Apple’s latest iOS update, iOS 17, is now available for download. It brings new features to compatible iPhones, including the upcoming iPhone 15 lineup. While the new iPhones will be released next week, iOS 17 is compatible with most iPhones released since 2018.
iOS 17 was first announced in June at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. The update introduces changes to calls, texts, and notifications, and includes updates to FaceTime, Messages, and the Phone app. One of the standout features is the new StandBy mode, which turns your iPhone’s screen into a small home screen similar to the Amazon Echo Show.
Similar to last year’s iOS 16, which introduced features through minor software updates throughout the year, iOS 17 is expected to have more features released over time. However, many of its best features are available immediately after the update.
Contact Notes
Contact Notes make your contact cards more compelling.
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iOS 17 introduces changes to contact cards, allowing customization similar to the lock screens introduced in iOS 16. Contact Stickers enable you to create contact pictures and emojis combined with colorful characters that appear during calls and other interactions on your phone.
You can easily change your contact picture view, just like changing your lock screen. Select an image, shape, and color, and you’re done.
AirDrop is easy to use
NameDrop lets you share your contact picture with another iPhone by bringing them close.
Patrick Holland, CNET
iOS 17 improves the AirDrop feature, allowing you to easily share photos, videos, and start sharing activities using Share Play. You can now share your Screenshots with NameDrop, which lets you choose what to share. NameDrop also works between iPhones and with the Apple Watch, reminiscent of the early “bump” contact feature.
Standby turns your iPhone into an Amazon Echo Show
When the iPhone is on the MagSafe charger and horizontal, StandBy mode activates.
John Kim
One of the biggest additions in iOS 17 is the StandBy mode, which provides a new experience when your iPhone is not in use. When your iPhone is placed horizontally on a MagSafe charger, it displays a clear interface similar to the Amazon Echo Show. The StandBy screen shows the time, photos, widgets, and Live Events, making it highly customizable. It combines the always-on mode of the iPhone 14 Pro and the night mode of the Apple Watch.
StandBy mode can also display visual widgets, such as weather information, smart controls for Apple Home, or your favorite third-party widgets. It can even show current events like sports events or food availability. StandBy mode can remember your favorite settings for any MagSafe charging station.
The new Journal app
iOS 17 introduces a new Apple app called Journal, which encourages writing personalized thoughts. The app provides recommendations based on your iPhone’s information, such as photos, locations, music, and exercise. You can select a moment, like a morning trip to the beach, and start writing. You can also set notifications to remind you to journal and receive new prompts. Journal allows you to annotate important moments for future reflection.
Live Voicemail
Live Voicemail allows you to preview transcriptions in real-time while messages are being recorded.
John Kim, CNET
iOS 17 introduces Live Voicemail, an innovative feature that displays live audio transcriptions as someone leaves you a voicemail. This feature allows you to quickly decide whether to return the call without having to listen to the entire message. It’s reminiscent of answering machines but with the added benefit of real-time transcription. Live Voicemail is powered by the iPhone’s neural engine for privacy protection. This feature is similar to the Call Screen on Google Pixel phones.
FaceTime messages
In iOS 17, you can now record a video message within FaceTime. This highly requested feature allows you to capture and share important moments, even if the recipient misses your call.
Message Enter
iOS 17 introduces Check In, a new location-sharing tool.
Apple, GIF and Arielle Burton, CNET
Apple expands and refines its location-sharing feature in Messages with a new addition called Check In. This feature allows you to let your loved ones know when you’ve arrived safely at your destination. Whether you’re driving home late at night or going for an early morning run, you can initiate a Check In with a family member or friend. Once you reach your destination, it automatically notifies your contact. However, if you deviate from your intended destination or don’t respond, Check In can share your current location, the route you took, your iPhone’s battery level, and available features. All shared data is encrypted end-to-end.
Messages get several updates and additions
The Messages app now supports audio recording in iOS 17.
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The Messages app receives various updates in iOS 17, including a redesigned icon for iMessage apps that can now be accessed through the plus icon at the bottom left instead of being on top of the keyboard.
Searching messages is easier with the addition of filters, allowing you to refine your search results by adding specific words.
A new feature enables the transcription of audio messages within the Messages app, making it accessible to those who prefer reading over listening.
The Messages app now includes a “pickup arrow” at the top right of conversations, allowing you to jump to the first unread message. This is particularly useful for managing group chats. Additionally, iOS 17 introduces swipe-to-reply for all message types.
Auto-correction in iOS 17 is more intelligent and can correct many common errors. It also allows you to revert back to your original text easily. Autocorrect will even learn and allow you to use curse words. Finally, iMessage Stickers gets a new icon that consolidates all the stickers you’ve used into one place. You can now peel and place emoji stickers onto message bubbles, rotate them, and resize them. Last year’s Visual Lookup feature, which extracted titles from image backgrounds, can now be applied to photos shared in Messages.
But wait, there’s more to iOS 17
In addition to the features mentioned above, iOS 17 includes other notable changes and additions, such as:
- Siri can be activated by simply saying “Siri” instead of “Hey, Siri”.
- You can download offline maps in the Maps app.
- Your Safari profiles and passwords are now easier to manage.
- The Mail app can automatically retrieve one-time verification codes.
- Interactive widgets are available on iPadOS.
iOS 17 is now available for download through the Settings app on compatible iPhones, including the iPhone XS, XR, and newer, as well as the 2020 iPhone SE.
