The new version of Apple’s mobile operating system iOS 17, the iPhone 15 series, the Apple Watch Series 9, and the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra is already here. Right now they are not available for purchase in stores but you can order from Apple directly. For now, you can upgrade to the new iOS17 operating system. See everything you need to know and the requirements to install and upgrade to the new operating system here.
The update process for any iOS is mostly handled within your iPhone settings, and 17 is no different. But first, there are a few things you should know and do before installing the latest version of iOS.
First, find out if your iPhone is compatible
Not every iPhone will receive the new iOS 17 update. You’ll need an iPhone model that is at least as recent as the iPhone XR or XS, which were released in 2018.
Other iPhones that support iOS17 include the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, the iPhone 11, the iPhone SE (second generation and up), the iPhone 12, the iPhone 13, and the iPhone 14. However, the new iPhone 15 will come with iOS 17 preinstalled.
Next, before installing iOS 17, back up your iPhone
To ensure that all of your personal and phone data stays secure, you should back up your iPhone before you update. It will also give you the option of returning to iOS 16 or whichever iOS you are using, in case iOS 17 isn’t suitable for you.
If the default auto-backup setting is enabled, your iPhone will back up your data regularly during sleep hours, if it’s connected to power and Wi-Fi. However, if the automatic backup feature is disabled, you can go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and then hit Back Up Now to manually back up your device.
When you are done backing up your iPhone, ensure you do these three things before installing iOS 17
Make sure your iPhone is connected to power. You won’t be able to download iOS 17 if you’re under 50% battery, so it’s safest to plug in your phone while you update. Even if you’re plugged in, the battery must be over 20% to install iOS 17.
Connect to Wi-Fi. You won’t be able to download iOS 17 using your mobile data, so connect to a stable Wi-Fi network before starting the installation.
Clear up enough storage space. The iOS 17 file size is several gigabytes, and if you’re running out of storage, you’ll need to clear some space before you can download and install iOS 17. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to delete large files and apps.
How to Download and Install iOS 17
Once you are done with all these preparations, you can then proceed to download and install iOS 17. Open your iPhone and go to Settings > General > Software Update. Wait a few seconds (or minutes) for the update to appear and then hit Install Now for iOS 17 or Install Tonight if you want to install iOS 17 later.
If you see the download and install option for iOS 16.6 instead, hit the Upgrade to iOS 17 button at the bottom of the page and then hit Download and Install for iOS 17. Enter your password to begin the process of updating.
After you’ve begun the update process you will see a loading bar, along with an estimate of how long the download process will take. Once the download is complete, restart your iPhone and wait for iOS 17 to install. When your iPhone boots up, follow the instructions and you will see the iOS 17 downloaded on your device.
On the other hand, because it just launched it might not be the best move to update to iOS 17 right away. Let’s look at a few reasons why.
Your iPhone battery might drain faster than usual
There isn’t a single general reason why battery drain occurs right after a major software update that is you have to hold on for a while before updating to the new operating system.
If your battery health level is already in bad shape you might want to hold on from updating to iOS 17 for a while.
Here are a couple of reasons why iOS 17 might be draining your battery:
- Your phone is working overtime in the background. New features, such as the improved search feature in Messages or Live Stickers for your photos, may need to index your files to work correctly.
- Your apps don’t support iOS 17. Developers are given plenty of time to update their apps to the latest iPhone software, but if they don’t, the apps could drain more battery because they’re outdated.
- There might be a slight chance of software bugs that could be eating up your battery life in the background.
Fortunately, the battery drain gradually reduces once your iPhone gets settled with the new software update.
Your older iPhone might get slow
Just because your iPhone supports iOS 17 doesn’t necessarily mean the new OS will run smoothly on your device. An older iPhone model, like the iPhone XS or iPhone 11 Pro might struggle to keep up with iOS 17’s demands, due to little storage, low RAM, or an older chipset.
You might encounter bugs (coding errors) that can cause issues on your iPhone
There is no doubt that no matter how sophisticated a software update may seem, a few bugs will find their way to slip through. That’s why Apple sometimes releases a “point update” shortly after a major update, to fix issues like:
- Battery drain
- Lagging
- Apps force-closing
- Phone restarting
- Unusable features
You might not get all the new iOS 17 features
Not every iPhone running iOS 17 will get all the new features, especially older models like the iPhone XR and iPhone 11. Below you’ll find some of the features that aren’t supported on all devices running iOS 17:
- Hand reactions in FaceTime: iPhone 12 and later
- FaceTime on Apple TV: iPhone XS/XR and later
- Improved autocorrect: iPhone 12 and later
- Predictions inline as you type: iPhone 12 and later
However, regardless of any hesitations you might have, due to what you just discovered, there are other plenty of reasons to go ahead and update to iOS 17. Aside from all the new features you may benefit from, new privacy and security settings that improve your safety and better protect your personal information are contained on the new OS.
On iOS 17, you have a few major privacy and security features to look forward to such as:
- Sensitive content warning: You can toggle on a setting to blur sensitive photos and videos sent to you. This feature works in Messages, AirDrop, Contact Posters, FaceTime messages, and third‑party applications.
- Improved permissions: Applications let you choose which photos you want to share in-app, while the rest of them are kept private. Also, an application can add an event to your calendar without being able to see your other events.
- Expanded Lockdown Mode: The new and improved Lockdown Mode increases security to help protect you against more sophisticated cyberattacks. It even works on your Apple Watch now.
And then there are new accessibility features, which can be beneficial to those with disabilities such as:
- Personal Voice: An AI feature that allows you to clone your voice and use it via type-to-speak to communicate with others.
- Assistive Access: Simplifies everything on your phone, making it easier to use.
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