Although Apple continues to add more features into iOS 16, iPhone fans are waiting eagerly for the next release. iOS 17 hasn’t been announced yet, but there are already some indications of what to expect from the operating system. We give you an outlook on new functions and reveal which iPhone models can expect the update.
Rumors: new features of iOS 17
As we wait for WWDC 2023, there is one certainty: rumors of future features for iOS 17 will be making the rounds long before then. Since these are just rumours, you should treat all points in this article with a little caution.
Smart display-like lock screen
In recent versions, the iOS and iPadOS lock screen has become more and more useful with widgets and additional customization options. But, as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the 2023 upgrade will also alter the interface for users to replicate functions that you would typically find on display screens.
The journalist mentioned that a new view will show the appointments saved in the calendar, weather information and other smart home notifications – similar to Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s. The surface is activated simply by placing the smartphone in landscape format on a charging station.
Such a change would fit Apple’s recent investments in the smart home space, including its rapid adoption of the Matter standard. With no smart display of its own The new interface for mobile phones can replace the expensive design and launch of a brand new line of products.
New accessibility features
In celebration of World Accessibility Awareness Day, Apple officially announced a new set of accessibility enhancements that will be coming to iOS in 2023. It is likely that they will be available by the time of iOS 17. These include better support for users with cognitive disabilities – including high-contrast and large text buttons – Live Speech for converting text input to audio during calls, a function for creating a personal synthetic voice and more.
Some of the new features will also be available in Apple’s other operating systems (iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, etc.) and are designed not only to improve the lives of people with various types of disabilities, but also those of their supporters and other people who are want to better customize their devices.
Updates to Find My Privacy
Apple also announced changes to its AirTags trackers to prevent their use for malicious purposes such as stalking. The company, along with Google, announced a set of features that will alert users when an unwanted tracker is following them. According to Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman, the Find My service will also see improvements, but without going into details.
Updated control center design
The Control Center, which hasn’t changed much since its debut, is set to get a new look in iOS 17, at least according to a MacRumors source. The tipster didn’t say exactly what changes will be made, but anticipates that the icons and style will inherit the visual characteristics of the lock screen.
Support for older iPhones removed (again).
Apple’s top-notch software support is known for supporting older devices for a long time, but of course some devices get phased out from time to time. After Apple ended support for the last iPhone with a small screen (the first generation iPhone SE) in iOS 16, it seems that the first iPhone with a notch is coming to an end, too.
Another MacRumors source reported that iOS 17 will drop support for the A11 Bionic processor – due to a security issue. Should the rumor be confirmed, it would mean that the iPhone X and iPhone 8 models will no longer be updated.
Don’t have any more developer beta installations to regular users
Until the update to iOS 16.4, iPhone owners could easily install beta versions of the operating system via the configuration profile files. A few weeks before revealing iOS 17 at WWDC 2023, Apple closed this loophole and enforced its official policy that beta OS versions for developers are now only available to app makers.
Beginning with version 16.4, developer betas require the Apple Developer Program (ADP), which has an annual fee of $99. Until now, configuration profiles could only be downloaded by registered developers, but the files could then be used by anyone. Some sites even specialize in offering beta profiles, such as B. BetaProfiles.dev.
Positive benefit: iPhone users using iOS 16.4 are able to use a simpler method to download and install iOS betas:
- Opens the Settings app.
- Tap on General.
- Selects software update.
- Choose Beta Updates.
- Select one of the beta versions. generally Developer Beta and Public Beta.
Betas are only provided for the corresponding Apple IDs. Users who have both a developer and regular ID must be signed in with the account associated with the ADP plan to install developer betas.
Alternative app stores (!)
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, iOS 17 brings us a change that would have Steve Jobs in a tizzy: the journalist reports that a future iOS 17 update will add the ability to sideload apps, just like its competitor Android.
This change appears to be the result of changes proposed by the European Union (EU) that will force closed systems to allow third-party app stores on their platforms. It is still unclear whether this change – similar to the USB-C standardization – only applies in the EU countries or also in the USA. But such a significant change would certainly be announced beforehand, likely during WWDC 2023.
Next-gen CarPlay
This new feature was already announced at WWDC 2022 (1min42s in the video below) but apparently doesn’t just depend on Apple’s will. The Cupertino giant promises a revolution in in-car infotainment where the car interface can “take over” all available dashboards.
The launch of the new CarPlay is likely to be delayed due to the ongoing shortage of components in recent years. There is talk that it will be introduced in models from various manufacturers such as Audi, Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche and others at the end of 2023. Let’s just hope Apple’s vision of a smooth “all-glass” surface doesn’t make the streets more dangerous…
AR/XR headset support
Whether it’s the mythical “iGlass” or the “Reality Pro,” Apple will cautiously dip its toe into the METAVERSE in 2023. Whether it’s a baby step or a revolution, support for the device should be deeply rooted in iOS, much like other gadgets like the AirPods, Apple Watch, and AirTags have been.
According to Mark Gurman, the first Apple headset is expected to be announced in the spring, before the system is then officially unveiled at WWDC. The developer event would thus kick-start app development before the product ships just ahead of the new iPhones in fall, which traditionally marks the launch of the new iOS.
Revamped news app
According to leaker Majin Bu, Apple’s Messages app will get a complete facelift in 2023. The iOS 17 version is said to offer a new home screen, video clips, chat rooms, and even support for AR chat features, hinting at AR glasses that may launch in 2023.