Hey there, tech enthusiast. Rumour has it the iOS 17 update is just around the corner, and it’s set to bring some exciting new features that’ll change how you use your iPhone. The biggest news is that you’ll finally be able to share AirTags with family members. If you’ve got kids or parents who aren’t always the best at keeping track of their stuff, this update is going to make your life so much easier.
No more frantically searching the house for misplaced keys, wallets or the TV remote – with shared AirTags, you’ll always know exactly where everything is. iOS 17 is all about connecting people and streamlining the little details of life. Get ready for a whole new level of organization and less time spent searching for things that have gone walkabout. The future is here, and it’s all about smart, seamless technology that brings families together.
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iOS 17 Update Launch Date: When Can You Expect the Update?
The wait is almost over! iOS 17 is expected to launch in September this year. Apple typically announces their major iOS updates at their annual September event, so you can expect iOS 17 to be unveiled around the second week of September.
Once announced, the iOS 17 update will likely roll out to compatible iPhones within a week or two. If you have an iPhone 12, 11, or one of the recent X models, your phone should support the new update.
To get iOS 17, just go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone and follow the prompts to download and install.
iOS 17 is rumoured to bring some exciting new features, including:
-Shared AirTags: You’ll finally be able to share AirTag item trackers with family members so you can keep tabs on keys, wallets, and other items together.
-Augmented reality maps: Apple Maps may get an AR mode to help you navigate using augmented reality. This could be a game-changer!
-New privacy features: Apple is always improving privacy and security. Expect enhanced data protections and more transparency around how apps access your information.
-Revamped notifications: Notifications may get grouped by app or topic, making them easier to view and manage. You may even be able to set different notification preferences based on your Focus mode.
-And more! There are sure to be other surprises in store. iOS 17 is shaping up to be a noteworthy update with valuable new capabilities. Stay tuned for all the details as Apple makes the official announcement! The future of iPhone is looking bright.
iOS 17 Supported iPhones: Will Your iPhone Get the Latest Update?
Wondering if your iPhone will get the iOS 17 update? Here’s the scoop:
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max: You’re in luck. As Apple’s latest flagship device, the iPhone 14 series will definitely support iOS 17.
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max.
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max.
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max: Apple typically provides software updates for iPhones up to 5 years after their release, so you can expect the iPhone 11 series to support iOS 17.
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), XR, XS and XS Max: Though a bit older, the iPhone XR, XS and XS Max were premium devices in their time and should support iOS 17. However, they may miss out on some new features.
- Older iPhones: Unfortunately, iPhones older than the iPhone 8 likely won’t support iOS 17. While they had a good run, technology moves fast. On the bright side, it may be a good excuse to upgrade to a new iPhone!
The iOS 17 update should roll out in the fall of this year. When it arrives, the most recent iPhones and iPads will prompt you to download and install the update. However, you can also check for updates manually in the Settings app. Here’s to discovering all the new features iOS 17 will bring! Let the countdown begin.
How to Update Your iPhone to iOS 17
Check if your iPhone model supports iOS 17
Not all iPhones will be compatible with the new iOS 17 update. In general, any iPhone from the iPhone XR and newer should support the update. To check if your specific iPhone model is compatible, go to Settings → General → Software Update. If iOS 17 is available for your iPhone, you’ll see an option to download and install. If you don’t see the update, your iPhone likely isn’t supported.
Make space for the update
The iOS 17 update requires several gigabytes of free space to download and install. Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage to see how much free space you have. Delete unused apps, photos, videos or music to free up additional space if needed. For the best experience, aim for at least 2-3 GB of free space.
Back up your iPhone
In the unlikely event something goes wrong during the update, you’ll want to have a recent backup of your iPhone. You can back up to iCloud or your computer. To back up to iCloud, go to Settings → Your Name → iCloud → iCloud Backup and turn on iCloud Backup, then tap “Back Up Now”. To back up to your computer, connect your iPhone and open Finder. Select your iPhone and click “Back Up Now”. The backup process can take some time to complete based on how much data you have.
Install the iOS 17 update
Once you’ve confirmed your iPhone is compatible, freed up enough space and backed up your data, you’re ready to install iOS 17. Go to Settings → General → Software Update. Tap “Download and Install” to begin downloading the update. Your iPhone will restart and install the update. The entire process can take 30 minutes or more depending on your internet speed. Do not disconnect or restart your iPhone during the update process. Your iPhone may restart a couple of times. Once the update is complete, your iPhone will be running iOS 17! Enjoy the new features like shared AirTags, updated privacy controls and more.
The Top New Features in iOS 17 You’ll Love
Share AirTags with Family Members
One of the most useful new features in iOS 17 is the ability to share your AirTags with family members in your Family Sharing group. This means each person will be able to see the location of AirTags registered to them on the Find My app. No more calling your spouse or kids to ask where they put their keys or wallet—you’ll be able to locate their AirTagged items yourself!
To enable AirTag sharing, open the Find My app and tap the “Me” tab. Under “My Devices,” tap “Share My AirTags.” Select which family members you want to share with. They will receive a notification asking them to accept the share. Once they accept, their AirTags will appear under the “Family” tab in Find My so you can view the location of their items. They will also be able to see your AirTagged devices.
AirTag sharing makes it simple to keep track of belongings for family members who may not have their own iPhone. Now the whole family, regardless of which Apple devices they own, can benefit from the locating features of AirTags. This provides more convenience and peace of mind, especially for households with young kids or elderly family members.
Redesigned Home Screen
iOS 17 brings a refreshed home screen design with new widget options. You can now add interactive widgets to your home screen that provide quick access to useful information and actions. For example, a weather widget can show current conditions and temperatures for your location. Tap it to open the full Weather app. A calendar widget gives an overview of your upcoming events so you can see your schedule at a glance.
With the new widget gallery, it’s easy to customize your home screen. Drag and drop different widgets onto your screen, then resize them to be small, medium or large. Arrange them in a layout that suits your needs and personal style. The redesigned home screen in iOS 17 makes your iPhone even more functional and tailored to you.
iOS 17 Update: Finally Share Your AirTags With Family Members
Share AirTags With Family
With iOS 17, you’ll finally be able to share your AirTags with family members in your Family Sharing group. This means each person will be able to see the location of AirTags registered to them on their own devices. No more calling your spouse or kids to ask them where they put their keys or wallet!
- To share AirTags, open the Find My app on your iPhone and tap the Items tab. Select the AirTag you want to share and tap Share with Family. Choose which family members you want to share the AirTag with.
- Once shared, the AirTag will appear in the Items tab of the Find My app for each family member you selected. They’ll be able to see the AirTag’s current or last known location, receive notifications if it’s left behind, and play a sound on the AirTag to help locate a lost item.
- You can stop sharing an AirTag at any time. Just open the Find My app, select the shared AirTag, and tap Stop Sharing. The AirTag will immediately disappear from your family members’ devices.
Sharing AirTags is perfect for families who want an easy way to keep track of belongings used by multiple people like a shared car or house keys. No more frustration over lost items or time wasted searching for something that was misplaced. With AirTag sharing in iOS 17, you’ll gain a little more peace of mind and a lot more time back in your day.
iOS 17 is expected to launch in the fall of 2023. In addition to AirTag sharing, the update will likely include other new features like expanded Memoji options, upgrades to Apple Maps, and improvements to privacy controls. iOS 17 will be available as a free software update for iPhone SE 2nd generation and later models.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the latest on what you can expect from the upcoming iOS 17 update. The ability to share AirTags with family members is going to be a total game changer for those of you who are constantly misplacing keys or wallets. No more “Honey, have you seen my…” texts or frantic searching when you’re already running late. Just open the Find My app and your AirTag location will be right there, shared automatically with the people who need it most. iOS 17 is shaping up to be one of the most useful updates yet. Keep your eyes peeled for the official release date announcement and get ready to experience a whole new level of connectivity with the people in your life. The future is here, and it’s all about bringing us closer together through tech.
