Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is just around the corner, and this year’s event is generating immense excitement among tech enthusiasts. In addition to unveiling new hardware, including “several Macs,” Apple is expected to announce the highly anticipated iOS 17 and showcase a range of innovative products, including their long-awaited AR/VR headset. This article explores the release date of iOS 17, the compatible devices, and some of the rumored features.
iOS 17 Release Date and Availability
Following the tradition, Apple is set to kick off WWDC 2023 on June 5 and conclude it on June 9. During the conference, Apple’s keynote will take place on June 5 at 10 am PT or 10:30 pm IST. The excitement surrounding the event stems from the anticipated unveiling of iOS 17, which will be available as a developer beta shortly after the keynote. It’s important to note that only registered Apple developers will have access to the developer beta seed.
Apple generally follows a predictable schedule, and it is expected that a public beta of iOS 17 will be released a few weeks after WWDC 2023. Based on reports, the public beta is likely to be rolled out by the end of June or the first few weeks of July. This means that users worldwide can expect the official launch of iOS 17 in September 2023, coinciding with the release of the new iPhone 15 lineup.
iOS 17 Compatibility: Which Devices Will Support It?
There have been conflicting reports regarding the devices that will be compatible with iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. While one reliable source on Twitter suggests that iOS 17 will drop support for iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus, another source refutes this claim and asserts that iOS 17 will run on all devices capable of running iOS 16 and iPadOS 16.
As for iPadOS 17, rumors suggest that it may not be supported by several older iPads, including the first-generation 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, as well as the fifth-generation iPad. If these rumors are accurate, the following models are expected to be compatible with iPadOS 17:
- iPad Pro (2017 and later)
- iPad Air (third generation and later)
- iPad (sixth generation and later)
- iPad mini (fifth generation and later)
- Exciting Rumored Features in iOS 17
While specific details about iOS 17’s features remain tightly guarded, there have been intriguing rumors circulating within the tech community. Although these rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, they offer a glimpse into what might be in store for iOS 17 users:
Credit Card Balance in Wallet App: iOS 17 is rumored to display credit card balances directly within the Wallet app, providing users with a convenient way to manage their finances.
Enhanced Accessibility Features: Apple has announced that iOS 17 will introduce new accessibility features, catering to users with diverse needs. These features aim to improve inclusivity and enhance the overall user experience.
Maps App Interface: According to rumors, iOS 17 may feature a revamped Maps app interface, offering users a more intuitive and visually appealing navigation experience.
Journaling App: There have been whispers about a potential journaling app making its debut in iOS 17, providing users with a digital space to capture their thoughts, memories, and ideas.
Find My App Improvements: iOS 17 may bring notable enhancements to the Find My app, making it easier for users to locate their devices and stay connected with friends and family.
Active Widgets: It is speculated that iOS 17 might introduce “active” widgets, allowing users to interact with widgets directly from the home screen, providing real-time updates and information.
Control Center Changes: Rumors suggest that iOS 17 may introduce changes to the Control Center, offering a more streamlined and customizable user interface.
With the upcoming Apple WWDC 2023, excitement is building around the highly anticipated iOS 17 release. As the event unfolds, developers will gain access to the beta version, leading to a public beta release shortly after. Users can expect iOS 17 to be compatible with a range of devices, but there are still uncertainties regarding which models will support it. While rumors provide intriguing glimpses into potential features, we eagerly await Apple’s official announcements and the unveiling of the iPhone 15 lineup.
