iPadOS 17 is the fifth major release of the iPadOS operating system developed by Apple Inc., which was publicly unveiled at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference on June 5, 2023, and released as a free software update on September 18, 2023.[1][2] It was succeeded by iPadOS 18, which was released in September 2024. Designed to enhance productivity and creativity on iPad devices, it introduces greater personalization through a redesigned Lock Screen, interactive widgets, and improved app integrations, while building on features from iPadOS 16 like Stage Manager for multitasking.[3][1]Key enhancements in iPadOS 17 focus on customization and usability, including a customizable Lock Screen that allows users to add widgets, display photos with depth effects, and access information at a glance.[3] Interactive widgets on the Home and Lock Screens enable direct actions like controlling smart home devices or checking weather updates without opening apps.[1] The Notes app receives significant updates, such as the ability to add audio recordings that are automatically transcribed, scan and solve math problems with step-by-step explanations, and create interactive sketches that respond to touch.[1]Communication tools see notable improvements, with Messages gaining features like customizable contact posters, live voicemail transcription, and easier location sharing, while FaceTime introduces audio message support and reactions during calls.[1] PDF handling in the Files app is enhanced for better markup, signing, and collaboration, and Spotlight search now supports quick actions for phone numbers, emails, and dates directly from results.[1] iPadOS 17 is compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Pro 10.5-inch; iPad Air (3rd generation and later); iPad (6th generation and later); and iPad mini (5th generation and later).[3]
Development
Announcement
Apple announced iPadOS 17 on June 5, 2023, during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote presentation.[1][4]The operating system was positioned as a major update emphasizing personalization and productivity enhancements for iPad users, building on iPadOS 16 with features designed to bridge the gap between iPad and iPhone experiences.[1][5]Key highlights from the announcement included customizable Lock Screens with widgets, interactive Home Screen widgets that allow direct engagement without opening apps, and improvements to Stage Manager for better multitasking.[1][4]
Beta program
The beta program for iPadOS 17 provided opportunities for developers and the general public to test pre-release versions of the operating system, enabling Apple to gather feedback on stability, performance, and new features ahead of the official launch. Participants in the Apple Developer Program could access early builds, while the broader public could join via the free Apple Beta Software Program, which required installing a configuration profile on compatible devices to receive over-the-air updates.[6][7]Following the announcement of iPadOS 17 at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference on June 5, 2023, the first developer beta (build 21A5248v) was released the same day to registered developers.[8] This initial build allowed early testing of core updates like interactive widgets and enhanced PDF support in the Files app. Over the subsequent months, Apple issued multiple developer betas at roughly weekly or bi-weekly intervals, including the second beta on June 21, 2023 (build 21A5268h), and the eighth beta on August 29, 2023 (build 21A5326a), incorporating iterative improvements based on reported bugs and performance data.[9][10] The program culminated with the release candidate (build 21A329) on September 12, 2023, which served as the final pre-release version for testing.[11]The public beta phase started later to ensure greater stability, with the first public beta (build 21A5277j) becoming available on July 12, 2023.[7] Subsequent public betas mirrored later developer builds, such as the second on July 31, 2023 (build 21A5291j), and the sixth on August 29, 2023 (build 21A5326a), providing non-developers with access to progressively refined software.[12][13] Public testers encountered some early issues, including occasional battery drain and app compatibility problems, which Apple addressed in later iterations through updates to the release notes on the developer portal.[14] The public beta program also ended with the release candidate on September 12, 2023, paving the way for the stable iPadOS 17.0 release six days later on September 18, 2023.[11][2]
Hardware compatibility
Supported devices
iPadOS 17, released in September 2023, supports a range of iPad models from 2017 onward, requiring at least an A10 Fusion chip or equivalent for compatibility. This version dropped support for three models that were compatible with iPadOS 16: the iPad (5th generation), iPad Pro 9.7-inch, and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation).[15]The supported devices include:
These models encompass all iPad Pro variants starting from mid-2017 (with the 10.5-inch model), all iPad Air from 2019, standard iPads from 2018, and iPad minis from 2019. Compatibility ensures access to new features like enhanced Stage Manager and interactive widgets, though some advanced capabilities in later iPadOS versions, such as Apple Intelligence in iPadOS 18, require more recent hardware like M-series chips.[16][15][17]
Changes from previous version
iPadOS 17 introduced more stringent hardware requirements compared to iPadOS 16, dropping support for several older models equipped with the A9 or A9X processors. Specifically, the update no longer supports the iPad (5th generation, 2017), iPad Pro (9.7-inch, 2016), and iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 1st generation, 2015).[18][16]These devices, which were compatible with iPadOS 16, reached the end of their software update lifecycle with this release, as the new features in iPadOS 17—such as enhanced Stage Manager and interactive widgets—demand at least an A10 Fusion chip or equivalent for optimal performance.[15]All other iPads supported by iPadOS 16, including the iPad (6th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), and iPad Pro models from 2017 onward, remain compatible with iPadOS 17. This adjustment aligns with Apple's pattern of gradually phasing out support for aging hardware to prioritize advancements in user interface and productivity tools.[18][16]
User interface
Lock Screen
iPadOS 17 introduced significant enhancements to the Lock Screen, emphasizing personalization and interactivity to provide users with quick access to information and actions without unlocking the device. Users can now customize the Lock Screen with a variety of wallpapers, including selections from their photo library, dynamic photo sets that rotate throughout the day, or Live Photos featuring slow-motion effects. These photo-based wallpapers incorporate advanced stylization options, such as depth effects that make subjects appear to pop from the background, along with filters to adjust color and mood. Additionally, a gallery of pre-designed wallpapers offers thematic options, while expressive font styles and colors allow for tailored presentation of the date and time, including creative combinations with emojis.[1]A key addition in iPadOS 17 is the integration of interactive widgets directly on the Lock Screen, enabling users to perform tasks at a glance, such as playing music, toggling smart home lights, or marking calendar events as complete, all via a simple tap. These widgets support glanceable information from built-in apps like weather, battery levels, alarms, and calendar, as well as third-party apps, and they adapt visually with tinting to blend seamlessly with the underlying wallpaper for optimal legibility. This interactivity extends the utility of the Lock Screen, transforming it from a static display into a functional hub, while maintaining security by limiting access to sensitive actions.[1][3]Furthermore, iPadOS 17 supports Live Activities on the Lock Screen, delivering real-time updates for ongoing tasks such as sports scores, ride-sharing progress, or delivery statuses, ensuring users stay informed without needing to open specific apps. These features build on the foundation of previous versions by prioritizing user-centric design, with customization options accessible through long-pressing the Lock Screen or via the Settings app under Wallpaper. The updates were first previewed at WWDC 2023 and became available with the public release on September 18, 2023.[1][2]
Widgets and Home Screen
iPadOS 17 introduced significant enhancements to widgets and the Home Screen, emphasizing interactivity and personalization to make the interface more dynamic and user-friendly. Interactive widgets became available on both the Lock Screen and Home Screen, allowing users to perform actions directly within the widget, such as playing or pausing media, controlling smart home devices, or marking reminders as complete, without needing to open the associated app.[1][19] This interactivity was enabled through updates to Apple's WidgetKit framework, which developers could leverage to build more responsive widgets.[1]On the Home Screen, users gained greater flexibility in arranging apps and widgets, including the ability to move them freely to frame the wallpaper or drag them across pages. A new customization mode, accessed by long-pressing the background and selecting "Edit" then "Customize," allowed for adjustments to icon and widget appearances, such as applying a dark mode, automatic light/dark switching based on time of day, or a translucent "clear" effect. Additionally, a color tint option enabled users to adjust saturation and hue using sliders or an eyedropper tool, with options for light, dark, or auto modes to ensure legibility against wallpapers. App icons could also be enlarged via a "Large" toggle, though this hid app names for a cleaner look.[20][3]Widget management was streamlined, with options to add, resize, or remove them by entering jiggle mode and tapping the "+" button. Users could undo accidental widget placements by shaking the iPad, providing an intuitive recovery method. Specific interactive widgets included those for Photos (displaying albums), Music and Podcasts (media controls), Safari (quick bookmarks), Home (smart device controls), Contacts (direct calls or messages), and Books (reading progress).[19][3]In iPadOS 17.2, further refinements included expanded Weather widgets showing next-hour precipitation, daily forecasts, sunrise/sunset times, and environmental data like air quality and wind speed. The Photos Album widget was updated to allow selection of specific albums, enhancing personalization. A dedicated Digital Clock widget was added for quick time glances on the Home Screen, supporting various formats and time zones. These updates built on the core interactivity foundation, making widgets a central hub for at-a-glance information and quick actions on the Home Screen.[3]
Productivity features
Notes app
iPadOS 17 introduced several enhancements to the Notes app, focusing on improved document handling, formatting options, and connectivity between notes to boost productivity on iPad.[3] These updates allow users to manage PDFs and scanned documents more seamlessly within notes, while new text styles and linking capabilities enable better organization of information.[1]A major addition is the full-width display for inline PDFs and document scans, which expands attachments to fill the screen width for easier reading and annotation without leaving the note.[3] Users can now annotate or sketch directly on these PDFs using Markup tools, including the Apple Pencil for precise edits, and collaborate in real time by sharing notes via iCloud for simultaneous contributions from multiple users.[21] This PDF experience streamlines workflows for tasks like reviewing contracts or academic papers, with support for organizing multiple pages within a single note.[1]Linking notes is another key feature, permitting users to create hyperlinks between notes for a more interconnected, wiki-like structure that facilitates navigation across related content.[3] Formatting improvements include block quotes, which offset selected text with a vertical bar for emphasis, and monostyled text, a monospace option with a shaded background ideal for code snippets or precise alignment.[3] Additionally, notes can be exported directly to the Pages app through the share menu, converting them into editable documents with advanced layout tools.[3]These changes build on the app's existing capabilities, such as checklists and sketches, to make Notes a more versatile tool for creative and professional use on iPad.[22]
PDF handling
iPadOS 17 introduced a redesigned PDF experience in the Notes app, allowing users to embed PDFs directly into notes for seamless viewing and interaction. PDFs now display in full width, enabling users to flip through multi-page documents like a physical book, zoom in for detailed reading, and annotate or sketch directly on the content using an Apple Pencil. This update facilitates easier organization of information by integrating PDFs inline with other note elements, such as text and drawings.[1]The enhancements extend to collaboration, where multiple users can share and edit annotated PDFs within shared notes, with changes syncing in real time across devices. Scanned documents converted to PDFs also benefit from these features, supporting direct markup and integration into larger note collections. These improvements aim to make PDF handling more intuitive for productivity tasks, reducing the need to switch between apps.[21]System-wide, iPadOS 17.2 added enhanced AutoFill capabilities for PDF forms through machine learning-powered field detection. In apps like Files and Mail, the system identifies blank fields in PDFs and suggests populating them with details from the user's Contacts app, such as names, addresses, and phone numbers, streamlining form completion without manual entry. This feature applies to both digital PDFs and scanned documents.[3]Markup tools for PDFs received minor refinements, allowing for more precise annotations, signatures, and text additions in the Preview app and Files, though core functionality remained consistent with prior versions. Users can export annotated PDFs directly or share them via integrated services.[23]
Stage Manager enhancements
iPadOS 17 introduced significant improvements to Stage Manager, Apple's multitasking feature that allows users to arrange and manage multiple app windows on the iPad screen, making it more flexible and less restrictive compared to its implementation in iPadOS 16.[1][24] The updates focused on enhancing user control over window placement and sizing, reducing the system's tendency to automatically reposition or resize windows, which had been a common criticism of the previous version.[25][26]A key enhancement is the increased flexibility in window management, where users can now freely drag and resize app windows using a new grab handle typically located in the bottom-left or bottom-right corner of each window.[27][24] Unlike iPadOS 16, which enforced predefined window sizes and positions with limited overlap, iPadOS 17 allows windows to be positioned almost anywhere on the screen, including overlapping in custom arrangements, though certain areas like the far corners remain somewhat restricted to maintain usability.[28][27] Resizing is smoother, with more intermediate size options and less "blinking" during adjustments, enabling users to create compact windows for secondary tasks or expand them for primary focus without the system snapping them back to rigid layouts.[28][26] Additionally, holding the Shift key while clicking an app icon in the Dock adds a new window directly to the current stage, streamlining the process of building multi-app workflows similar to macOS behaviors.[26]Support for external displays saw notable advancements, allowing Stage Manager to remember window sizes and positions independently for the iPad screen and connected monitors, preserving custom layouts even when switching between displays.[28][24] Users can now manage up to four windows per display, supporting a total of eight apps across the iPad and an external monitor, with seamless dragging of windows between screens.[26][24] iPadOS 17 also introduced compatibility for external USB-C cameras and microphones, leveraging a new developer API to integrate these accessories into video calls and other apps within Stage Manager sessions, enhancing productivity for setups like video conferencing or content creation.[26][1]Despite these refinements, Stage Manager in iPadOS 17 retains some limitations, such as a maximum of four apps per stage and no support for opening multiple instances of the same app across different stages, which can still constrain complex multitasking scenarios.[24][27] Overall, these changes make Stage Manager more intuitive and versatile, bringing iPad multitasking closer to desktop-like experiences while prioritizing touch-friendly interactions.[28][26]
Intelligence and assistance
Siri updates
In iPadOS 17, Siri received several enhancements focused on more natural interaction and flexibility in input methods. Users can now activate Siri by simply saying "Siri" without the need for the "Hey" prefix, simplifying the invocation process across compatible iPad models.[1] This change allows for a more conversational flow, where follow-up requests can be made without re-invoking Siri each time.[3]A key addition is the support for typing to Siri, enabling users to input requests via the on-screen keyboard instead of speaking, which is particularly useful in quiet environments or for privacy.[1] Once activated, Siri displays a persistent interface that accommodates switching seamlessly between typing and speaking for subsequent queries.[29] Additionally, Siri now better handles back-to-back requests, supporting conversational interactions without reactivation.[1]In the iPadOS 17.2 update, Siri gained the ability to privately access and log data in the Health app using voice commands, allowing users to record metrics like symptoms or medications without manual entry, while maintaining on-device processing for privacy.[3] These updates build on Siri's core capabilities, emphasizing accessibility and integration with iPad-specific workflows, such as multitasking environments.[14]
Passwords and verification codes
iPadOS 17 introduced enhancements to password management and verification code handling through updates to the Passwords section in Settings, which centralizes access to account passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi credentials, and one-time codes across devices signed in with the same Apple ID.[30] This section allows users to view, edit, and organize saved items in a unified interface, building on access in previous versions.[31]A key feature is the ability to share passwords and passkeys securely with trusted contacts by creating shared groups. Users can invite family members or friends to a group from Settings > Passwords, where changes to shared credentials—such as updates to login details—are automatically synced across participants' devices without exposing the full set to non-members.[32] This sharing mechanism leverages end-to-end encryption and requires approval for group membership, ensuring privacy.[33]Verification code management saw significant improvements, including automatic autofill of one-time codes received via Messages or Mail directly into login fields on websites or apps, eliminating the need to switch between apps.[34] Additionally, iPadOS 17 enables automatic deletion of used verification codes from the Messages app to reduce clutter, a toggleable option found in Settings > Passwords > Password Options.[35]Support for passkeys, a passwordless authentication method using biometric verification like Face ID or Touch ID, was expanded in iPadOS 17. Passkeys can be created and saved for supported sites and apps, stored in iCloud Keychain, and synced across devices for seamless sign-ins.[36] The system also provides security alerts for weak, reused, or compromised passwords, prompting users to update them via the Passwords section in Settings.[37]These updates build on iCloud Keychain's foundation, emphasizing convenience and security for two-factor authentication workflows.[38]
Health and communication
Health app
The Health app, previously exclusive to iPhone, was introduced to iPad with iPadOS 17, enabling users to centralize and view their health and fitness data on the larger screen.[1] This addition allows seamless integration of data from iPhone, Apple Watch, and compatible third-party apps, providing a unified dashboard for tracking metrics such as activity, sleep, nutrition, and vital signs.[39] Designed specifically for iPad's display, the app features a sidebar for quick navigation to categories like Browse and Favorites, along with interactive charts that offer detailed visualizations of trends over time.[3]A key enhancement in iPadOS 17 is the Medications feature, which lets users log prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements, set up dosage schedules, and receive reminders via the app or Apple Watch.[40] Integration with pharmacy apps allows automatic verification of medication details, while logging adherence helps generate reports for healthcare providers. For mental wellbeing, the State of Mind logging tool enables users to record momentary emotions—such as anxiety or joy—and daily moods, correlating them with factors like sleep or activity to identify patterns.[40][41]Reproductive health tracking sees improvements through Cycle Tracking, which now includes symptom logging for conditions like cramps or mood changes, along with predictive insights for fertile windows and period forecasts.[40] A new Vision section addresses eye health by allowing users to store prescription details, log conditions such as myopia, and set reminders for eye exams, with data shareable via Health Sharing for consultations.[40] The app's Highlights and Trends sections provide summarized insights, such as progress toward fitness goals or changes in vital metrics, presented in an iPad-optimized layout with expandable views for deeper analysis.[3] Privacy remains central, with all data encrypted and user-controlled sharing options for specific records with doctors or family.[42]
Messages and FaceTime
iPadOS 17 introduced several enhancements to the Messages app, emphasizing improved self-expression and usability in communication. A key update is the integration of a more accessible stickers experience, allowing users to create Live Stickers directly from photos or existing Memoji, which can then be animated and shared in conversations.[1] Additionally, the app features an expandable menu that simplifies access to frequently used iMessage apps and tools, reducing clutter above the keyboard.[1] Users can now swipe right on any message in a group chat to reply inline, streamlining responses in busy threads, while a "Catch Up" option highlights unread messages to help navigate long conversations.[43]Safety and convenience were bolstered with the Check In feature, which enables users to automatically notify contacts of their safe arrival at a destination by sharing location data, with options for manual activation or scheduling.[1] Audio messages received transcriptions for easier reading, and search functionality was refined with filters to locate specific content like photos, links, or threads more efficiently.[43] These changes apply seamlessly to iPad's larger screen, enhancing multitasking during messaging sessions.FaceTime in iPadOS 17 gained expressive tools to make video calls more interactive and forgiving of missed connections. When a call goes unanswered, users can leave audio or video messages, which play back with visual effects similar to standard video recordings, ensuring the recipient can respond thoughtfully.[2] Reactions were introduced, allowing hand gestures—such as thumbs up, heart, or peace sign—to trigger animated effects like confetti, fireworks, balloons, or rain during live calls, fostering a playful atmosphere without interrupting the flow.[1] These features leverage the iPad's front-facing camera and display for immersive group calls, supporting up to 32 participants with SharePlay for collaborative activities like watching media.[3] Overall, the updates prioritize natural interaction, making FaceTime a more versatile tool for both personal and professional use on iPad.
Other enhancements
Safari profiles
Safari Profiles, introduced in iPadOS 17, enable users to create and manage multiple distinct browsing environments within the Safari web browser, allowing separation of activities such as work, personal, or school-related browsing.[1] This feature enhances productivity by isolating browsing data across profiles, with each one maintaining its own history, tabs, Tab Groups, favorites, and iCloud tabs.[44] Profiles also support per-profile customization of Safari extensions, ensuring that add-ons like ad blockers or password managers can be tailored to specific use cases without cross-contamination.[44]To create a new profile, users navigate to the Settings app, select Apps > Safari, and tap New Profile, where they can assign a name, icon, color, dedicated Favorites folder, and default start page.[44] Profiles sync automatically across all devices signed in with the same Apple ID via iCloud, providing a seamless experience on iPad, iPhone, and Mac.[44] Management options include editing profile details or deleting them entirely from the same Settings menu; deletion permanently removes associated favorites, history, and open tabs without recovery.[44]Switching between profiles is straightforward within the Safari app: users tap the profile name displayed in the top-left corner of the tabs overview and select the desired one, which instantly loads the corresponding tabs and data while closing those from the previous profile.[44] This isolation extends to cookies and other site data, preventing overlap in tracking or personalized content across profiles.[45] While Profiles do not affect overall device storage significantly, they promote better organization for users juggling multiple online personas, a capability aligned with Safari 17's broader updates for enhanced privacy and efficiency in iPadOS 17.[1]
Accessibility improvements
iPadOS 17 introduced several enhancements to accessibility features, focusing on cognitive, speech, and vision support to make the iPad more inclusive for users with disabilities. These updates build on existing tools like VoiceOver and Magnifier, providing more intuitive interactions and personalized options. Key additions include Assistive Access for simplified navigation, Live Speech and Personal Voice for communication, and advanced capabilities in the Magnifier app.[46]Assistive Access offers a streamlined iPadOS experience tailored for individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities, replacing the standard Home Screen with a large grid of visual icons for essential apps. This mode enlarges onscreen elements, reduces complexity by focusing on core functions within apps such as Messages for communication, Photos and Camera for media, and Music for audio playback, while supporting compatible third-party apps. Caregivers can set it up via Settings > Accessibility > Assistive Access, using a passcode to control access and customize layouts, enabling greater independence without overwhelming interfaces.[47]Live Speech enables nonspeaking users to participate in real-time conversations by typing text that is spoken aloud using the device's speakers or connected audio devices. Activated by triple-clicking the top button or an accessibility shortcut, it integrates with FaceTime, phone calls, and supported apps, allowing selection of voices and languages for natural delivery. This feature is particularly beneficial for users with speech impairments, providing immediate verbal output during interactions.[48]Personal Voice addresses the needs of users who may lose their ability to speak due to conditions like ALS, by allowing them to create a synthetic voice resembling their own through recording about 15 minutes of guided phrases in a quiet environment. Once generated on-device for privacy, this voice integrates with Live Speech, VoiceOver, and third-party augmentative communication apps, ensuring consistent personal expression across iPadOS. The process is accessible via Settings > Accessibility > Personal Voice and requires iPad models with an M1 chip or later, including the iPad Air (5th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later), and iPad Pro 13-inch (M4).[49]Updates to the Magnifier app enhance support for low-vision users with Point and Speak, which uses the iPad's camera to detect and audibly describe text labels on objects like appliances or packaging in the environment. Additionally, Detection Mode leverages LiDAR sensors on compatible iPad Pro models to identify nearby elements such as doors, chairs, or cups, announcing them via audio feedback to aid spatial awareness and navigation. These tools expand the app's utility beyond basic magnification, promoting safer and more independent daily activities.[46]VoiceOver received refinements in iPadOS 17, including an option to mute speech when a refreshable braille display is connected, allowing silent reading while maintaining gesture-based navigation. Cognitive accessibility also saw improvements, such as enhanced focus tools in apps and better integration of Background Sounds for concentration, contributing to a more supportive ecosystem overall.[50]
Release history
Initial release
iPadOS 17 was announced on June 5, 2023, during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote, where it was presented as the next major iteration of the iPad operating system, building on iPadOS 16 with enhancements in personalization, productivity, and integration with other Apple platforms.[51] The announcement highlighted key features such as interactive widgets, an updated Stage Manager for multitasking, and improved PDF handling in the Files app, positioning iPadOS 17 as a bridge toward more desktop-like functionality on iPad devices.[52]Following the announcement, Apple released the first developer beta of iPadOS 17 on June 6, 2023, available to members of the Apple Developer Program for testing on compatible hardware.[53] This initial beta allowed developers to experiment with new APIs and features, including enhancements to Siri and the addition of Live Text expansions for identifying and interacting with on-screen content. Subsequent developer betas were issued throughout the summer, incorporating refinements based on feedback to stabilize core functionalities like external display support and keyboard shortcut improvements.[54]The public beta program for iPadOS 17 began on July 12, 2023, enabling a broader audience to test the software ahead of its stable launch, with Apple emphasizing the importance of user reports to identify and resolve issues such as app compatibility and performance optimizations.[53] Multiple public beta versions followed, culminating in a release candidate in early September, which served as the near-final build for validation.[55]The initial stable version of iPadOS 17 was released on September 18, 2023, as a free over-the-air update for eligible iPad models, coinciding with the launch of iOS 17 for iPhone.[2] This release marked the first full deployment of features like the customizable Lock Screen and enhanced Notes app with math equation solving, available immediately upon installation.[52]iPadOS 17 supported a range of devices from 2018 onward, including the iPad (6th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), and all iPad Pro models starting from the 2018 versions, while dropping compatibility with older models like the 5th-generation iPad and first-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro to focus on hardware capable of advanced features such as improved graphics rendering.[15] The update was distributed via the Settings app on compatible devices, with Apple recommending a backup prior to installation to mitigate potential data risks during the upgrade process.
Update versions
iPadOS 17 received multiple point releases following its initial launch, introducing new features, enhancements to existing functionality, and ongoing security patches to maintain stability and user privacy. These updates were typically aligned with iOS 17 releases, sharing many core improvements while incorporating iPad-specific optimizations such as better multitasking and app integrations.The first significant update, iPadOS 17.1, was released on October 25, 2023. It added StandBy mode, allowing users to transform their iPad into an interactive bedside or desk display when charging in landscape orientation, with customizable widgets and live activities. Additional changes included smoother AirDrop transfers between nearby devices, new Apple Music features like song suggestions in the Up Next queue, and iPad-specific refinements to Siri interactions for more natural request handling. Security fixes addressed potential vulnerabilities in WebKit and the Kernel.iPadOS 17.2 arrived on December 11, 2023, bringing the Journal app, which uses on-device machine learning to suggest entries based on photos, locations, music, and workouts for reflective journaling. It introduced NameDrop for seamless contact sharing between iPhone and Apple Watch, system-wide Live Translation for conversations and calls, and math notes in the Notes app exclusive to iPad, enabling handwritten equation solving with step-by-step visualization. Other enhancements included collaborative Apple Music playlists, improved Weather app widgets with severe weather alerts, and camera control toggles for iPhone 15 Pro models when connected to iPad.Released on January 22, 2024, iPadOS 17.3 implemented Stolen Device Protection, a security feature requiring Face ID or Touch ID for sensitive actions like accessing passkeys or credit cards when the device is away from familiar locations, with a one-hour delay for changes using device passcode. It also added a Unity wallpaper design honoring Black History Month and Apple Music playlist support for the Translate app. Fixes targeted issues in accessibility features and iCloud backup reliability.iPadOS 17.4, launched on March 7, 2024, introduced 118 new emoji and skin tone variations, along with transcripts for Apple Podcasts episodes to improve accessibility and searchability. It supported the visionOS 1.1 update for Apple Vision Pro integration, including SharePlay enhancements for spatial content. In the European Union, it enabled sideloading of alternative app stores and browsers compliant with the Digital Markets Act. iPad users benefited from improved Stage Manager persistence across app switches. Security updates patched exploits in the Image I/O framework and sandboxing.On May 13, 2024, iPadOS 17.5 added unwanted tracker detection alerts for third-party Bluetooth devices, alerting users to potential stalking via items like AirTags from other manufacturers. It introduced notifications for deleted cross-platform iMessages and enhanced Screen Time reporting for app usage insights. For iPad, it refined Freeform board organization with better search and undo capabilities. This update also included a satellite messaging fix for iPhone 14 models when tethered to iPad.iPadOS 17.6, released on July 29, 2024, primarily delivered bug fixes, performance optimizations, and security updates.Subsequent releases from iPadOS 17.7 onward, starting in September 2024 and continuing through 2025, emphasized security and reliability. These included iPadOS 17.7 (September 16, 2024), 17.7.1 (October 28, 2024), 17.7.2 (November 19, 2024), 17.7.3 (December 11, 2024), 17.7.4 (January 27, 2025), 17.7.5 (February 10, 2025), 17.7.7 (May 12, 2025), 17.7.8 (May 19, 2025), and 17.7.9 (July 29, 2025). For instance, iPadOS 17.7.6 on March 31, 2025, addressed vulnerabilities in the WebKit rendering engine and kernel extensions affecting older iPad models. The final update, iPadOS 17.7.10, was issued on August 20, 2025, providing critical patches for image processing and networking components to extend support for compatible devices post-iPadOS 18. These later versions ensured ongoing protection against emerging threats without introducing substantive features.[56]