Apple's annual tradition of releasing a major iOS update is just around the corner, and iPhone enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the arrival of iOS 17. Following the mixed reception of iOS 16, which faced some bugs and glitches upon its public release, the anticipation for iOS 17 is building. While Apple is yet to make an official announcement regarding the features, let's take a sneak peek at what we can expect from this upcoming update.
iOS 17 Announcement and Release Date
Apple has consistently launched a significant iOS update every year, with the grand reveal taking place at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). This year's WWDC is scheduled for June 5-9, and it's highly likely that iOS 17 will be unveiled during this event. Shortly after the announcement, beta versions of iOS 17 will be made available for eager users to test.
The public release of iOS 17 is anticipated to coincide with the launch of the highly awaited iPhone 15 series in September 2023. Although this projection is based on past trends, it sets the stage for an exciting software and hardware duo.
Supported Devices for iOS 17
Before delving into the expected features, let's first consider which devices will be compatible with iOS 17. Apple typically provides software updates for iPhones for up to five years, with occasional extensions if the hardware can handle it. While the complete list of supported devices for iOS 17 is not confirmed, we can make educated guesses based on the history of iOS updates. Here are the devices we anticipate will receive the iOS 17 update:
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone SE 2022 (3rd generation)
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone SE 2020 (2nd generation)
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max
Devices such as iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X, released in 2017, received iOS 16, which might mark the end of major updates for these devices due to their age. However, there's still a possibility that Apple may surprise us if the hardware can handle iOS 17. If you own one of these older devices, considering upgrading to the iPhone 15 series for a substantial leap forward.
Exciting Features and Expectations for iOS 17
Apple has been gradually responding to user demands and incorporating highly sought-after features into its updates. iOS 16, for example, introduced lock screen customizations and widget support, including the long-awaited Always on Display feature. Considering this trend, here are some features we expect from iOS 17:
1. Call recording
Users have been requesting native call recording support on the iPhone for several years. And we hope Apple makes this feature available with iOS 17, given its demand. Also, while there are ways to record calls on iPhone using third-party applications and services, who wouldn’t love to have the feature built-in with the software?
2. Added Lock Screen widgets
Lock Screen customization was a significant part of the iOS 16 update. Right now, users can add up to four small widgets or two large widgets on the Lock Screen. There is ample space available on the Lock Screen that Apple can put to better use. And we expect Apple to allow users to add more widgets on the Lock Screen.
3. Interactive widgets
The primary purpose of widgets is to make information available at a glance. They also eliminate the need to launch an application every time you want to check on something basic.
But what if these widgets were more interactive? What if you could check the weather of four different locations just by swiping on the Weather widget or logging in medications right from the Lock Screen?
Sounds time-saving, right? And that is why we expect Apple to implement interactive widgets.
4. Split Screen
The split screen feature allows you to use two separate apps simultaneously. This feature is already available on the iPad (Split View) and Mac but is yet to make its way to the iPhone. Now, one can argue that the iPhone’s screen is not as big as the iPad, so the feature cannot be feasible for the iPhone.
While it is true that iPhone users won’t be able to make the most of this feature on their 6.7-inch screens, there needs to be a more substantial reason not to provide the feature. Additionally, several Android smartphone manufacturers have integrated this feature.
5. Dual Apps
Several applications allow users to use and switch between multiple accounts on a single app. For example, you can have multiple Instagram accounts and switch between them by double tapping on the profile icon.
However, many apps only allow users to have one account active on a single app. For example, WhatsApp. And that is when the ability to clone apps and use different accounts on different versions of the same app would come in handy. Will Apple join the party? We’ll have to wait and watch.
6. Third-Party App Store
Suppose you keep up with the latest happenings and leaks in the Apple ecosystem. In that case, I’m sure you’ve heard the news about Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claiming that Apple will allow users to install applications from third-party app stores. Also, since this news results from Apple trying to comply with EU laws, the chances of third-party App Stores are pretty high.
7. Improved Notifications
Apple tried to improve notifications with iOS 16. Users now get the choice to display notifications in Count, Stack, or List formats. However, there is a long way to go, and Apple needs to really improve the way to access and manage notifications on the Lock Screen or the Notification Center.
8. iMessage revamp
According to a leaker on Twitter, Apple will be revamping iMessage with iOS 17. The new version will be revamping iMessage with iOS 17. The new version will have an improved iMessage Home Screen, new AR chat features (most probably built for Apple’s upcoming AR headset), Chat Rooms, Stickers, etc. If the rumors are to be believed, this update will be a significant design revamp to iMessage. What are your expectations from iOS 17?
iOS lacks several essential features in the Phone app, like T9 dialing/predictive dialing, a revamped Recents tab in the Phone app, etc. There are several other areas where iOS needs to improve.
By J. Hardt