iOS 17: The new public beta is here with upgrades and new features!

After several weeks of testing by developers and selected users, Apple has launched the beta version of iOS 17, months ahead of its official release.

This means you can install iOS 17 on your iPhone today and try out all the new features it offers. However, as always, there is a chance you may encounter some bugs, so it is not recommended for all users. To download it, simply visit Apple's official website and sign in with your Apple ID. Follow the on-screen steps to complete the process. Once you have finished, open Settings on your phone, then go to General and Software Update. There you will find the option for the beta version.

As for the new features in iOS 17, Apple has focused on improving some of its core apps, such as Phone, FaceTime and iMessage. Now, each contact in your list can have their own "poster" with unique graphics and a photo. Check-in is an easy way to check on your favourite contacts in iMessage, while the app itself has a refreshed user interface. Stickers in iOS 17 get an upgrade for iMessage, as all emoji can now be turned into stickers. Live stickers turn any of your photos into a sticker that you can send as a GIF. In FaceTime, you can now leave a video message if the other person does not answer your video call.

AirDrop has been updated and improved in iOS 17, making it easier to share files via iPhone. "NameDrop" lets you easily exchange contact details, such as phone numbers and email addresses, between two iPhones placed side by side. You can send files at full resolution even when you move away from the person you want to send them to. However, iOS 17 is not available for all iPhone models. You can check whether your phone supports it on the official  Apple website.

In addition to the beta version of IOS 17, a beta version of iPadOS 17 is also available.