iOS 17 Released: Everything you need to know about the big iPhone update
iOS 17 is a doozy of an update, bringing with it a swathe of updates to existing apps like Messages and even the good ol’ Phone app, along with new features like Contact Posters, Live Voicemail and a new way to share content with other iPhone owners – and it’s available to download right now.
iOS 17 also reimagines the way you use your iPhone when it’s on charge with a new Standby mode that turns your iPhone into a smart digital display, and there are big changes to FaceTime with the inclusion of new video voicemails too.
Basically, what we’re trying to say is that iOS 17 is a massive update for iPhone owners, and it’s available to download right now.
With that in mind, here’s everything that you need to know about iOS 17, including some of the most exciting features headed to your iPhone.
When was iOS 17 released?
Apple announced iOS 17 at WWDC 2023. Following the announcement, the company released a swathe of developer and public betas to squash bugs and make sure all apps played nicely with the latest iPhone software before it rolled out worldwide.
Apple then launched iOS 17 worldwide on Monday 18 September 2023, with the update now available around the world.
Which devices support the iOS 17 update?
Here’s a list of the iPhones that can download the iOS 17 update. Note that there’s no longer support for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14
- iPhone SE (2022)
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11
- iPhone SE (2020)
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XR
If you want to upgrade to get access to the latest software, take a look at our pick of the best iPhones.
What’s new in iOS 17?
Standby Mode
This is one of the biggest updates in iOS 17 and it’s a new way to use and interact with your iPhone when it’s charging on your bedside table.
Almost like a smart display, Standby Mode lets you see photos, the time in a larger format and even widgets. The demos Apple showed also highlighted numerous clock styles and Live Activities taking up the whole screen. If you’ve got an iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max, the always-on display will keep Standby mode always visible though it’ll work on phones without that feature.
While this seems like it would make the most sense on the iPad, it looks to just be iPhone only – for now, at least.
Updated Messages App
The Messages app has picked up a fresh coat of paint in iOS 17. It now has clever features like transcription for audio messages, and a neat feature called Check In that’ll allow contacts to let you know they’ve safely arrived home.
There are a few other additions too, including inline location sharing, search filters, swipe to reply and a new home for your iMessage apps.
Live Voicemail
Instead of forcing you to pick up calls you might not want to, Live Voicemail will begin to transcribe what the caller is saying so you can decide whether you want to answer or not.
Journal App
A new app included in iOS 17, Journal is a handy service that is designed to let you jot down thoughts throughout the day. You can add images and the like too, so you can really keep note of what you’re doing each day.
The app will also use machine learning to create personalised suggestions of moments throughout the day, including people you’ve spoken to and music you’ve listened to.
Apple made it clear the app is based around privacy and the Journal app can be locked, so people can’t go snooping if you don’t want them to.
Updated Phone App
An app that often gets overlooked, it looks like Apple has seriously upgraded the Phone experience this time around. Just like the home screen view introduced in iOS 16, the new Contacts experience is colourful and bright, with plenty of emoji options and fonts.
FaceTime
New for FaceTime in iOS 17 is FaceTime messages, this allows you to leave someone a quick video message if they’re not around to answer your call.
Everything Else
Other updates in iOS 17 include a smart keyboard with better autocorrect, support for stickers, interactive widgets, number swapping with AirDrop and autofill verification codes in Mail.
This iPhone 14 contract gives you a bonus 200GB of data
Buymobiles is offering the iPhone 14 on contract with 300GB of data rather than the usual 100GB.
- Buymobiles
- 300GB of data
- £39 per month, £49 up front
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.