We’re taking a close look at Apple’s upcoming iOS 10.3.2 update, but today we want to shift gears and help you set your expectations for the upcoming iOS 11 release for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
The next iOS version will not be iOS 11. Instead, there will be a new version of iOS 10.3 called iOS 10.3. iOS 10.3.2 will likely be a minor maintenance update with bug fixes and security patches.
An iOS 10.3.2 release date has not been confirmed, but we expect it to arrive before WWDC 2017 and the announcement of Apple’s next major OS change.
Apple isn’t talking about an iOS 11 update yet, but that will change in a few short weeks when it hits the scene on June 5 to appeal to developers and consumers around the world.
As we dig deeper into the year, we’re starting to get more iOS 11 questions from friends, family, and readers. They want to know when iOS 11 will be released and also what they can expect from iOS 11 in terms of features.
While some of these questions may be difficult to answer in April, there are a few basics we can provide you with.
Here are a few things you can count on when it comes to Apple and the iOS 11 release for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Special iOS 11 Features
Rely on some exclusive iOS 11 features for the new iPhone and newer versions of iPhone, iPad and iPod.
iPhone 7 Plus Portrait Mode.
For iPhone 7s/iPhone 8 you can count on one or two special features. The iPhone 7 Plus has a Portrait mode, also known as Bokeh mode, which is not available on other iOS devices.
iPhone 7 also has an updated Taptic Engine that provides feedback as you interact with certain parts of iOS 10. When Notification Center crashes, you will feel a sound.
The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6 Plus version of iOS came with the Live Photo capture feature. Live Photos move when pressed thanks to 3D Touch.
Often times, these features are exclusive because a device does not have the necessary hardware. For example, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 5s do not have 3D Touch. Here are a few more examples:
Nothing has been confirmed, but we’re already hearing about some of the iOS 11 features that could help Apple sell the iPhone 7s/iPhone 8.
The company is reportedly planning Major upgrades for Siri, the personal assistant of iOS. There are also conversations about improved Haptic feedback.
Details don’t matter at this point. The point is this.
If you have or are planning to purchase a newer version of iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, your iOS 11 update will be more robust than your friend with an older hardware.
Search for the first iOS 11 features to be confirmed during the company’s WWDC 2017 keynote on June 5.
iOS 11 Beta
You can count on an iOS 11 beta before the official iOS 11 release date.
this WWDC 2017 developer conference It will begin June 5 in San Jose, California. Apple has confirmed a keynote address for 10am Pacific, and at this keynote, we’ll likely see Apple confirm the early release of iOS 11.
If you want to try iOS 11 early, you’ll want to circle June 5 on the calendar. We expect the iOS 11 beta to be released for developers shortly after the keynote.
Apple will almost certainly release two versions of the iOS 11 beta: one for developers and one for the free Beta Software Program.
The best case scenario is that Apple releases both on the same day. The worst-case scenario is that Apple waits a few weeks before releasing the free version of the iOS 11 beta.
Developers must pay an annual fee of $99 to become a developer and access the beta.
Missing Devices
You can count on some devices left behind in iOS 10.
Last year, iPhone 4s, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad mini and iPod touch were 5th generation users. What’s left behind in iOS 9.3.5. This year, we expect three two devices to be held back on iOS 10.
Nothing has been confirmed, but we are confident that Apple will keep the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c and iPad 4 on iOS 10.
We wouldn’t be surprised if the (recently discontinued) iPad mini 2 also makes it to the list.
We may see a few more join the list, but if you own an iPhone 5, iPhone 5c or iPad 4, start preparing for life in iOS 10.
We’ll probably find out for sure in early June when Apple releases the first version of the iOS 11 beta.
iOS 11 Release Date
You can count on an official iOS 11 release in the fall alongside the company’s new iPhone.
So far, rumors of iPhone 7s/iPhone 8 release date point to another release in and around September.
This has been standard practice for several years and there is no reason to believe that Apple will deviate from the protocol.
Apple iPhone/iOS release protocol calls for a fall media event where the company confirms the new iPhone and iOS release date.
Usually, the company releases new iOS software for old devices a few days before the new iPhone release date.
Look for the iOS 11 beta to span several months, with a final iOS 11 release date of September or October at the latest.
New Emojis and 64-Bit
There are a lot of iOS 11 rumors going around but one of the things we expect this release to offer is new emojis for the iOS keyboard.
The Exploding Head Shock Face is a candidate for Unicode 10.
Unicode 10 Scheduled to be released in mid-2017 which means iOS 11 could be the update that brought us. Hand to Mouth Face, merman, curling stone, T-Rex, orange heartand Person in the Steam Roomand more.
In the step-by-step video below, you can get an idea of how the new emoji characters will appear on the iOS keyboard.
Using iOS 10 and Unicode 9.0 as a guide, look for an iOS 11.x update to bring these emojis to your iPhone and iPad. iOS 10.2 delivered Unicode 9.0 emojis to iPhone and iPad in December.
You can also count on a large shift.
Apple will reportedly drop 32-bit support with iOS 11 later this year. This is unconfirmed, but all signs point to change with the release of Apple’s next major operating system.
Developers: I hear very clearly that iOS 11 will never have 32bit app support. Update now if you want old apps to survive September
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) April 8, 2017
The first real warning signs appeared in the iOS 10.3 beta, when a pop-up popped up informing developers that their apps needed to be updated. Here’s what the popup in iOS 10.3 beta 1 conveys to iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad users:
This app will not work with future versions of iOS. The developer of this app needs to update the app to improve its compatibility.
If this change is successful, it means that old apps no longer work at all.
Given that this will be a big change for developers, we expect Apple to detail the change on stage during its annual developer event in June.
