iOS 17 release: everything you need to know about Apple’s big updates

September 18, 2023

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iOS 17 is about to be released. At the iPhone event called “Wonderlust,” Apple presented new features and announced a release date. These features will be included in the iPhone update.

Every fall, Apple releases the latest version of its iOS operating system for select iPhone models. Users can expect many new features and improvements for their smartphones, and this year is no exception.

Similar to the previous year, Apple also used the WWDC keynote in 2023 to give a first insight into the upcoming operating systems.

Apple’s annual developer conference is usually the time when the company announces the software innovations for the next few months. The innovations presented focus primarily on accessibility features designed to make using the iPhone easier in everyday life, and they could be available as soon as iOS 17.0 is released.

More information about the new operating system was revealed during Apple’s iPhone event called “Wonderlust.” But which iPhones will receive this upgrade, and what innovations can be expected from iOS 17?

iOS 17 release: time, download, innovations and iPhone models at a glance

iOS 17 Release: When is iOS 17 coming?

The official release date for Apple’s new iOS 17 operating system has been set. Apple recently hosted this year’s iPhone event called “Wonderlust”, where the company introduced the new generation of iPhones and at the same time discussed the latest iOS version. iOS 17 will be released in Germany on Monday, September 18, 2023. Apple now also mentions this date on its own website. The release of the latest iOS version is expected – similar to previous years – around 7:00 p.m. German time.

iOS 17 Download: How do I install the update on my iPhone?

After the release of the latest iOS operating system, iPhone owners also have the option to initiate the update on their own. To do this, users simply need to follow the path “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update” on their iPhone. If the iPhone model supports the latest version, iOS 17 will appear there after release. A simple click then starts the download process.

When did WWDC 2023 take place?

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference took place from Monday, June 5, 2023 to Friday, June 9, 2023 at Apple Park in Cupertino. Apple officially presented and confirmed the first innovations in iOS 17 there. In addition to iOS 17, the focus of the conference was primarily on the mixed reality glasses called “Everything .

Apple plans to launch its first “face computer” early next year, initially only in the US. To elevate the term “facial computer” in typical Apple product slang, it will be known as the “Apple Vision Pro.” Tim Cook promises: “Merging digital content with the real world can enable groundbreaking experiences.” The computer will be priced at $3,499.

Mike Rockwell, Apple’s augmented and virtual reality manager, justified the price by saying buyers would be getting the “most advanced consumer electronics device ever.” Apple has registered over 5,000 patents for it.

What innovations does iOS 17 bring?

Apple plans to further improve the integration of CarPlay in addition to the innovations already confirmed. CarPlay 2.0, a major update to the car system, is coming, and iOS 17 will prepare Apple’s smartphones for these innovations. This means that various functions of the iPhone are displayed even more clearly on the infotainment systems in cars.

iOS 17 brings a variety of changes, improvements and innovations, some major and some minor. The most important innovations, as announced at WWDC 2023, include

In the future, participation in the beta program will only be possible with a developer account that is activated for the “Apple Developer” program. This change will come into effect with iOS 16.4.
The Messages app will be completely redesigned on iOS 17 and will offer, among other things, an AR chat function.
The control center, which was first introduced in 2011, will receive a new design.
The introduction of the so-called “contact posters” makes it possible for an attractive poster with a photo of the caller and further information to be displayed when a call is made. These posters can be set up similarly to a lock screen and are also visible in the Contacts app. Third parties will have access to these new poster features through CallKit.
In landscape mode under iOS 17, a standby mode will be available that displays the time particularly large, similar to the Apple Watch. There are different watch faces to choose from and there will be a photo carousel of sorts. Widgets can also be used and live activity can be viewed here. A low-light mode is available at night, in which the standby widgets are darkened.
With NameDrop, users can easily share their contact card with other iPhone users. This works when the iPhone is nearby and it is also compatible with the Apple Watch. Sharing content becomes even easier as devices only need to be brought close to share information. AirDrop Range also lets you share data over the internet when you’re out of range.
New filters allow messages to be found more quickly, and Apple is integrating new jump labels to quickly get to unread messages. In addition, voice messages can be automatically transcribed under iOS 17.

These innovations are intended to further improve the iOS 17 experience for users and expand the range of functions.

iOS 17 brings a significant improvement in accessibility through several new features:

With iOS 17, Apple plans to significantly improve accessibility on the iPhone, the company recently confirmed. A particular focus this year is on improving voice functionality, meaning blind users and people with limited vision will benefit from valuable improvements.

One of the new accessibility features in iOS 17 is Assistive Access. This feature aims to strip apps and user experiences down to their essential functions to reduce cognitive load.

In addition to Assistive Access, there are two other important features to improve accessibility:

Live Speech: This feature allows users to enter text that the iPhone reads aloud. There is also the option to save frequently used phrases in advance, which is useful during face-to-face conversations, phone calls or FaceTime calls.
Personal Voice: This impressive feature allows the iPhone to mimic the user’s voice. This is particularly helpful for people whose speech is impaired due to conditions such as ALS. To train the iPhone, the affected person has to read a series of texts. The smartphone uses machine learning directly on the device to mimic the person’s voice. However, initially this feature will only be available in English.

Another significant accessibility innovation in iOS 17 is the “Point and Speak” feature in Apple’s magnifying glass. This feature will also be available for German users and improves interaction with physical objects. For example, it can help people with low vision recognize button labels on a microwave by having the iPhone read the functions aloud as your finger moves over the buttons.

These new accessibility features are designed to make using iPhone much easier for people with different abilities and promote their inclusion in the digital world.

Which iPhones get iOS 17?

Apple always offers its latest update for a wide range of iPhones. This means that older devices up to the Xs generation can also benefit from iOS 17. These iPhones can install the update to iOS 17: