Apple Unveils Release Dates for iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17

Apple’s highly anticipated software updates, including iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17, were officially unveiled at the WWDC 2023 event held in June. During the recent Apple Wonderlust event, the tech giant revealed the release dates for these operating systems.

iOS 17 is a major release with significant communication enhancements across Phone, FaceTime, and Messages. However, not all iPhone models will receive this update. iOS 17 features will be available as a free software update for iPhone Xs and later.

iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 Release Date and Compatibility

Apple’s latest software updates for iPhone and iPad, iOS 17, and iPadOS 17, are set to roll out to users starting on September 18.

As previously announced, iOS 17 will be compatible with the following iPhone models:

• iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR
• iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

Meanwhile, iPadOS 17 will be available as a free software update for the following devices:

• iPad (6th generation and later)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
• 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation and later)
• 10.5-inch iPad Pro
• 11-inch iPad Pro (1st generation and later)

iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 Features

The iOS 17 update introduces personalized Contact Posters, allowing users to choose how contacts appear during incoming calls. This feature extends to third-party calling apps as well. Additionally, users can view real-time transcriptions of live voicemails, ensuring privacy, with spam calls not appearing as live voicemail.

iOS 17 brings significant updates to communication apps, including FaceTime and Messages. Users can now record and send messages if the recipient doesn’t answer the audio or video call. Furthermore, FaceTime calls can be made via Apple TV and even projected onto the television.

The update also includes enhancements for Airdrop, NameDrop, autocorrect, dictation, privacy, AirPlay, Apple Music, and Safari browsing. Apple is introducing a new app called Journal, designed to simplify the process of creating gratitude lists.

With iPadOS 17, Apple has redesigned the Lock Screen, making it customizable, and added interactive widgets. Reading PDFs and Notes on iPads is now more user-friendly with new features. Interactive tools have been incorporated into Messages, FaceTime, and Safari, aligning with iOS 17. Additionally, the Health app is now available on iPads, allowing users to monitor their health data.

macOS Sonoma, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17 Features

macOS Sonoma, Apple’s software update for Mac computers, permits users to place widgets directly on the desktop and interact with them. The update also brings video conferencing improvements and significant enhancements to Safari for faster browsing across multiple windows. Game Mode, offering optimized gaming experiences, is another notable introduction. Compatible Mac computers will receive the update starting on September 26.

For watchOS 10, Apple Watch Series 4 or later, paired with iPhone Xs or later running iOS 17, will be compatible starting on September 18. The update offers redesigned apps for smoother navigation and content access. It introduces new widgets that can be organized neatly in a Smart Stack and displayed based on the user’s activity. Users can now access the Control Center using a side button and will have access to two new watch faces.

Finally, tvOS 17 allows users to display FaceTime calls on Apple TV or make calls directly through the television. The update includes additional features and personalization options, such as enhanced dialogue, support for Dolby Vision 8.1, and third-party VPN support.