iOS 17: Everything we know about the next Apple iPhone software update

Apple will officially unveil iOS 17, along with a few more things, at the upcoming WWDC 2023 developers conference on June 5. Insiders say iOS 17 will not be just another iterative iPhone OS update. Instead, it is said to feature several good-to-have features, which could include app sideloading, a redesigned control center, and more.

Here are some of the most anticipated features that Apple could introduce on iOS 17.

Support for app sideloading

App sideloading is one of the biggest and most anticipated features of iOS 17. Apple has never allowed iPhone users to sideload apps, unless the device is jailbroken. However, due to EU regulations, Apple might have to introduce app sideloading, at least in select markets such as Europe. This would allow iPhone users to download and install apps outside the App Store.

Improved control center

The control panel has not seen a major design overhaul for almost half a decade, and this is said to change in 2023. With iOS 17, Apple is said to make some UI changes to the control panel, and the improved version is said to be more intuitive than the current iteration. Again, it is also said that the new control panel could incorporate Dynamic Island to deliver a fresh user experience.

New messages and wallet app

Besides these two headline features, iOS 17 is also speculated to get a new wallet app, and even the messages app is said to receive a homepage layout. On top of all this, Apple is also said to be working on making iOS 17 a more stable operating system when compared to iOS 16. Again, some of these features could be limited to the newer iPhone models.

Not just with the software, even the upcoming iPhones are said to receive a major upgrade, including a USB Type-C port for faster data transfer. The iPhone 15 Pro is said to get a more premium build with a titanium frame, and it is even said to feature a 1-inch camera sensor, again, a first for an iPhone.