Newsletter
iOS 17 is launching today from Apple, after nearly 10 betas over the Summer. And it’s supporting a ton of iPhones and iPads this year. Which is not out of the ordinary for Apple. As they do tend to keep their phones and tablets updated for many years, far beyond what Android OEMs do these days.
Here’s the list from Apple as far as what devices are supported. Basically, it’s the iPhone Xs and newer. Thee include the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd Gen), iPhone Xr, iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and of course the new iPhone 15 series but it will come pre-installed.
For the iPad and iPad OS 17, the list is a bit shorter. It’s going to be the iPad Mini (5th Generation or later), iPad (6th Generation or later), iPad Air (3rd Generation or later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st Generation or later), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd Generation or later).
What’s new with iOS 17?
In iOS 17, we’re getting a number of new features for the iPhone and in iPad OS 17 new features for the iPad. For the iPhone, some of the bigger features include StandBy, which basically turns your phone into a smart display when it is charging and rotated 90-degrees. This can be using a MagSafe charger or a wired charger. It also brings Facetime Voicemail, you know like regular voicemail, but now using Facetime.
For iPad OS 17, Apple is bringing over some features from iOS 16 actually, to iPad. That includes the ability to customize your lock screen. Like with the iPhone on iOS 16, iPad OS 17 lets you add widgets, change the clock style and much more. Interactive widgets are coming to both iOS 17 and iPad OS 17, allowing you to interact with them without opening the app. A good example of this is the Home widget, where you can turn on and off your lights right from the home screen.
The update is rolling out today, it might be a bit slow to update at first, since Apple makes the update available to everyone around the world, at the same time.