As we approach Apple’s announcement of iOS 17 at WWDC 2023 in June, leaks about new features are starting to surface. A fresh leak on Twitter provides a general summary of Apple’s plans for iOS 17, with the source stating that the search function will be “significantly enhanced”. However, the leak did not provide any specific details.
The source of the leak is a Twitter user known as “analyst941”, who previously shared accurate information about Dynamic Island before the launch of the iPhone 14 Pro last year. However, the user does not have a proven history of reliable leaks over several years. The lack of specific details in this rumor also adds to its uncertainty. Therefore, it is advisable to approach this rumor with some skepticism for now.
The iPhone’s built-in search feature assists in discovering information both on the device and on the internet, with results and suggestions displayed as you type. Beginning with iOS 15, there is now a dedicated “Search” button located at the bottom of the Home Screen, providing effortless access to this tool.
As per the leak, Apple is planning to bring the Dynamic Island to all four models of the upcoming iPhone 15. The source also mentioned that Dynamic Island will have expanded capabilities on iOS 17, but did not provide further details. Currently, Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro displays system alerts and Live Activities like Uber rides and sports scores.
According to the source, iOS 17 will be compatible with all iPhone models that currently support iOS 16. However, there are still uncertainties regarding the device compatibility of iPadOS 17. The source suggests that iPads equipped with A9 and A10 Fusion chips may not be supported this year, but a final decision on this matter will be made by Apple within the next two to three weeks.
The source reconfirmed recent report that iOS 17 will bring significant changes to the design and customization of Control Center. This feature was introduced almost ten years ago with iOS 7 and has remained largely the same since iOS 11.
iOS 17 is expected to come with major changes to the Control Center’s design and customizability. The leak also suggests that new custom accessibility settings will be included in the upcoming iOS version, which could offer users greater control over the iPhone’s user interface. This aligns with previous rumors surrounding a hidden “Custom Accessibility Mode” discovered in the iOS 16.2 beta last year.
It’s rumored that iOS 17 is expected to bring a range of changes, including expanded settings for notifications and always-on display, more filters for the Focus feature, improved car key functionality in the Wallet app, updates to the Camera and Health apps, and a plethora of new ARKit frameworks. This is in preparation for the rumored launch of Apple’s AR/VR headset later this year. Additionally, there are talks of interactive Home Screen widgets potentially being added to iOS 17.
The leak suggests that iOS 17 will prioritize performance and stability improvements. As a result, it is expected that the update will still support older devices such as the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, despite previous rumors suggesting otherwise.
As per the source, iOS 17 will focus on performance, efficiency, stability, and long-term support for older devices. The update will include:
- Additional settings for the iPhone 14 Pro’s Always-On Display
- Additional filters for Focus modes
- “Changes and additional options” for managing notifications
- Custom Accessibility Mode, as first reported on by 9to5Mac
- Car Key “improvements” and “more car implementations into the Wallet app”
- UI changes to the Health app, including changes to the “Favorites” interface
- “Heavily improved” features for Search and Spotlight
- “An absolute behemoth of ARKit API’s/frameworks”
- “The Dynamic Island will do a lot more”
- Camera app changes; these were initially planned for the iPhone 14 Pro release, and MAY only be implemented into iPhone 15’s OS, rather than all iOS 17 devices.”