s Webkit rendering engine, and more.

It’s all necessary to comply with the EU’s new Digital Markets Act, and the expectation is that it will only apply to those iPhones running iOS 17 in the regions covered by EU law. Apple didn’t discuss the changes at WWDC, which isn’t very surprising. Furthermore, there are no references to sideloading or third party app store on the iOS 17 website.

However, that doesn’t mean those changes aren’t coming in iOS 17, either at launch or sometime in 2024. Macworld editor since 2008, Karen has worked on both sides of the Apple divide, clocking up a number of years at Apple's PR agency prior to joining Macworld two decades ago. Karen's career highlights include interviewing Apple's Steve Wozniak and discussing Steve Jobs’ legacy on the BBC.

Her focus is Mac, but she lives and breathes Apple..