Urgent iPhone update released with 1 new sports feature

While many of us are waiting for iOS 18 to launch in a few weeks, Apple is reminding us that it still has its eye on iOS 17. The latest version of iOS 17.6 could be the last major update before iOS 18, though we can’t rule out unexpected bugs that mean iOS 17.6.1 or something similar still arrives. Here’s what’s in the new version, including what’s likely the last new feature of the iOS 17 cycle.

And remember, it’s been a while since Apple last updated the iPhone software. After iOS 17.5 on May 13, a very quick, minor update, iOS 17.5.1, came a week later. Nothing since then.

Apparently there was supposed to be another release, iOS 17.5.2, but it was cancelled – you can find full details about that here.

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Which iPhones can run iOS 17.6?

The iPhones that can support iOS 17 go back to the 2018 releases: iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone XR. All iPhones from then on are also compatible. That means the iPhone 11 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 14 series, and iPhone 15 series. It also includes the second- and third-generation iPhone SE models.

How to get it

If the time since iOS 17.5.1 means you’re a little rusty, here’s how you can update: Open the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update. Here, you can choose to download the new software immediately, which usually means it’ll show up on your iPhone sooner. Select Download and Install, and you’ll be all set in no time. As for the download size, iOS 17.6 was 1GB on my iPhone 15 Pro Max.

What’s in the release

This update mainly contains bug fixes — there are more than twenty of them in total — and Apple’s notes are basic: “This update includes important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.”

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any new features. There is one, to be precise. It’s Catch Up, a feature of the Apple TV app designed with sports viewers in mind.

Specifically, it’s designed for live sporting events as part of the MLS Season Pass. The feature was announced in June and means that if you join a live stream of a match that’s already started, you can see a series of highlights from earlier in the game. The Key Plays carousel is available during the match in progress, as well as later from the video player controls menu.

If any new feature seems sparse, it’s because Apple has already delivered everything it promised in iOS 17.

If iOS 17.7 is not actually available, which we will find out in a few days when the first developer beta appears, then we are now heading full steam ahead towards iOS 18.