As we approach Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), rumors and leaks about iOS 17 are swirling in the tech world.
Expected to be a major upgrade, iOS 17 is anticipated to introduce a host of highly requested features, along with hardware-specific enhancements for the forthcoming iPhone 15 Pro models.
Here’s everything about iOS 17 leaks we know so far.
Major Upgrades in the Pipeline
Apple seems to be taking cues from its successful MacBook Pro redesign. Much like the tech giant brought back the popular MagSafe connector and the SD card slot, iOS 17 is poised to satisfy long-standing user demands.
Control Center Overhaul
One of the most noticeable changes will be the Control Center’s major redesign, untouched since iOS 11 launched in 2017. The exact nature of these changes remains under wraps, but early indications point towards a fresh look and more intuitive user experience.
Performance Enhancements and Support for Older Devices
Reliability and performance improvements for older iPhones (with an A11 Bionic chip or higher) are expected. This focus on longevity and efficiency is an encouraging sign, given that older devices often slow down with new updates.
Dynamic Island Upgrades
Dynamic Island, a feature introduced in recent iOS versions, will become more versatile. This enhancement aims to attract more users to the iPhone 15 lineup, especially the regular iPhone 15 and 15 Max models.
Customization and Accessibility
More customization options for the user interface (UI), new “Focus mode” filters, and changes to notifications are expected. Further, custom accessibility settings are being tested, which would provide older adults and young children with greater control over the UI and layout.
Active Widgets
Active widgets are in the testing phase, too. If incorporated, this feature would enable one-tap button sliders and other interactive functionalities, making widgets more useful than ever.
Car Key and CarPlay Improvements
Improvements to the Car Key and CarPlay features are also on the horizon, along with a redesign of the Health app UI and changes to the Camera app.
New AR Capabilities
A significant addition to ARKit APIs and Frameworks is anticipated, likely complementing Apple’s rumored VR headset.
Exclusive Apps and Redesigns
Apple is reportedly working on a personal journaling app, codenamed “Jurassic”. This application is designed to help users track their daily lives, potentially using AI to understand user behavior. Other improvements include a redesigned Wallet and ‘Find My’ applications.
Customizable Lock Screen, Apple Music and App Library Features
Leaked reports also suggest that the lock screen will see a significant overhaul, with font size customization and a shareable custom lock screen design feature. Apple Music lyrics might be viewable directly from the lock screen, which would be a welcome addition for many users. App library folders might also get a manual rename feature, and the flashlight brightness slider might become adjustable, akin to the volume control.
Mood Tracker and AI-Based Health Coaching Service
Another interesting feature is a mood tracker, which will use health app data and sensors to gauge the user’s emotional state. An AI-based health coaching service, codenamed “Quartz”, is also being tested. This service would encourage users to exercise, improve their eating habits, and take steps to enhance their sleep quality.
EU Exclusive Feature: Side Loading Apps
Apple’s plan to allow side loading of apps, a feature likely to be exclusive to the EU due to legislative requirements, is gaining attention. A system known as ‘Country D’ will allow or disallow side loading based on the user’s geographical location.
iPhone 15 Pro Exclusive Features
The iPhone 15 Pro models are set to stand out with some exciting exclusive features that have been revealed in the leaks. One of the key upgrades being talked about is the potential integration of Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. This shift from the previously speculated USB 3.0 to Thunderbolt 3 would drastically enhance data transfer speeds and overall device integration, paving the way for an elevated user experience.
But the Thunderbolt 3 integration isn’t the end of the story. iOS 17 is expected to unleash some unique features leveraging this technology, which will come to light with the release of the iPhone 15 Pro. One of the most anticipated features is the new cinematography recording functionality. This feature is projected to enable live 4K Thunderbolt outputs to monitors while recording, revolutionizing the way content is created.
Think of the possibilities this opens up. With your iPhone 15 Pro, you could mimic a professional camera setup, connecting your device to a portable monitor, and viewing a live feed as you’re recording. This feature is bound to be a game-changer for video content creators, who would now have the power of a professional recording setup right in their pockets.