Apple releases six major updates on the same day: here they are

Apple will release at least six major updates simultaneously in two weeks for a full range of devices, including iOS 17 and watchOS 10. We’re listing them all, with the exact release date.

Six Apple updates in one day

Apple update season is about to begin. After WWDC 2023, where all the major updates for the year were announced, now is the time for the actual release of those updates.

On September 12th, Apple will hold an event about iPhone 15. Like every year, the major update for iPhone will be released a week later, maybe on September 18th at 7:00 PM. This year, it’s iOS 17’s turn. But many updates will be released at the exact same time! You can read those below.

1. iOS 17

The most significant update is of course iOS 17. This major update for the iPhone is packed with new features. Think Standby, which turns your iPhone into a useful clock for your desk, and NameDrop, which lets you share contact information by placing two iPhones together. Also new is check-in, contact stickers, a smarter keyboard, new wallpapers and cool stickers: you can read all about them in our iOS 17 profile!

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iOS 17 will be available for all iPhone models starting with the 2018 iPhone XR and XS, including the second and third generation iPhone SE.

2. iPad OS 17

Last year, iPadOS 16 was released much later than iOS 16, due to issues with the new Stage Manager functionality. This year’s iPad update is a bit more modest, coming out around the same time as iOS 17 — said Apple analyst Mark Gurman.

With iPadOS 17, iPad gets the same stylish lock screen as the iPhone, the same Health app as the iPhone, and the same Messages app refreshed with check-in and stickers. In other words: It’s part of catching up with the iPad. Read more in our iPadOS 17 profile.

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iPadOS 17 will be available for the following models:

• 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2017 and later)
• 11-inch iPad Pro (2018 and later)
• iPad Pro 10.5 inch
• iPad (2018 and later)
• iPad mini (2019 and later)
• iPad Air (2019 and later)

3. WatchOS 10

The biggest update ever when it comes to new features is watchOS 10. This update for Apple Watch tackles the entire interface, with completely revamped widgets and apps and two great new watch faces (including Snoopy). You can read all about it in our watchOS 10 profile.

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To install watchOS 10, you need a paired iPhone with iOS 17 or later. The same watchOS 10 update works on Apple Watch Series 4 or later. This also includes two versions of Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra.

4. TVOS 17

Although Apple didn’t pay much attention to tvOS last year, this year is different. The operating system for the Apple TV will receive new features and apps.

FaceTime comes to Apple TV for the first time. Place your iPhone in front of your TV and it will act as a camera that automatically zooms in on whoever is speaking. You will then see your conversation partner(s) on your TV. Also new in tvOS 17: Control Center, Activity app, Find My Siri Remote, and support for VPNs.

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tvOS 17 comes to Apple TV HD — also known as Apple TV (4th generation) — and all generations of Apple TV 4K.

5. AirPods 6A firmware version

AirPods automatically update to firmware version 6A, which contains many new features. For example, AirPods switch more seamlessly between devices and you can mute your microphone with a tap during a phone call.

AirPods Pro get even more features. Most important is the adaptive sound, which automatically switches between noise cancellation and transparency mode depending on the situation. Read more about them in our article: These 5 New Features Coming to Your AirPods This Fall.

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AirPods firmware version 6A is available on all AirPods models—except 2016 first generation. The update will happen automatically when your paired iPhone updates to iOS 17.

6. HomePod version 17

Last, and definitely last: HomePod software version 17. what’s new? Siri now works (in English) without you having to say “Hi”. And HomePod can now control the apps on your iPhone, so if you ask a specific music app you have on your iPhone, for example, it can activate it.

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HomePod software version 17 works on all versions of HomePod and HomePod mini.

Prepare for Apple updates

To properly prepare for any upcoming Apple updates, back up devices that can (iPhone and iPad) in case something goes wrong. The easiest way to do this is via iCloud: To do this, go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad, and make sure it is under “[Je naam]> iCloud > iCloud Backup’ Everything is fine. Your Apple Watch backup is run entirely automatically via your iPhone.

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