Apple is gearing up to release its annual major software updates for iPhones and iPads simultaneously this month. The news comes via Bloomberg’s reputable Apple reporter, Mark Gurman.
This simultaneous release marks a departure from last year’s staggered release of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16.
Gurman, known for his well-connected sources within Apple, has reported that the tech giant is on the cusp of finalising iOS 17 and iPadOS 17.
The eighth beta versions of the latest operating systems are currently in circulation. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, these betas are expected to be the near-final versions—signalling that Apple is closing in on deploying iOS 17.
Last year’s approach saw Apple launch iPadOS 16 on 24 October, more than a month after the official release of iOS 16.
The company’s reasoning behind this staggered release of iPadOS was to grant additional time for refining the newly introduced ‘Stage Manager’ app window management system; which faced significant criticism during the beta development phase.
Some of the major features of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 are:
- Contact posters: When you get a call on your iPhone, you can see a poster-like image of the caller with their name, photo, and location. You can also create your own contact posters and share them with your friends.
- Live voicemail: When someone leaves you a voicemail, you can see a transcription and listen to it live as it is being recorded.
- FaceTime voicemail: If you miss a FaceTime call, you can send or receive a video or audio message from the caller.
- StandBy: This feature turns your iPhone into a smart display when it is charging and placed horizontally. It can show you different information and widgets on the screen.
- Safari profiles: You can create different profiles in Safari for different purposes, such as work, personal, shopping, etc. Each profile has its own bookmarks, history, tabs, and settings.
- AirDrop enhancements: You can now AirDrop files to multiple devices at once, and also send files to devices that are not in your contact list by using a QR code.
- Improved autocorrect and predictive text: The keyboard on iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 has improved autocorrect and predictive text features that learn from your typing habits and suggest words and phrases that are relevant to your context.
- NameDrop: This feature lets you share your name, photo, and other information with people you meet by using NFC or QR code. You can also scan other people’s NameDrop codes and add them to your contacts.
- Mood logging: This feature lets you track your mood and emotions throughout the day by using the ‘Health’ app. You can also see how your mood is affected by various factors such as sleep, activity, weather.etc
Apple enthusiasts can expect iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 to make their debut shortly after the announcement of the iPhone 15 series, which is scheduled for Apple’s “Wonderlust” event on 12 September. Apple will livestream the event through its website, YouTube, and the Apple TV app.
Returning to a simultaneous release of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 will be welcomed by users and developers; providing consistency across Apple’s ecosystem of devices and delivering the enhanced features and seamless transition between iPhones and iPads that fans have come to expect.
(Image Credit: Apple)
See also: Samsung announces SDC23 details
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