Exciting free iPhone upgrade coming soon but only if your device is on this list

12 June 2023 , 06:24

1053     0

Apple iOS 17 (Image: APPLE)

If you own an iPhone good news could be coming your way later this year. Apple has just revealed its latest and greatest software upgrade for its popular range of smartphones and it includes a swathe of features aimed at improving the overall user experience.

iOS 17, which was announced last week at Apple's WWDC event, comes packed with changes including a new StandBy mode which turns your iPhone into a mini smart display when it's sat idly on your desk. That means instead of staring at a blank screen you'll see a clock, family photos, calendars and more. There's also the introduction of Contact Posters which allow you to design your own digital card which then appears when people get a call from you.

Live voicemail has been added which will instantly send a text versions of any messages that have been left for you.

FaceTime calls will also be boosted thanks to the addition of Reactions. These let users add effects such as hearts, balloons, fireworks, laser beams and rain whilst they are chatting on a video call.

Along with calls, the Messages app gets a refresh which makes it more streamlined along with other upgrades such as Live Stickers which let users lift a subject from a photo and then add some animated effects.

Apple TV release MLS Season Pass worldwide and announce free opening weekend

Other changes coming in iOS 17 include something called NameDrop which lets iPhone owners easily share contact details by simply placing their device near another Apple smartphone. A new Journal app is being introduced for easy note taking and there are improvements to autocorrect which should end the annoyance of words being switched when you don't want them to.

Apple Maps will soon be able to be used offline, Safari adds greater protection for Private Browsing and the Health app is getting extra features aimed at boosting mental health.

So when will iOS 17 be available and can you download it?

Apple hasn't confirmed an exact launch date for iOS 17 although we expect it to arrive this September.

However, we do know what smartphones will be able to download it.

• iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max

• iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max

• iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max

• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max

• iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR

EE opens pre-order deals for new Samsung S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra

• iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

The iPhone 8, iPhone X and original iPhone SE are losing access so you'll need to upgrade if you want access to the new features in iOS 17.

Standby on iOS 17

“With iOS 17, we’ve made iPhone more personal and intuitive by deeply considering the features we all rely on every day,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “Phone, FaceTime, and Messages are central to how we communicate, and this release is packed with updates we think our users are going to love. We’ve also reimagined AirDrop with new ways to share, autocorrect gets even better, and we’re introducing all-new experiences with Journal and StandBy, plus so much more. We can’t wait for everyone to try it.”

Dave Snelling