The latest iPhone software update is now live, landing on Monday, May 13. Normally, I’d have posted this analysis of how the new release has been received sooner but, as we’ll see, there’s already been one curious effect for some users, who have complained that long-deleted photos have been popping back into view.Please note I’ll be updating this post in a week, on Thursday, May 23, with a final thought on whether you should upgrade.
As with other iOS 17 releases, it’s compatible with all iPhones launched in 2018 or later. To wit: iPhone XS, iPhone XR, plus all models of the following series: iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14 and the latest iPhone 15. It also includes the iPhone SE second-and third-generation phones. If you have automatic updates turned on, it’ll arrive in due course, but you will likely get it sooner if you click on the Settings app, then opt for General, then Software Update.
For all users, as the notes from Apple point out, there are improvements to tracking notifications, so that if someone puts a compatible Bluetooth tracker in your bag, for instance, unbeknown to you, you’ll be told. Previously this applied only to hidden AirTags. There are also new offline features for News+, including games, though these are not available everywhere yet.There are 15 security vulnerabilities fixed in this update, of varying levels of seriousness.