If you’re an iPhone user (of course that’s why you’d be reading this) or you’re thinking of making a mint on the iPhone 15, you need to get ready for the rollout of the latest iPhone iOS update from Apple. The all-new iOS 17 features are replete with a plethora of exciting improvements that will revolutionize the way you wield your iPhone.
From revamped communication tools to a new Standby mode, Apple iPhone’s iOS 17 update is set to take your smartphone experience to a whole new level. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of iOS 17 features, while also exploring its release date, iOS 17-compatible iPhones, and much more.
When Will Apple’s iOS 17 Be Released?
Mark your calendars with a timestamp! Apple has officially announced that iOS 17 will be available for download from Monday, September 18, 2023. While the exact timing of the release is yet to be confirmed, you can expect it to be rolled out around 10 AM PT/6 PM BST. So, make sure to keep an eye on your iPhone this week and get ready to embark on a thrilling iOS 17 adventure.

(Image Courtesy – Apple)
Which Are The Lucky iOS 17 Phones Supported By The Latest Update?
Not all iPhones will be able to support the latest iOS 17 features, and unfortunately, all of them will not be graced with the iOS 17 update. Here’s a list of the lucky iOS 17 iPhones.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
If you’re rocking one of these beauties, get ready to experience iOS 17 in all its glory. However, if you’re still clinging to your trusty old iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus, the time to bid farewell to iOS 17 is here. These devices will not be supported by the latest iPhone iOS, so it might be time to consider a hardware upgrade.
What’s New in iOS 17? Apple iOS 17 features
iOS 17 is not just a run-of-the-mill update; it’s a game-changer. Apple has gone above and beyond to enhance the way you communicate via messages, personalize your phone calls and enrich the way you can use your iPhone while it’s charging. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most exciting iOS 17 features.
The Latest iPhone iOS Revolutionizes FaceTime
FaceTime has always been a go-to app for iPhone users, but with the new iOS 17, it’s taking communication to a whole new level. Now, when someone doesn’t answer your FaceTime call, you can leave a video message. This means that you no longer have to resort to a banal voicemail; instead, you can share your latest updates with the other party through a video message. This iOS 17 feature is like having a mini video conversation without the need for both parties to be available at the same time.
But that’s not all. The new iOS update reviews laud the iOS 17 feature that introduces a vivid array of animated effects that can be used to react during FaceTime calls. Whether you want to express your love with hearts or show your approval with a thumbs-up, these animated effects add a touch of fun and liveliness to your video conversations. They are particularly handy during group calls when you want to react silently to someone’s remark without interrupting the flow of the conversation. It’s a small addition, but it makes a big impact on the overall FaceTime experience.
Personalize Your Phone Calls: iOS 17 Feature
Apple iPhone’s iOS 17 gives you the power to make your phone calls more personal with the introduction of Contact Posters. With Contact Posters, you can customize the call screen of your contacts, adding a personal touch to your conversations. You can choose a main photo or even an emoji to represent each contact, and you have complete control over the font size, color, and style of their name. Doesn’t this iOS 17 feature sound like you’re curating your own gallery of call screens?
But here’s the best part of the iOS 17 update – Contact Posters can be automatically shared with all your contacts or selectively shared with a chosen few. This means that whenever you call someone, your customized Poster will appear on their screen, making your calls stand out from the crowd. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make your phone calls more personal and memorable.

The Live Voicemail iOS 17 feature. (Image Courtesy – Apple)
Another exciting addition to iOS 17 is the Live Voicemail feature. Have you ever received a voicemail and wished you could read the script while the caller was speaking? Well, now you can. Live Voicemail displays a transcription of the voicemail message in real time, allowing you to read along as the caller leaves their message. This feature is especially useful when the topic is urgent or sensitive, as it gives you the option to pick up the call immediately if necessary. And the best part? Live Voicemail works offline, ensuring your privacy and providing you with all the context you need without the need to play the actual voicemail.
The iPhone World With iOS 17: Enhancements to Messages
Messages are at the heart of communication with iOS updates, and Apple has made sure to enhance this core experience with the latest iOS 17 update. One of the notable improvements includes the redesigned App Library, which now features new iMessage app icons. This redesign gives a fresh and modern look to the Messages app, making it even more enjoyable to use.
To add to your new-release excitement for Apple, iOS 17 introduces two new apps to the Messages arsenal: Check In and Stickers. The Check In app allows you to share your location and movements on the map with someone, making it easier than ever to coordinate plans or keep loved ones informed about your whereabouts. On the other hand, the Stickers app lets you create fun and animated stickers to add a dash of excitement to your conversations. Whether you want to express your mood or send a cute animated character, stickers are a fantastic way to bring your messages to life.

Stickers are one of iOS 17’s interesting features. (Image Courtesy – Apple)
iOS 17 also brings a range of quality-of-life improvements to the Messages app. A new swipe-to-reply shortcut makes it easier to respond to specific messages, and the keyboard has been smartened up with a more precise autocorrect feature. Additionally, iPhone users can now share high-quality media with other iPhone users in group chats, even where a “Green Bubble” is present. It’s a small gesture, but it shows that Apple is committed to improving the overall messaging experience for its users.
The Best iOS 17 Feature: Introducing Standby Mode
Apple iPhone’s iOS 17 update also reimagines the way you use your iPhone when it’s charging. With the new Standby mode, your iPhone becomes a smart digital display, providing you with useful information and diligent visuals while it charges. Whether you want to check the time, see your upcoming calendar events, or enjoy a stunning slideshow of your favorite photos, Standby mode has got you covered.

Say plain old boring charging no more. (Image Courtesy – Apple)
The Standby mode is not limited to aesthetics, but also pragmatism. It allows you to access essential functions and features without unlocking your device. For example, you can control your music playback, check the weather, or even browse through your notifications, all without interrupting the charging process.
Beyond The New iOS 17.0
iOS 17 is just the beginning of a monumental journey for avid iPhone users. Apple has demonstrated its commitment to providing regular updates and enhancements to the iOS ecosystem. With iOS 17, we’ve seen the tremendous potential for innovation and improvement, and we can only imagine what the future holds.
So, are you ready to take your iPhone to the next level with iOS 17, and embrace the future of mobile technology in the palm of your hand?