After months of waiting, today is finally the day when Apple releases its feature-packed iOS 17 update to iPhone users across the globe. This free upgrade includes changes such as the new StandBy Mode – which makes the screen more useful when lying on your desk – plus there are updates to FaceTime, Messages, sharing contacts and more. If you’ve been waiting patiently for this release then there’s not long until it arrives on your iPhone and here’s all you need to know about iOS 17.
What time will iOS 17 be released?
Although Apple has confirmed that iOS 17 will be released today, the US firm never gives details about a time you can expect to install it.
However, using data from previous years Express.co.uk thinks Apple will push things out at around 6pm tonight. That’s the time the US technology giant has used before and there’s nothing to suggest this year will be any different. If you want to be one of the first to install iOS 17 then make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi as it’s likely to be a large file.
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Which iPhones are compatible?
If your iPhone has iOS 16 installed, that doesn’t mean iOS 17 is also coming to your device. A number of devices are losing compatibility this year including the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X.
Here are all the iPhone models that can install iOS 17
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 XS • iPhone XS Max • iPhone XR • iPhone SE (2nd generation or later).
Best new iOS 17 features
If you own one of these phones you’re in for a treat as there are plenty of new features in this release including a new StandBy mode which turns the device into a mini desktop display when not being used. Once docked on a charger, StandBy Mode can show calendars, photo albums and a clock – it basically means you don’t have to stare at a blank screen all day.
Another update in iOS 17 comes to AirDrop with users now able to share their contact details by simply holding a device near another.
Speaking of contacts, Apple has added neat contact cards which can be customised and displayed when receiving calls.
FaceTime gets upgraded with gestures now generating effects in the background. For example, hold two things up during a call and fireworks will appear behind you.
Live Stickers can now be added to Messages and a new Live Check In mode lets friends know you’ve arrived at your destination safely via a text.
“With iOS 17, we’ve made iPhone more personal and intuitive by deeply considering the features we all rely on every day,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “Phone, FaceTime, and Messages are central to how we communicate, and this release is packed with updates we think our users are going to love. We’ve also reimagined AirDrop with new ways to share, autocorrect gets even better, and we’re introducing all-new experiences with Journal and StandBy, plus so much more. We can’t wait for everyone to try it.”
