# iPadOS 17

> fifth major release of iPadOS, the tablet operating system developed by Apple Inc.

**Wikidata**: [Q119104531](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q119104531)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPadOS_17)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ipados-17

## Summary  
iPadOS 17 is the fifth major release of Apple’s tablet‑focused operating system, announced at WWDC 2023 and first shipped on 18 September 2023. Developed by Apple Inc., it runs on a broad range of iPad models from the 6th‑generation iPad through the 5th‑generation iPad Air and the 6th‑generation iPad mini.

## Key Facts  
- **Announcement:** 5 June 2023 at WWDC 2023 (Apple event).  
- **Initial public release:** 18 September 2023 (version 17.0).  
- **Developer:** Apple Inc., the American technology company founded on 1 April 1976.  
- **Predecessor / Successor:** Follows iPadOS 16 and is succeeded by iPadOS 18.  
- **Supported devices:** iPad (6th‑, 7th‑, 8th‑, 9th‑, 10th‑generation), iPad Air (3rd‑, 4th‑, 5th‑generation), iPad mini (5th‑, 6th‑generation), and iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd‑generation).  
- **Version history (stable releases):** 17.0 → 17.0.1 → 17.0.2 → 17.0.3 → 17.1 → 17.1.1 → 17.1.2 → 17.2 → 17.2.1 → 17.3 (latest on 22 January 2024).  
- **Official website:** https://www.apple.com/ipados/ipados-17-preview/ (English).  
- **Logo image:** https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/IPadOS_17_logo.png.  
- **Publication date of support article:** 19 May 2025 (Apple Support, German locale).  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is iPadOS 17?  
A: iPadOS 17 is Apple’s fifth major iPad operating system release, bringing new software features and security updates to supported iPad models.  

### Q: When was iPadOS 17 released?  
A: The first stable version (17.0) was released on 18 September 2023, following its announcement at WWDC 2023 on 5 June 2023.  

### Q: Which iPad models can run iPadOS 17?  
A: iPadOS 17 supports iPad 6th‑generation through 10th‑generation, iPad Air 3rd‑ through 5th‑generation, iPad mini 5th‑ and 6th‑generation, and the 3rd‑generation 12.9‑inch iPad Pro.  

### Q: How many stable updates has iPadOS 17 received?  
A: As of 22 January 2024, iPadOS 17 has received ten stable releases, from 17.0 up to 17.3, each adding bug fixes, security patches, and minor feature refinements.  

### Q: Where can I find official information about iPadOS 17?  
A: Apple’s official preview page (https://www.apple.com/ipados/ipados-17-preview/) and the Apple Support article dated 19 May 2025 provide detailed documentation.  

## Why It Matters  
iPadOS 17 represents a pivotal evolution of Apple’s tablet OS, extending the lifespan of older hardware while delivering modern capabilities such as refined multitasking, enhanced security, and incremental feature rollouts. By supporting a wide array of iPad generations—from the 6th‑generation iPad to the latest iPad Air 5—Apple ensures that millions of users receive up‑to‑date software without needing to purchase new devices. The rapid succession of stable releases (from 17.0 to 17.3 within six months) demonstrates Apple’s commitment to continuous improvement, addressing bugs, security vulnerabilities, and user feedback promptly. For developers, the OS’s alignment with iOS 17 simplifies cross‑platform app development, while educators and enterprise users benefit from a stable, secure, and feature‑rich environment that enhances productivity and creativity on a familiar tablet form factor.  

## Notable For  
- **Fifth major iPadOS release**, marking a continued divergence from iOS.  
- **Broad device compatibility**, covering ten iPad generations and multiple form factors.  
- **Rapid, frequent stable updates** (ten releases within six months), reflecting an aggressive maintenance cadence.  
- **Announced at WWDC 2023**, underscoring Apple’s annual cadence of major OS unveilings.  
- **Direct successor to iPadOS 16 and predecessor to iPadOS 18**, positioning it within a clear evolutionary roadmap.  

## Body  

### Overview  
iPadOS 17 is a tablet‑optimized operating system built on the same core as iOS 17. It introduces refinements to the user interface, multitasking, and system security while preserving compatibility with a large swath of existing iPad hardware.

### Release Timeline  
- **5 June 2023:** Announcement at WWDC 2023 (Apple Events page).  
- **18 September 2023:** Public launch of version 17.0.  
- **Subsequent stable releases:**  
  - 17.0.1 (21 Sept 2023) → 17.0.2 (26 Sept 2023) → 17.0.3 (4 Oct 2023) → 17.1 (25 Oct 2023) → 17.1.1 (7 Nov 2023) → 17.1.2 (30 Nov 2023) → 17.2 (11 Dec 2023) → 17.2.1 (19 Dec 2023) → 17.3 (22 Jan 2024).  

### Device Compatibility  
Supported iPad models include:  

- **iPad (6th‑ to 10th‑generation)** – released 2018‑2022.  
- **iPad Air (3rd‑, 4th‑, 5th‑generation)** – released 2019‑2022.  
- **iPad mini (5th‑, 6th‑generation)** – released 2019‑2021.  
- **iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd‑generation)** – released 2018.  

Compatibility is defined by hardware capabilities such as processor architecture, RAM, and display resolution, ensuring optimal performance across the supported lineup.

### Version History (Stable Releases)  
| Version | Release Date | Notable Focus |
|---------|--------------|---------------|
| 17.0 | 18 Sep 2023 | Core launch, new multitasking gestures |
| 17.0.1 | 21 Sep 2023 | Bug fixes, minor UI tweaks |
| 17.0.2 | 26 Sep 2023 | Security patches |
| 17.0.3 | 4 Oct 2023 | Overheating fix for iPhone 15 Pro (relevant to shared codebase) |
| 17.1 | 25 Oct 2023 | AirDrop over Internet, Music Favorites |
| 17.1.1 | 7 Nov 2023 | BMW wireless‑charging fix, Weather widget |
| 17.1.2 | 30 Nov 2023 | Additional security updates |
| 17.2 | 11 Dec 2023 | Journal app introduction |
| 17.2.1 | 19 Dec 2023 | Bug fixes |
| 17.3 | 22 Jan 2024 | Release notes published by Apple (developer documentation) |

Each update is labeled with the qualifier **stable version** and includes a reference to the corresponding MacRumors or Apple release‑note article.

### Development and Distribution  
Apple Inc. (founded 1 April 1976) develops iPadOS 17 internally. The OS is distributed via over‑the‑air (OTA) updates through the Settings app on supported iPads. The official preview page (English) provides feature highlights and system requirements.  

### Relationship to Other Products  
- **Based on:** iOS 17 (Wikidata item Q118174932).  
- **Instance of:** operating system, iPadOS, software version.  
- **Followed by:** iPadOS 18 (future sixth major release).  

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## References

1. [Apple Releases iOS 17.1.2 With Security Fixes. 2023](https://www.macrumors.com/2023/11/30/apple-releases-ios-17-1-2/)
2. [Apple Releases iOS 17.1.1 With Bug Fixes for BMW Wireless Charging and Weather Widget. 2023](https://www.macrumors.com/2023/11/07/apple-releases-ios-17-1-1/)
3. [Apple Releases iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1 With AirDrop Over Internet, Music Favorites Options and More. 2023](https://www.macrumors.com/2023/10/25/apple-releases-ios-17-1/)
4. [Apple Releases iOS 17.0.3 With Fix for iPhone 15 Pro Overheating. 2023](https://www.macrumors.com/2023/10/04/apple-releases-ios-17-0-3/)
5. [Apple Releases iOS 17.0.2 and iPadOS 17.0.2 for All iPhones and iPads. 2023](https://www.macrumors.com/2023/09/26/apple-releases-ios-17-0-2/)
6. [Apple Releases iOS 17.0.1 and iPadOS 17.0.1 With Bug Fixes, Plus iOS 17.0.2 for iPhone 15 Models. 2023](https://www.macrumors.com/2023/09/21/apple-releases-ios-17-0-1/)
7. [Apple Releases iOS 17 With StandBy, Live Voicemail, Improved Autocorrect, FaceTime Video Messages and Tons More. 2023](https://www.macrumors.com/2023/09/18/apple-releases-ios-17/)
8. [Apple Releases iOS 17.2 With Journal App and More. 2023](https://www.macrumors.com/2023/12/11/apple-releases-ios-17-2-and-ipados-17-2/)
9. [Apple Releases iOS 17.2.1 With Bug Fixes. 2023](https://www.macrumors.com/2023/12/19/apple-releases-ios-17-2-1/)
10. [iOS & iPadOS 17.3 Release Notes. Apple Inc.](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/ios-ipados-release-notes/ios-ipados-17_3-release-notes)
11. [Apple Releases iOS 17.3.1 With Fix for Text Bug. 2024](https://www.macrumors.com/2024/02/08/apple-releases-ios-17-3-1-with-fix-for-text-bug)
12. [iOS 17.4 Features: What's New in iOS 17.4. 2024](https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-17-4-features/)
13. [Apple Releases iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 With Bug Fixes and Security Improvements. 2024](https://www.macrumors.com/2024/03/21/apple-releases-ios-17-4-1/)
14. [iOS & iPadOS 17.5 Release Notes. 2024](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/ios-ipados-release-notes/ios-ipados-17_5-release-notes)
15. [Apple Releases iOS 17.5.1 With Fix for Reappearing Photos Bug. 2024](https://www.macrumors.com/2024/05/20/apple-releases-ios-17-5-1-photos-bug/)
16. [Source](https://support.apple.com/de-de/100100)
17. [Source](https://support.apple.com/de-de/118702)
18. [Source](https://support.apple.com/en-us/124926)
19. [Source](https://www.apple.com/apple-events/)