Apple changed its iOS 17 strategy later in the development process to add several new features, suggesting that the update could be more significant than previously thought.
In January, Gurman said iOS 17 could be a less significant update than iPhone updates of recent years as the company focuses intensely on its long-awaited mixed reality headset. In his latest "Power On" newsletter explained Gurman that a change in strategy was made during the development process. According to him, iOS 17 will have some interesting new features:
iOS 17: Apple adjusts strategy and reportedly brings some of the most requested features
When Apple began development of iOS 17, the original thinking was to call it a tuneup release—a version that focuses more on fixing bugs and improving performance than adding new features (not unlike the approach the company took with Snow Leopard for Mac OS X in 2009). The hope was to avoid the problems of iOS 16, an ambitious update that suffered from missed deadlines and a bumpy launch. But as the development process progressed, the strategy changed. iOS 17 is expected to include some nice-to-have features, even if it lacks a key improvement like last year's redesigned lock screen. The goal of the software, codenamed "Dawn," is to check off some of the features users most want.
As with previous iPhone software updates, iOS 17 is expected to be unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June before launching in the fall. The update could bring a number of improvements and new features, such as a next-generation CarPlay experience, changes to Siri, support for sideloading and alternative app stores, support for Apple's mixed reality headset, and more. (Photo by SashaMagic / Bigstockphoto)
