iPadOS 17 release date: When is the next update releasing for the Apple iPad?

While there are good Android tablets, if you’re really committed to the tablet form factor, it’s probably best to get an iPad. Android tablets have great hardware, but can still fall flat on software beyond core apps. With iPadOS 17, Apple is set to extend its lead in the tablet space through new features and quality-of-life improvements. But when is iPadOS 17 releasing? We’ll tell you that and related details below.

When will iPadOS 17 be released?

Apple officially announced iPadOS 17 on June 5, 2023, but the finished release is expected in September 2023, around the time the iPhone 15 series ships. That’s because iPadOS is directly based on iOS, and Apple needs iOS 17 preloaded on the new iPhones. There’s a possibility we may see iPad refreshes at the iPhone 15 press event, such as a new iPad mini.

If you can’t wait to try out iPadOS 17, there are both public and developer betas available. Be warned that as with any pre-release code, you may encounter bugs and incomplete features. You can access the public beta by going to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates.

Which iPads are getting iPadOS 17?

The list of supported iPads is pretty long, as Apple tends to do a great job seeding updates to (relatively) old devices. In short though, these are the devices that will support iPadOS 17:

• iPad Pro (2nd generation and later)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
• iPad (6th generation and later)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later)

Some features will be restricted to some newer iPads. So while everything above will be getting the broader iPadOS 17 update, features like Stage Manager are going to be reserved for more recent hardware. If you want the full experience, you’ll need an iPad based on one of Apple’s M-series processors.

Is there an iPadOS 17 beta?

Yes. As mentioned, Apple has released both public and developer betas of iPadOS 17. If you want to try the public one, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates on a compatible iPad.

The potential bugginess of betas means that you should think twice. If your iPad is mission-critical — meaning you need it for school or work, or it’s the only computer you have — you’re better off skipping the betas entirely. If it’s a secondary device, it can be fun or genuinely useful to preview iPadOS 17’s features, and you’ll get a chance at sharing feedback.

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