Apple Releases iOS 17: Here's What Australians Need to Know

Apple has unveiled its latest software update - iOS 17. After three months of rigorous testing, the tech giant confirmed the stable release, and here's a detailed look at its key features tailored for our Australian audience.

New Features in iOS 17

Personalised Contact Posters: Enhance the way your contacts see you. Personalise the way you appear during calls with tailored treatments for photos, Memoji, and captivating typography.

Safari Profiles: Manage browsing history, cookies, and extensions separately for work and personal use.

Photo: Official Apple Website

StandBy Mode: Get useful information, widgets, and the time whenever your iPhone is plugged in and positioned horizontally.

iMessage & Communication Upgrades: Experience enhanced iMessage functionalities and the introduction of 'Check In', ensuring your loved ones are notified when you reach your destination safely. The all-new stickers experience brings photos to life in your messages.

FaceTime Evolves: Leave video or audio messages when your contact isn't available. And with Apple TV 4K, enjoy a seamless FaceTime experience on a bigger screen.

Journal App: A brand-new addition to help you keep track of your daily reflections.

Advanced Siri & Text Input: Enhanced Siri functionality and improved auto-swap during text input make communication more intuitive.

Release Time and Compatibility

The iOS 17 update began rolling out in waves globally on 18th September. For those in Australia keen to know the release time, Apple traditionally makes its updates available at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. That translates to:

Western Australia Standard Time (AWST): 2:00 AM (September 19)

Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): 3:00 AM (September 19)

This update is compatible with the iPhone XR, XS series, SE (2nd generation), iPhone 11 series, and newer models. To upgrade, simply navigate to the iPhone Settings app, tap 'General', and then 'Software Update'.

Additional Enhancements

AirDrop & NameDrop: Easier content sharing and the new NameDrop feature for contact exchange.

Photo: Official Apple Website

Apple Music Upgrades: SharePlay support in the car and soon, collaborative playlist creation.

AirPods: New features include Adaptive Audio, Personalised Volume, and Conversation Awareness.

Home App: Check up to 30 days of activity history for your smart home devices and get forecasts for cleaner energy sources in your grid.

Maps: Offline maps for easier navigation without an internet connection.

Privacy & Safety: Enhanced safety measures for both adults and children across various applications, ensuring private, on-device processing.

Accessibility: New features, including Assistive Access and Live Speech, ensuring a more inclusive iPhone experience.

Other Apple Updates

Besides iOS 17 for iPhone users, Apple also announced releases for other devices: iPadOS 17 for iPads, watchOS 10 for the Apple Watch, and tvOS 17 for Apple TV.

Australian iPhone users have a suite of new features to explore and enjoy. With this software release, Apple continues its legacy of integrating user-friendly enhancements with groundbreaking innovations.