You can run the latest iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 software for iPhone and iPad right now by signing up to Apple’s Beta Software Program.
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 were announced at last month’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference with the official release to come in early September.
But you don’t have to wait that long by joining Apple’s Beta Software Program.
You can get early access and report any bugs to improve the quality and performance by sending anonymous diagnostic data to Apple.
If you’re thinking of installing the new iOS 17 and the iPadOS 17 Public Betas on your iPhone and iPad – be sure to back up your devices before installing – just in case.
HOW TO INSTALL
On your iPhone and iPad go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Update
iPHONE
For devices running iOS 16.4 or later:
Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and choose the iOS beta you’d like to install.
Your iPhone has to be signed in to the same Apple ID you used to enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program to access the beta software
For devices running iOS 16.3 or earlier:
From your iPhone, go to beta.apple.com/profile to download the configuration profile. Your iPhone will notify you when the profile has been downloaded. Open Settings, tap the profile and follow the onscreen instructions to allow installation.
iPAD
Sign in with the same Apple ID you used to enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program to access the beta software.
For devices running iPadOS 16.3 or earlier:
From your iPad, download the configuration profile. Your iPad will notify you when the profile has been downloaded. Open Settings, tap the profile and follow the onscreen instructions to allow installation.
iOS 17
Here are the most popular new features of iOS 17 for iPhone.
LIVE VOICEMAIL
Users can see a real time transcription of an incoming call and decide whether they want to answer the call. This feature also makes it possible to take a call during a meeting to see what it’s about and if it’s urgent without disturbing anyone around you.
CONTACT POSTERS
iOS 17 lets you express yourself with an enriched contact poster which can be configured like a lock screen.
NAMEDROP
This lets users share their contact information and contact posters simply by bringing their iPhones together or bringing an Apple Watch and iPhone together.
FACETIME MESSAGES
If you can’t get through on FaceTime, iOS 17 now offers a way to leave a video message that can be enjoyed later.
FACETIME CONTINUITY
If you receive a FaceTime call on your iPhone, you can hand off to your Apple TV so you’re using your TV to see your friends and family.
iMESSAGE
There is a new expandable menu to share content and stickers while a new catch-up arrow brings you back to where you left off in a conversation. iMessage also introduces Check In so friends and family members can be notified when they arrive safely at their destination.
STANDBY
When you’re iPhone is not in use and resting on a MagSafe charger, simply place it on its side to turn it into a display for the kitchen counter, night stand or desk with a larger clock, notifications and calendar events.
JOURNAL
This is a brand new app to reflect on your day and includes photos and people and is curated from recent activity and locations.
Here are the new features of iPadOS 17
LOCKSCREEN
The iPad now offers similar configurable locks screens like the iPhone with your choice of fonts and images.
IMPROVED WIDGETS
Widgets on the iPad are now more powerful and interactive on the lock screen and the home screen.
PDFs
It is now a lot easier to work with PDFs so you can easily write on them and annotate them with Apple Pencil. You can also find and fill in text areas and easily sign a document with a saved signature or a fresh signature with Apple Pencil.
HEALTH APP
The Health app is now on the iPad so you can see your health data in even more detail. It has been re-designed and optimised for the larger display so you can interact with charts and other information.