Following the announcement that iOS 17 is set to be officially launched for iPhone users next week, Apple has now released the iOS 17 RC (Release Candidate) to developers and beta users. This means that users currently running the iOS 17 beta can now install the version that’s expected to become available to the general public in a few days.
Apple releases iOS 17 RC to beta testers
For those who may not be familiar, RC builds of Apple’s operating systems are versions released to developers and beta testers a few days before they’re rolled out to the general public. If no major issues are discovered in these builds, they’ll be the ones distributed to all users.
iOS 17 RC can now be downloaded through an over-the-air (OTA) update for devices running iOS 17 beta. Developers also have the option to download the full IPSW from the Apple Developer website.
iOS 17 comes with a bunch of new features for the iPhone. These include enhancements to FaceTime and Messages, a new StandBy mode, interactive Home Screen widgets, NameDrop, and smarter keyboard suggestions. For the iPad, the update brings a brand new customizable Lock Screen, plus support for microphones and USB webcams.
More updates available
Top comment by Anthony
I don't know why more people aren't talking about WatchOS 10 handicapping the user experience. You can no longer swipe to change watch faces which makes using the watch prohibitively more complicated. This is like disabling the ability to swipe the iPhone screen. I've been on the beta and haven't been able to use the watch since July. I have an appointment with Apple tomorrow, hopefully they can get me reverted to OS 9.
I just can't believe I'm the only person out of tens of millions who has been swiping between watch faces to get quick glances of information and to open apps.
Additionally, Apple has also released the following RC updates:
- iPadOS 17 RC
- watchOS 10 RC
- tvOS 17 RC
- macOS Sonoma RC
To recap, watchOS 10 introduces a new interface for most Apple Watch apps, while tvOS 17 enables FaceTime on Apple TV for the first time. As for macOS Sonoma, it brings some of the new iOS 17 features, such as improved iMessage and FaceTime, to the Mac.
While iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, and tvOS 10 will be available to the public next Monday, September 18, macOS Sonoma won’t be available until September 26.
Spot any changes in today’s release of iOS 16 RC? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter @9to5Mac. Keep up with everything Apple announces at its September event in our live news hub.
More about Apple’s September event
- Apple introduces new 6 TB and 12 TB iCloud storage tiers, priced at $30 and $60 a month
- iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 to be released for iPhone and iPad on September 18
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