During Apple’s highly anticipated “Wonderlust” event, the tech giant officially announced that iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 will be released to iPhone and iPad users on September 18. These updates have been in the testing phase since their initial announcement at WWDC 2023 in June, and they bring a slew of exciting new features to the table.
iOS 17 & iPadOS 17: Release Date Announced
Apple enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as the official release date for iOS 17 is just around the corner. During the captivating “Wonderlust” event, Apple made it clear that users can anticipate the arrival of iOS 17 on September 18. This release follows months of beta testing, which commenced after its initial unveiling at WWDC 2023. As the release date approaches, excitement builds for the array of new features and enhancements that iOS 17 is set to bring to iPhones worldwide.
iOS 17 Release Date & Highlights
| Operating System | Release Date |
|---|---|
| iOS 13 | 2019, September 19th |
| iOS 14 | 2020, September 16th |
| iOS 15 | 2021, September 20th |
| iOS 16 | 2022, September 12th |
| iOS 17 | 2023, September 18th |
1. Contact Posters:
iOS 17 introduces an innovative feature called “Contact Posters,” allowing users to personalize their profiles for interactions with other iPhone users. With Contact Posters, you can add a unique picture, customize typography, select font colors, and incorporate various elements to make your Contact Poster distinctly yours.
2. Voicemail Support for FaceTime:
For the first time, FaceTime audio and video calls receive voicemail support. This means you can leave a message when calling someone, and they can do the same when you’re unavailable. Moreover, FaceTime in iOS 17 introduces engaging 3D Reactions, featuring hearts, balloons, fireworks, laser beams, and rain.
3. AirDrop Enhancements:
iOS 17 enhances AirDrop with the introduction of “NameDrop.” This simplifies sharing your contact details with fellow iPhone or Apple Watch users by merely bringing your devices close together. Furthermore, you can activate SharePlay for activities like video, music, and games by aligning two iPhones in proximity.
4. StandBy:
A standout feature in iOS 17 is “StandBy.” When you place your iPhone horizontally on a charger, it displays a custom interface with easily accessible widgets for time, calendar, alarms, and more. Additionally, Home Screen widgets become fully interactive, enhancing user convenience.
iOS 17 Device Compatibility
Usually, iPhones get 5 years of software updates and this will continue with iOS 17 as well.
- iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE 2, iPhone SE 3
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPadOS 17 Release Date & Highlights
- June 5, 2023: iPadOS 17 was announced at WWDC, and the first developer beta was released.
- July 12, 2023: Apple released the first public beta of iPadOS 17.
- June to September 2023: A series of additional developer and public betas released.
- September 18, 2023: The final public version of iPadOS 17 will be released.
On the iPad front, iPadOS 17 elevates the user experience with several noteworthy additions:
1. New Lock Screen Experience:
iPadOS 17 introduces a fresh Lock Screen experience, enhancing accessibility and functionality.
2. Enhanced Drawing Tools:
For users wielding the Apple Pencil, iPadOS 17 offers new and improved drawing tools, expanding creative possibilities.
3. External Webcam Support:
Users now have the flexibility to connect external webcams, further enhancing video conferencing and content creation capabilities.
iPad OS 17 Device Compatibility
Here are all the iPads that will get iPadOS 17 update in 2023.
- iPad Pro 10.5 and iPad Pro 12.9 gen 2 (old design 2017 models)
- iPad Pro 11 and iPad Pro 12.9 (redesigned 2020, 2021, 2022 models)
- iPad Air 3 (old design, 2019)
- iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 (redesigned in 2020 and 2022)
- iPad mini 5 and iPad mini 6 (old design 2019 and redesigned 2022)
- iPad 6th gen and up (old design from 2018 and up, redesigned 2022 model)
