iOS 17: Everything You Need to Know
iOS 17 is the latest and greatest version of Apple's mobile operating system, and it's packed with new features and improvements. In this exclusive article, we'll take a look at everything you need to know about iOS 17, including its release date, compatible devices, new features, and more.
Release date
iOS 17 was released to the public on September 18, 2023.
Compatible devices
iOS 17 is compatible with the following devices:
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
New features
iOS 17 includes a number of new features and improvements, including:
- New lock screen design: The lock screen has been redesigned with a new look and feel. You can now add widgets and customize the look of your lock screen to your liking.
- Focus improvements: Focus has been improved with new features like Focus Filters and Focus Lock. Focus Filters allow you to filter out specific apps and notifications when you're in Focus mode. Focus Lock prevents you from changing your Focus mode once you've set it.
- New Messages features: Messages has been updated with new features like Undo Send, Mark as Unread, and Shared with You. Undo Send allows you to undo a message that you've just sent. Mark as Unread allows you to mark a message as unread so that you can come back to it later. Shared with You automatically surfaces links, photos, and other content that has been shared with you in Messages in relevant apps.
- New Mail features: Mail has been updated with new features like Undo Send, Schedule Send, and Follow Up. Undo Send allows you to undo a message that you've just sent. Schedule Send allows you to schedule a message to be sent at a later time. Follow Up allows you to set reminders for messages that you need to follow up on.
- New Safari features: Safari has been updated with new features like Tab Groups, Passkeys, and Live Text. Tab Groups allow you to organize your tabs into groups so that you can easily find them later. Passkeys are a new type of password that is more secure and easier to use than traditional passwords. Live Text allows you to interact with text in images and videos.
- New Maps features: Maps has been updated with new features like Live Look, Look Around, and Transit Maps. Live Look provides real-time traffic information and directions. Look Around allows you to view 360-degree street-level views of locations. Transit Maps provide detailed information about public transportation routes and schedules.
- New Health features: Health has been updated with new features like Sleep Stages, Medication Tracking, and Fitness Trends. Sleep Stages tracks your sleep stages during the night so that you can see how well you're sleeping. Medication Tracking allows you to track your medications and receive reminders to take them. Fitness Trends shows you how your fitness levels have changed over time.
- New HomeKit features: HomeKit has been updated with new features like Matter support, Home Keys, and Secure Home Hub. Matter support allows you to connect HomeKit devices to other smart home devices that support Matter. Home Keys allow you to use your iPhone as a key to unlock your home. Secure Home Hub provides a more secure and reliable way to control your HomeKit devices.
Disadvantages of iOS 17
1. Battery drain
One of the most common complaints about new iOS versions is that they can cause battery drain. This is because new features and improvements often require more processing power, which can lead to shorter battery life. While Apple is typically able to optimize iOS for battery life, it is possible that iOS 17 could cause battery drain on older devices.
2. Performance issues
Another potential disadvantage of iOS 17 is that it could cause performance issues on older devices. This is because new features and improvements can sometimes require more hardware resources, which can lead to lag and other performance issues on older devices. If you have an older iPhone, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of upgrading to iOS 17 before making a decision.
3. App compatibility issues
When a new version of iOS is released, it can sometimes take some time for developers to update their apps to support the new OS. This means that some of your favorite apps may not work properly after you upgrade to iOS 17. While most developers typically update their apps quickly, it is important to be aware of this potential issue before upgrading.
4. Limited customization options
One of the main criticisms of iOS is that it offers limited customization options. While Apple has made some improvements to customization options in recent years, iOS is still not as customizable as Android. If you are looking for a mobile operating system that offers a high degree of customization, iOS 17 is not the right choice for you.
5. Pricey devices
Apple devices are known for being expensive, and the same is true for iPhones and iPads that run iOS. If you are on a budget, iOS 17 may not be the right choice for you. There are a number of affordable Android devices available that offer excellent features and performance.
6. Lack of third-party app stores
Another disadvantage of iOS is that it only allows apps to be installed from the official App Store. This means that you have less flexibility when it comes to choosing apps to install on your device. If you want to install apps from outside of the App Store, you will need to jailbreak your device.
7. Walled garden ecosystem
Apple creates a walled garden ecosystem with its devices and services. This means that it is difficult to switch to other platforms if you decide that you are not happy with iOS. For example, if you decide to switch to Android, you will need to start over with your apps, data, and settings
Conclusion
iOS 17 is a major update to Apple's mobile operating system, and it's packed with new features and improvements. If you have a compatible device, be sure to update to iOS 17 as soon as possible to take advantage of everything it has to offer.