The latest version of iOS, iOS 17, includes a host of new features including phone call settings, live voicemail, updated iMessage features, and more. Although the update is compatible with many iPhone models, not everyone will be able to receive it.
Apple’s iOS 17 was announced at Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2023) along with iPadOS, macOS and other updates. This is an interesting update, but will it come to your iPhone?
Which iPhone models can download iOS 17?
In typical Apple fashion, iOS 17 is available to download on a wide range of models. To download iOS 17, you must have one of the following iPhone models:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 plus
- iPhone 14 pro
- iPhone 14 pro max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 pro
- iPhone 13 pro max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 pro
- iPhone 12 pro max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 pro
- iPhone 11 pro max
- iPhone XYes
- iPhone xYes Max
- iPhone xR
- iPhone SE
(2nd generation or later)
This means that iPhone 8 and iPhone X supported by iOS 16 are no longer part of the update cycle.
This may seem surprising at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it turns out that both devices are powered by the same A11 Bionic chipset, and Apple has discontinued support for this processor. On the other hand, those using iPhone Xs, iPhone SE 2020, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series will be able to access the iOS 17 update.
The iOS 17 update comes pre-installed on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro series, so if you purchase either of these new models, you can be sure that you’ll have the latest software.
If you have an old iPhone and need to update it, downloading iOS 17 couldn’t be easier.
What’s new in iOS 17?
In iOS 17, Apple is delivering updated capabilities to several apps, including Phone, FaceTime, and Messages, while making your iPhone part of your smart home with Sleep mode and adding new apps like Magazine.
The Phone app now includes contact banners, allowing you to customize your incoming call screens with different fonts and font colors. There’s also Live Voicemail, which allows you to see a real-time transcript of when someone leaves a voicemail.
The Messages app now supports Live Stickers, which you can create by extracting objects from photos and adding effects to them. One of the most important new features is check-in, which can notify a family member or friend when you arrive safely at your destination. If you don’t arrive at your destination, information such as your device’s location, battery level, and cellular status will be temporarily shared with the selected contact.
FaceTime will now let you leave audio and video messages for someone when they can’t answer your call. You can add reactions like hearts, balloons, fireworks, lasers, rain, and more to your FaceTime calls.
In iOS 17, you can also share your contact number without entering the other person’s contact. With NameDrop, Apple allows you to easily share contact information by physically handing your iPhone or Apple Watch to another person.
Finally, Apple will release Journal on its iPhones later this year. The app allows you to reflect and practice gratitude through journaling. The app generates suggestions based on your recent activities to help you with your journal entries.
Source: Digital Trends
