We may earn compensation from reviewed products. Learn about our editorial policies.
We’re just a month away from the keynote at WWDC 2023 on June 5. The formal announcement of the new iOS 17 is also expected. The first beta of iOS 17 is expected to be made available to members of Apple’s developer program shortly after the keynote.
In contrast, the public beta will likely be available for Apple’s Beta program members in July. As usual, the new version of Apple’s system should be released to the public in September. Around the time of the launch of the new iPhones. Some of the features and changes listed below may not come until later versions of the system, such as iOS 17.1 or iOS 17.2. Let’s summarise key information about the upcoming iOS17, brought by Mark Gurman and @analyst941.
iMessage Contact Key Verification
In December, Apple previewed a new security feature called iMessage Contact Key Verification and said it would be rolled out globally in 2023. This timeframe indicates that the feature will be available in iOS 17, though theoretically, it could be rolled out earlier.
The iMessage Contact Key Verification feature allows exposed users such as journalists, human rights activists or government officials who have reason to be concerned about extraordinary digital threats to verify further that they are only communicating with those they intend to. In conversations between users who have iMessage Contact Key Verification enabled users are alerted if any attacker or other miscreant ever manages to breach cloud servers and subsequently eavesdrop on conversations.
The next level of security with iMessage Contact Key Verification is that users can compare the contact verification code in person, via FaceTime, or through another secure call to verify that they are communicating with exactly and only who they intended to.
Redesigned health app
The former will offer an exciting tile layout of individual data such as sleep information, steps walked, heart rate, or favourite activity rings from the Apple Watch.
Mood tracking
Mark Gurman says iOS 17 will include new tools for tracking emotions and managing eye health in the Health app on the iPhone. At the same time, Health is expected to arrive on iPads.
Apple’s next-generation CarPlay
At the WWDC 2022 conference, Apple unveiled the future of CarPlay. With the next generation, there will be support for multiple displays, widgets and connectivity to vehicle features, such as the dashboard, climate control or radio.
The tech giant said the first vehicles integrated the new CarPlay. It would be introduced in late 2023, with committed automakers including Audi, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and more. Apple has said it will announce more details regarding CarPlay later this year. Again encouraging the conclusion that it will be a feature of iOS 17.
The new look of the Wallet app
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman believes that iOS 17 will improve the Wallet app. The leaker above, @analyst941, claims the app will be redesigned and offer a search feature. The leak discusses search across payments. And a bottom bar with free access to Apple Cash, access keys and even IDs. Such a redesign would make sense, as its options are constantly expanding. In the States, it’s the intriguing Apple Pay Later service.
Journal app
According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple is developing a journaling app for the iPhone that would compete with, say, Day One. It’s unclear when it will be released, but if it’s ready, it could be introduced alongside iOS 17.
Redesigned Control Center
According to source @analyst941. Who accurately predicted some of the details of the iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island panel before the device launched last year. The iOS 17 will feature a redesigned Control Center. He said it would be more customizable. And the flashlight brightness slider could be infinitely adjustable versus the current four preset brightness levels.
Expanded alerts for unwanted tracking
Apple and Google recently collaborated to submit a draft industry specification to help combat the misuse of tracking devices for unwanted personal tracking. As part of this initiative, Apple plans to extend unwanted tracking alerts similar to those provided by AirTag to third-party tracking devices in a future version of iOS.
Alongside the efforts of two of the most prominent tech players in the market. Tile, Chipolo, Samsung, Eufy and Pebblebee have expressed support for the draft spec. Apple plans to implement the specification by the end of 2023. Which again speaks for iOS 17 or any later versions.
Sideloading apps in the EU
Last year, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported on Apple’s plans to allow sideloading. Sideloading of apps on the iPhone to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. This would allow users to install apps outside of Apple’s App Store. But the change is expected to happen only in EU countries, at least initially. Based on mentioned leakers, the company aims to have the sideloading feature ready as part of an iOS 17 update, such as iOS 17.1 or later.
Finally,
The information provided by the @analyst941 profile should be as credible as possible. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman commented on it and confirmed a number of them. You’ll be able to see for yourself next month – iOS 17 is expected to be introduced on June 5, 2023. The release will occur alongside the new iPhones in September or October.
