How to prepare iPhone for update to iOS 17
Miscellaneous / / September 18, 2023
Step-by-step instructions for correct and trouble-free installation.
Official release of the next version of Apple mobile OS planned on September 18. iOS 17 contains a lot of improvements and new features, including information panel mode, interactive widgets, creating your own animated stickers and much more.
Here's what to do if you're planning to upgrade.
1. Check compatibility with iOS 17
The new OS can be installed on almost all smartphones that support the previous iOS 16, with the exception of the iPhone 8 and X. The complete list of devices is as follows:
- iPhone 14 line;
- iPhone 13 line;
- iPhone 12 line;
- iPhone 11 line;
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR;
- iPhone SE 3rd and 2nd generations.
Make sure your gadget meets this condition.
2. Connect to good Wi-Fi
If possible, find a stable one connection to the network. The firmware file is quite large, so it is better to download it via Wi-Fi. In addition, you will need the Internet to create a backup copy, as well as to update installed applications.
3. Back up your data
Be sure to back up your iPhone so that your contacts, notes, photos, videos and other content are safe in case something goes wrong. You can copy information in two ways: via iCloud and on your computer.
It's faster and more convenient to back up to the cloud directly from your device. To do this, go to Settings → Apple ID → iCloud.
Open iCloud Backup. Make sure that the toggle switch of the same name is turned on, click “Create a backup copy” and wait for the process to complete. Depending on the amount of data, this may take some time, especially when creating the first copies.
You can also make a backup on your PC, for example, if there is not enough space in iCloud. To do this, connect your iPhone to your computer with a cable. Depending on the OS you are using, the steps will vary slightly.
On macOS Catalina and later, open Finder and click your smartphone in the side menu. Next, select a backup on your Mac and click “Back up now.”
On earlier macOS, as well as on Windows, launch iTunes and click on the “Devices” button. In the "Backups" area, select "This PC" and click "Back up now."
Wait until the copying process is completed and only then disconnect the iPhone.
4. Make sure you have free space
To install iOS 17, you will need at least 4 GB of free space on the built-in storage. Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage and make sure you have enough space.
If not, use the system recommendations in this menu. You can also clear the cache in Telegram or Viber or remove a couple of large games.
5. Update your apps
If you have automatic updates turned off and haven't updated in a while, some apps may not be compatible with iOS 17 or may not support new features. Typically, developers try to release updates in time for the release of the latest iOS, so be sure to check and install them.
Launch the App Store, and then tap on your avatar, select “Update everything” and wait until the download completes. For convenience, you can install updates automatically by going to “Settings” → App Store → “Automatic downloads” and activating the “Software updates” toggle switch.
6. Install iOS 17
As soon as you see the news that a new operating system is available for download, go to “Settings” → “General” → “Software Update” and click “Install” or “Download and Install”. After downloading the firmware, confirm the installation and wait until the process completes.
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