Not upgrading to iPhone 15? You can still get the new iPhone feeling by updating to iOS 17

If you’re not planning on upgrading to the new iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro, you can still get that new iPhone feeling by upgrading to iOS 17 which is now available to download and install.

And iPad users can also upgrader to iPadOS 17 as well to unlock a range of new features and capabilities.

If you’re thinking of installing the new iOS 17 and the iPadOS 17 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 – and you should see iOS 17.

iOS 17 will work on the following iPhones: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max. iPhone SE (second generation and later), iPhone 14 (including Plus), iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max.

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.

CHECK IN

iMessage also introduces Check In so friends and family members can be notified when you arrive safely at your 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.