While many of us are waiting for the launch of iOS 18 in a few weeks’ time, Apple reminds us that it’s still got eyes on iOS 17. The latest iOS 17.6 release may be the last major update before iOS 18, though we mustn’t rule out surprise bug squishes that mean iOS 17.6.1 or similar will still happen. Here’s what’s in the new release, including probably the last new feature of the iOS 17 cycle.
Is iOS 17.6 the last iPhone update in this cycle?
And let’s remember, it’s been a long time since the last time Apple updated the iPhone software. After iOS 17.5 on May 13, came the very swift minor update, iOS 17.5.1, a week later. Since then, nothing.
There was almost going to be another, apparently, which would have been iOS 17.5.2, though this was ditched—full details of that here.
Which iPhones Can Run iOS 17.6?
The iPhones that can run iOS 17 stretch back to the 2018 releases: iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max and iPhone XR. All iPhones since then are also compatible. That means the iPhone 11 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 14 series and iPhone 15 series. It also includes iPhone SE second- and third-generation models.
How To Get It
In case the time that’s elapsed since iOS 17.5.1 means you’re a little rusty, this is how you update: open the Settings app, click on General, then Software Update. Here you can choose to download the new software immediately, which will usually mean it’s on your iPhone sooner. Pick Download and Install, and you’ll be set up soon enough. In terms of download size, iOS 17.6 was 1GB on my iPhone 15 Pro Max.
What’s In The Release
This update is mostly about bug fixes—more than two dozen of them in total—and Apple’s notes are basic: “This update provides important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.”
But that doesn’t mean there are no new features. There’s one, to be exact. It’s Catch Up, a feature for the Apple TV app designed to benefit sports viewers.
Specifically, it’s for live streaming sports in the MLS Season Pass. The feature was announced in June and it means that if you’re joining a live stream for a game that’s already started, you can see a series of highlights from earlier in the game. The Key Plays carousel is available during a game that’s in progress and also from video player controls menu afterwards.
If one new feature seems parsimonious, it’s because Apple has delivered everything it promised in iOS 17 already.
Unless iOS 17.7 is a thing, which we’ll know about in a few days when the first developer beta lands, it’s now full steam ahead towards iOS 18.
