iOS 17: 6-10 Changes we’d like to see

6: Background tasks

A long-standing complaint with iOS is the way it handles background tasks. For all Google apps like Google Photos or Drive, uploads and downloads do not happen in the background. Downloading large files from Safari does not work in the background either.

Game updates, Spotify Playlists, Netflix shows, etc., don’t download content when the app is minimised into the app switcher. This is due to Apple’s ultra-aggressive background task management. It helps the battery but hinders productivity, annoys users, and wastes time.

The background upload/ download API does exist, but there’s still a set time limit for how long apps are allowed to run in the background. Since some people prefer this system for whatever reason, a simple toggle in the Settings app to turn off this aggressive background task management will be great.

They can give you a warning popup about the battery effects. iPhones with 6GB of RAM run some background tasks, but the overall system is undoubtedly a hit-and-miss. iPhones with 4GB of RAM have some of the worst background tasks on a 2022 phone.

7: RCS Support for iMessage

iMessage is primarily a popular messaging tool in the USA and is available only on iPhones. This benefits Apple since it creates a lock-in mechanism, and people buy iPhones to stay in group chats due to peer pressure. Adding RCS support will make messaging better for everyone. Apple still supports the insecure and outdated MMS/ SMS standard.

8: Universal Battery Widget

The current battery widget shows you the battery percentage of your other ecosystem devices, like your iPad, Apple Watch, or MacBook. Letting you see the remaining battery of all your devices in one single widget will be pretty convenient.

9: Predictive (T9) Dialling

T9 dialling or predictive text has existed on Android phones forever. When you type a number in the dialler, predicted contacts appear on Android phones. Nothing shows up on iOS; the contact name is only displayed after you type in the entire number.

10: Better Siri

Siri on iOS is functional but barely fulfils the minimum requirements of an excellent virtual assistant. Since Apple claims that it does not collect your data, the assistant cannot understand you.

A virtual assistant can only be good if it understands you and collects as much of your data as possible. Due to their so-called privacy-centric approach, Apple can’t do that. Improvements to Siri are long overdue. We sincerely hope Siri gets more intelligent and can relate your recent speech to what you said earlier.

iOS 17 Release Date

The next-generation version of iOS, i.e. iOS 17, could be announced at Apple WWDC 2023 June event. It will likely be released to the public on September 12, 2023 (Expected).

iOS versions are typically announced in June at the World Wide Developer Conference. A launch date for all models is usually sometime in September, the same time new iPhones come out. The iPhone 15 lineup will ship with iOS 17 out of the box, and it’s expected to launch by the middle of September 2023.

iOS 17 Expected Features

For now, the EU might force Apple to allow sideloading applications. Apple has kept their App Store locked down and has prevented sideloading. Methods like AltStore exist, but they’re cumbersome and challenging to do, and they pose severe security and privacy risks.

Apple might be forced to allow sideloading by opening its software to third-party App Stores. This is the only rumoured feature and a predicted redesign for the Messages app.

The camera interface still does not have enough tools and could use a redesign. The ability to change more default apps is long-requested too. iOS still lacks features like dual apps, multiple user accounts, the ability to lock apps, a good clipboard, and scrolling screenshots in all places.

We need a less intrusive battery popup on iPhones without the dynamic island. Notifications could still use improvements, and the File Manager app could do with more functionality.

iOS 17 Supported Devices

There’s a chance that the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X might drop support next year. iOS 16 dropped support for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, and the support lasted five years. All phones beginning with the iPhone XS series will be supported, but the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X might not. The list below depicts all the devices guaranteed to get the update.

iPhone 14 series.

iPhone 13 series.

iPhone 12 series.

iPhone 11 series.

iPhone XS and XS Max.

iPhone XR.

iPhone SE 2020.

iPhone SE 2022.

iOS 17 has a lot of expectations to live up to. iOS 16 in 2022 added plenty of requested features. A battery percentage indicator and haptics to the default keyboard are subtle but good additions. iOS 16 also brought lock screen customisation and lock screen widgets.