Apple’s iPadOS 17 expected to debut simultaneously with iOS 17: Report

Apple’s iPadOS 16 was delayed by over six weeks when compared to its iOS counterpart, and the primary reason for this delay is said to be the additional time required to optimise newer features like Stage Manager, which was introduced on select iPads. Stage Manager enables app grouping and window resizing, offering a laptop-like multitasking user experience.

This time around, with iPadOS 17, there aren’t any major new iPad-exclusive features, which would have helped Apple fast-track the OS development along with iOS 17. However, iPadOS 17 has gained new features like additional lock screen customisation options, interactive widgets, a new health app, and an enhanced messages app with support for sticker creation.

iPadOS 17 will be available for iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd gen and later), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and later), iPad Air (3rd gen and later), iPad (6th gen and later), and iPad mini (5th gen and later).

Apple’s iPhone 15 launch event is happening on September 12, and the company has a record of releasing major OS updates for iPhones, iPads, and Macs the following Friday. Considering this timeline, the company is likely to announce iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 on September 15.

At the “Wonderlust” event, Apple is likely to showcase the new iPhone 15 series, including the flagship iPhone 15 Pro Max with a titanium frame, periscope zoom lens, and a USB Type-C port with support for fast charging and faster data transfer speeds, which will go on sale starting September 22. Besides, the company is also expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, powered by the new S9 chip.