iOS 17 Update: Leaks Suggest Features and Compatibility for Upcoming Apple OS

Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch its iOS 17 update, with many leaks and reports indicating that the announcement could occur during the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023, scheduled for June 5-9.

The tech giant previously unveiled its iOS 16 update at last year’s WWDC and recently rolled out the iOS 16.4 update. As Apple continues to develop the upcoming OS, a tipster has shared some potential features of the iOS 17 update.

Twitter user (@analyst941), who has a history of accurate leaks, posted a tweet thread suggesting that iOS 17 will be supported on all iPhone models compatible with iOS 16, including devices powered by the Apple A11 Bionic chipset, such as the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. The tipster added that the update will offer enhanced performance, efficiency, stability, and long-term support for older devices like the standard iPad, iPhone 8, and iPhone X series.

Camera app changes originally planned for the iPhone 14 Pro series may now be implemented only in the iPhone 15 lineup, rather than across all iOS 17 compatible handsets, according to the tipster. They also suggested that the Control Center could undergo significant user interface and customization changes with the iOS 17 update. Improvements to the existing Dynamic Island feature are also expected, likely driven by Apple’s marketing department to boost sales of the standard iPhone 15 models.

The iOS 17 update may include an improved always-on display, Focus Mode filters, notification changes, and additional options in the Settings app, such as a Custom Accessibility setting that enables users to have complete control over the UI and layout for older or younger users. The tipster also hinted that Apple might be testing active, dynamic widgets, which could feature one-tap buttons and sliders.

Furthermore, the iOS 17 update is expected to integrate more car-related features into the Wallet app and launch with CarKey improvements. The Health app’s user interface may also be updated, particularly concerning the “Favorites” feature. The tipster suggested that the Search/Spotlight feature on iOS 17 devices would be significantly improved, with the update also incorporating a massive array of ARKit APIs/frameworks.

Lastly, the leak indicated that the iPhone 15 Pro models, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max are still expected to feature capacitive/haptic volume, “action,” and power buttons, contrary to recent reports.