EDITOR’S NOTE: The following content in this article is rumors that pertain to iOS 17’s release. It is possible that Apple might not proceed with promised features.
iOS 17 is still in development and more previews will be available at WWDC with a launch to follow in September 2023. Considering that all of these rumors are possible speculations, what we’ll get in the final release is not guaranteed. But it’s also been taken into account that Apple periodically releases updates once a year. Assuming that Apple continues its annual update cycle, iOS 17 could potentially be released in the next six months. This article will cover some potential features that we might see in iOS 17 based on previous iOS releases and rumors.
Enhanced Siri.
For context, Siri is Apple’s voice assistant. Before then, people would use what’s called Tellme as their personal assistant. With almost every iOS release, Siri has been improved. It is possible that Apple may continue to improve Siri’s capabilities, which already include voice recognition, natural language processing, and integration with various apps and services. Some potential enhancements to Siri could include improved accuracy and responsiveness, expanded language support, and deeper integration with smart home devices and other third-party services. It is also possible that Apple may introduce new features or functionality to Siri that have not yet been announced. Ultimately, the specific enhancements to Siri and any other features that may be included in iOS 17 or future updates will likely depend on a variety of factors, including user feedback, technological advancements, and strategic priorities for Apple’s software development team.
Potential Redesigned Home Screen.
Is not uncommon for Apple to make significant changes to the Home Screen with primary iOS updates, as was the case with iOS 14’s introduction of Widgets and the App Library. It is possible that a redesigned Home Screen could include additional customization options, such as the ability to change icon shapes or sizes, or a more streamlined interface that simplifies navigation between apps and Widgets. Additionally, Apple may explore new ways to integrate, Apple Music, Siri, and other features into the Home Screen for a more personalized and intuitive user experience.
Improved Notifications.
Notifications have been an area of emphasis for Apple in recent iOS updates, with features such as Grouped Notifications and Notification Management tools introduced in iOS 12 and iOS 13. It is possible that iOS 17 could continue to build on these features with additional notification customization options, such as the ability to prioritize certain types of notifications or set different notification settings for specific apps or contacts. Additionally, Apple may explore new ways to integrate notifications with Siri, Widgets, and other features to provide users with more context and control over their notifications. But we’ll see.
Health & Wellness Features.
This is unfortunately the least I could find information on. Health and Wellness have been another area of focus for Apple in recent years, with features such as the Health app and various fitness tracking tools introduced in previous iOS updates. It is possible that iOS 17 could include additional features that promote healthy habits and wellness, such as improved sleep tracking, expanded workout tracking capabilities, or enhanced integration with third-party health and fitness apps. Additionally, Apple may explore new ways to leverage its sensors and machine learning capabilities to provide users with more personalized insights and recommendations related to their health and wellness.
More Privacy Features.
Due to major cybersecurity concerns, Apple in recent years has improved iOS with features such as App Tracking Transparency and Privacy Nutrition Labels introduced in iOS 14. It is possible that iOS 17 could include additional privacy features that further empower users to protect their data and privacy, such as enhanced privacy settings for location tracking or improved privacy controls for third-party apps. Additionally, Apple may explore new ways to leverage its privacy-focused approach to differentiate itself from competitors and strengthen its position as a leader in the industry. It is worth noting that it may be possible that users can lock apps in Dynamic Island.
Support for Sideloading & Alternate App Stores.
European legislation now requires Apple to allow for sideloading starting in 2024, and Apple is planning to make changes starting in iOS 17. End-Users in Europe may be able to download apps without using the App Store, with Apple forced to let people use alternate app stores. Developers would not need to pay Apple’s 15 to 30 percent fees for apps that customers install while using alternate means, but Apple still plans to collect a fee. As for other nations that pass legislation similar to the Digital Markets Act in Europe, Apple could expand the functionality.
CarPlay Updates.
At the 2022 Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple provided a preview of a new CarPlay experience that has deeper integration with vehicles, allowing for car functions like volume and the radio to be controlled through CarPlay. Apple also plans to add Widgets and support for multiple displays. The first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay integration are set to come in late 2023, which means that support will likely be built into iOS 17 or an iOS 17 revision update.
Enhanced Accessibility.
Accessibility has been a priority for Apple, and iOS already includes a variety of accessibility features, such as VoiceOver, Zoom, and AssistiveTouch. It is possible that iOS 17 could amplify these features with additional accessibility options, such as improved support for hearing aids or more advanced options for customizing display settings. Additionally, Apple may explore new ways to leverage its machine-learning capabilities to provide more seamless and natural interactions for users with disabilities.
Of course, these are all just speculations, and Apple may decide to focus on different features and improvements for iOS 17. However, based on past iOS releases and rumors, these are some potential features that we might see. Time will tell and we’ll have to wait and see what Apple has in store for us when iOS 17 is eventually released.
