The iOS 17 update isn’t expected to be groundbreaking but it could bring some key changes. Check them out below.
With June nearing, Apple’s next OS update for its mobile devices is almost here. Reports suggest that the Cupertino-based company is focusing more on its upcoming MR headset, thereby giving less attention to iOS 17. Chances are that iOS 17’s feature list will be far less extensive than iOS 16’s, which included major design changes and functionality updates.
But that’s not to say iOS 17 will be a complete snoozefest. While details are slim right now, there are some features the OS update is expected to bring. We list these down along with other known bits about the update.
Support for sideloading apps?
A Bloomberg report claimed that Apple employees are working on changes to iOS that would open the operating system to apps outside the App Store. The company is planning to take action by 2024, in response to EU regulations. However, changes could go arrive with the release of iOS 17 itself. If the changes are implemented, developers will be able to work around paying 15% to 30% of fees to Apple.
But there’s also the possibility of Apple limiting the changes to the EU alone and keeping its current policy in all other regions.
Third-Party Browsers without Webkit
While Apple does third-party browsers, there’s one huge restriction. The company insists that all browsers use the same rendering engine as Safari – WebKit. However, the growing antitrust pressure on Apple also includes claims that the WebKit requirement is anti-competitive. The European Digital Markets Act looks set to force Apple into dropping the WebKit with iOS 17 – and if and when that happens, we could see browsers with greater feature differentiation on App Store.
Support for MR headset
Apple’s long-rumoured mixed-reality headset is finally expected to launch this year. The device has been tipped to function on its own and will also have its own App Store. But Apple is known for its ecosystem where devices interact with each other in various ways, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to think that there will be some level of integration between the headset and the iPhone. We may see some headset-specific features on iOS 17.
CarPlay updates
Apple at the WWDC 2022 event provided a preview of an upgraded CarPlay experience with deeper integration with vehicles, allowing car functions like volume and radio to be controlled through CarPlay. The company also plans to add widgets and support for multiple displays. With the first vehicles with next-gen CarPlay integration set to arrive in 2023, support for it will likely be built into iOS 17.
iOS 17 release date
Apple introduces the first developer beta of new iOS versions in June every year and iOS 17 is expected to be no different. Following a period of testing, the first stable version will become available with the launch of the iPhone 15 series in September.
iOS 17 compatible devices
Even though the iPhone 6s was supported for a lot longer than that, iPhones typically get 5 years of updates. Going by this, we expect iOS 17 to be available on iPhone XS and up.
- iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max
Source:indianexpress.com