Will Apple Release an iOS 17.3.1 Update? [u]

In the aftermath of iOS 17.3’s release, and Apple’s decision to close off the downgrade back to iOS 17.2.1, iPhone users are wondering if Apple will release a new iOS 17.3.1 update. Good news, it looks like it will.

In January, Apple pulled its iOS 17.3 update out of beta and pushed it to millions of iPhone users around the world. And while we haven’t heard about any widespread problems with the firmware, some iPhone users have run into trouble after upgrading.

Many problems can be solved at home, but some may require a fix from Apple. And with Apple closing off a safety valve, the ability to downgrade back to older iOS software, iPhone users are looking for answers.

Apple’s currently testing iOS 17.4, the fourth milestone upgrade for iOS 17, and a major release for iPhone.

iOS 17.4 has a ton of changes on board including new emoji characters for the iPhone’s keyboard and we expect it to deliver bug fixes for lingering iOS 17 problems.

However, iOS 17.4’s release is still a ways away. As of right now, we expect iOS 17.4 to arrive in early March in order to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Apple must comply by March 6th.

That’s a world away for iPhone owners with software issues and some users we’ve talked to are hoping Apple releases an iOS 17.3.1 update to bridge the gap.

Fortunately, it looks like it will.

The company hasn’t confirmed an update, but we, and others, have seen it show up in site analytics yet. New, unannounced iOS software updates often show up in web analytics shortly before they’re released to the public.

Apple also sticks to predictable patterns with its software releases and history says we may see new software arrive in mid-February ahead of iOS 17.4.

Last year, Apple pushed iOS 16.3.1 to iPhone users on February 13th. In 2022, Apple released iOS 15.3.1 for iPhone on February 10th.

If we go back further, the company released iOS 14.4.1 on March 8th and iOS 13.3.1 on January 28th. So while we saw a pattern emerge in 2023 and 2022, Apple didn’t adhere to it in 2021 and 2020.

That being said, Apple almost always provides a bridge between milestone upgrades, iOS 17.2.1 being the most recent example. It landed between iOS 17.2 and iOS 17.3.

So, simply put, there’s no guarantee we see an iOS 17.3.1 update for iPhone, but there are signs.

If you’re dealing with problems on iOS 17.3, or another version of iOS 17, keep your eyes peeled for a new firmware update this week and next.

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