The new software updates from Apple iOS 17 are highly anticipated by users of their devices. The enhanced keyboard with autocorrect that allows the use of profanity is a unique feature that will be welcomed by many. The new standby modes will help conserve battery life, while the contact posters will make it easier to identify and communicate with contacts. The extensive customization options will allow users to personalize their devices to their liking. The significant overhaul of the Apple Watch’s interface is also a major highlight of these updates, as it will make the device more user-friendly and intuitive. Overall, these updates are expected to enhance the user experience and improve the functionality of Apple’s devices.
Here’s what you need to know about the updates.
When can I get it?
The commencement of downloads for updates pertaining to iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS typically commences at approximately 6pm UK time, with corresponding times of 1pm in New York and 3 am in Sydney. In contrast to other manufacturers, all Apple devices that meet the eligibility criteria will have the capability to download and install the update immediately upon its release, as opposed to a gradual rollout.
Which devices can get it?
It is noteworthy that all Apple smartphones released from the iPhone XS of 2018 or later are capable of accommodating the installation of iOS 17. Similarly, all tablets that were launched from the 2017 iPad Pro 10.5in or the 2018 iPad (6th gen) and onwards are compatible with the installation of iPadOS 17. Furthermore, all Apple Watches that were introduced from the Series 4 of 2018 or later can support the installation of watchOS 10.
How do I get it?
To initiate the installation of the software update, kindly launch the Settings application on your iPhone or iPad and proceed to navigate to the General section. From there, select the Software Update option and tap on the install button if it is available for download. Afterward, it is imperative to verify the update before rebooting the device to complete the installation process. Alternatively, the update can also be installed via a Mac or iTunes on a Windows computer.
It is noteworthy that the installation of WatchOS 10 necessitates the iPhone XS or a later version to be running iOS 17 initially. To commence the installation process, kindly launch the Watch application on the phone and navigate to the General section. From there, select the Software Update option to initiate the installation process. It is essential to place the smartwatch on its charger to complete the update.
How much will it cost?
The updates provided by Apple are complimentary. In the event that you are requested to remit payment for an update, it is probable that such a request is fraudulent in nature.
iPhone – iOS 17 Improved keyboard autocorrect
Apple’s keyboard will now enable users to use profanity by learning from their manual corrections, thereby eliminating the occurrence of erroneous “ducking” typos. In the event of an incorrect correction, users can revert the corrected text by tapping on the underlined words. Additionally, the keyboard has the capability to predict and complete entire sentences as they are being typed, similar to the feature found in Google’s Gmail and other comparable platforms.
Contact posters, video messages and live voicemail
The contact posters comprise of a photograph, text, and customizable colors that are displayed on the recipient’s phone and contacts application when a call is made. This feature enables the user to choose their preferred appearance when contacting others.
NameDrop facilitates the sharing of contact information between iPhone or Apple Watch users by simply bringing the devices in close proximity and selecting the desired information to be shared. This proximity-based process is also applicable to other AirDrop file-sharing interactions.
Initially available only in the US and Canada, the phone application now offers real-time transcription of voicemail messages, allowing users to preview the caller’s identity and purpose before answering the call, which is particularly useful in avoiding spam calls.
In addition, FaceTime callers can now leave video voicemails in the event that the recipient is unavailable. Furthermore, video calls can be made on a television using an Apple TV box and an iPhone or iPad camera. Animated reactions, such as rising balloons, can also be triggered by hand gestures such as thumbs up.
StandBy mode, just ‘Siri’ and offline Apple Maps
The recently introduced Standby mode has the capability to transform the iPhone into a compact intelligent display when placed in landscape orientation while being charged. This feature enables users to effortlessly view the time, widgets, photos, and other pertinent information, including Siri interactions. Additionally, a novel option has been added that eliminates the need to say “Siri” every time when invoking Apple’s voice assistant, thereby enabling it to handle back-to-back requests seamlessly.
The Apple Maps app now offers the ability to save specific areas of a map for offline access, including directions, opening hours, and other relevant information, which is a feature that has been popular on Google Maps for a considerable period. Furthermore, Apple’s Safari browser has now incorporated profiles, which brings it in line with competitors such as Chrome and Firefox. These profiles allow users to have distinct sets of bookmarks, settings, sites, and cookies, such as one for work and another for home.
Check In
The Check In feature is a novel safety measure that enables individuals to share their whereabouts with their acquaintances or relatives. The mechanism is designed to automatically identify when the user reaches their residence and subsequently notify their contacts. In the event of a delay, the system can transmit pertinent details such as the user’s location, battery status, and other relevant information to their designated contact, thereby facilitating assistance.
iPad – iPadOS 17
The tablets manufactured by Apple have acquired a majority of the novel features of iOS 17, with a few supplementary inclusions specifically designed for the devices with larger screens.
Customise lock screen with widgets
Last year, Apple incorporated a comprehensive customization feature to the iPhone lock screens through iOS 16, which has now been extended to the iPad. This feature enables users to add widgets, utilize animated wallpaper, modify the typeface, and access other options. Additionally, live activities, including flight tracking and other real-time events, are now displayed on the lock screen.
Health app now on an iPad
The enduring Health application of Apple has been extended to the iPad, enabling users to access a range of data including sleep tracking, activity, and other information from both first and third-party applications. The application has been updated with a new interface optimized for tablet use, allowing users to analyze trends in their data and record additional information such as vision or mental health.
Stage Manager multitasking improvements
When engaging in multitasking, the resizing and placement of app windows on the desktop are not restricted to specific slots, as is the case with iPadOS 16. In the event that a keyboard is connected to the tablet, the shift key can be held down while tapping or clicking on an app icon, thereby opening it in the current desktop space. These minor enhancements serve to imbue the iPad with a greater resemblance to a Mac or desktop computer.
Apple Watch – watchOS 10
WatchOS 10 has incorporated numerous novel functionalities from iOS 17, such as NameDrop, contact posters, and other components. However, Apple has also meticulously restructured certain aspects of the operating system’s operations.
Revamped apps
The majority of pre-installed applications on the timepiece have undergone a redesign process, incorporating a greater use of color and animation. Additionally, these applications have been optimized to display a greater amount of information on each page, thereby reducing the need for excessive scrolling. For instance, the Weather application can be accessed by tapping the screen, allowing the user to toggle between current weather conditions, temperature, precipitation probability, and other relevant metrics. Furthermore, the activity, heart rate, and sleep applications have been enhanced to include larger and more comprehensive graphs, providing a more detailed representation of the user’s daily progress.
Widgets now front and centre
The latest development in watch technology has enabled the direct accessibility of widgets from the watch face through the use of scrolling or swiping up from the bottom, revealing a stack of widgets. These widgets are designed to update dynamically based on the time of day, location, and usage of the watch, prioritizing timely information. However, customization of widgets is also possible, allowing users to pin the most important ones.
In order to facilitate the integration of widgets, two key features have been reworked. Firstly, the control center for adjusting settings can now be accessed by pressing the side button, as opposed to swiping up from the bottom. Secondly, double-clicking the Digital Crown now brings up the dock of recently used apps from previous watchOS versions. It is important to note that changing the watch face can no longer be done by simply swiping left or right, but rather by pressing and holding on the face first.
Snoopy, Woodstock, Palette and more new watchfaces
There are several new watchfaces to choose from. The Palette face changes colour throughout the day using three overlapping layers behind analogue hands. The Snoopy and Woodstock face allows the titular characters to react to your movements, the weather and time of day in amusing fashion. The solar watch face now has an analogue version plus there’s a new animated Nike Globe face.
The Watch Ultra also gets a new more information-dense Modular Ultra face, which adds information to the bezel of the screen and can have up to seven complications on screen for the first time.
Cycling Power and Bluetooth accessories
The Workouts application has recently been updated to enable connectivity with Bluetooth-enabled cycling accessories, such as pedal power meters. This feature facilitates the display and recording of various metrics, including cadence, speed, power, and power zones. Additionally, the watch can establish a connection with your iPhone, thereby enabling the display of real-time cycling data on the phone’s screen. This functionality effectively transforms the iPhone into a surrogate bike computer when mounted on the handlebars.