Apple has recently unveiled iOS 17, the latest version of its mobile operating system for the iPhone. Packed with numerous consumer-facing features, iOS 17 is set to be released later this year, bringing exciting updates and improvements to Apple users worldwide. Let’s take a closer look at what iOS 17 has in store for iPhone owners.
Enhancements to Communication Apps
One of the notable updates in iOS 17 is the long-overdue refresh of the Phone app. Users can now create personalized contact posters that appear when receiving calls. These contact posters can be customized with different typographies and depth effects to display the caller’s name behind their head. This feature, enabled by CallKit, offers developers an opportunity to leverage the new contact posters for enhanced user experiences.
In addition, iOS 17 introduces live voicemails, allowing users to view real-time transcriptions as the person leaves a voicemail. This feature serves as a discreet way to check messages during meetings, and it also proves useful for screening calls from unknown numbers. Furthermore, FaceTime now supports video messages, enabling users to leave video-based voicemails when a call goes unanswered.
The Messages app receives several updates as well. Users can now utilize search filters to find specific content from a particular contact. Additionally, a new arrow within unread conversations facilitates catching up with the latest unread message swiftly. Apple has also introduced automatic transcriptions for voice messages and a convenient way to check in with friends upon arriving home.
To streamline the user experience, iMessage apps are now tucked away in a submenu. Accessible by tapping the plus button, this submenu contains a list of installed iMessage apps and also features a new sticker menu that provides easy access to all stickers across various iMessage apps.
AirDrop, the file-sharing feature, receives notable improvements too. Users can now share contact information with other iPhone users using NameDrop, which extends its functionality to the Apple Watch. AirDrop no longer occupies the entire screen when sending multiple photos or videos, allowing users to continue using their devices uninterrupted.
Keyboard and Autocorrect Enhancements
iOS 17 brings updates to the keyboard, including improvements to autocorrect. Word predictions are expected to be more accurate than ever, ensuring a smoother typing experience. The visual appearance of autocorrect has been refreshed, making it easier to identify when a word has been autocorrected, and providing a simple way to revert to the previously typed word.
Autocorrect predictions now appear as greyed-out text, akin to Gmail autocomplete, allowing users to seamlessly incorporate suggested words by pressing the space bar.
Introducing Journal and StandBy
With iOS 17, Apple introduces a new journaling app called Journal, which shares similarities with the popular app Day One. Leveraging on-device machine learning capabilities, Journal offers personalized suggestions based on user photos, activities, location, music, workouts, and more. Developers can integrate with Journal to provide prompt suggestions using data from third-party apps.
Another notable addition is StandBy, a new full-screen experience for the iPhone’s nightstand mode. When users place their phones on the nightstand, they can view the time, set alarms, or personalize the display according to their preferences. StandBy also transforms the iPhone into a dynamic photo slideshow device, showcasing users’ best shots and regularly refreshing them. In a professional setting, StandBy can function as a calendar, displaying upcoming events and keeping users organized.
Additional Updates and Future Details
In iOS 17, users can now wake Siri by simply saying “Siri” instead of the traditional “Hey Siri” phrase. Apple Maps also gains offline map support, enabling users to access maps even without an internet connection. Moreover, the people albums in the Photos app have been enhanced, leading to improved photo suggestions.
While these are some of the major updates in iOS 17, more details regarding smaller features are expected to emerge in the coming weeks. Apple typically rolls out major iOS updates in the fall, and users can anticipate the arrival of iOS 17 during that time.
Overall, iOS 17 brings a wealth of exciting features and enhancements to the iPhone, aiming to enhance communication, streamline user experiences, and provide new avenues for personalization. Apple continues to push boundaries with each iteration of iOS, ensuring that iPhone users receive the best possible software experience.
iOS 17 Features
- Custom contact posters with photos and Memoji
- Live Voicemail with real-time transcription
- Catch-up feature to see unread messages
- Check in to share location with family or friends know when you get home safely
- New stickers that work in iMessage and third party apps
- NameDrop lets you swap numbers with people by tapping your phone
- Keyboard and dictation use AI to make autocorrect better
- Journal app to journal important parts of your life based on information from your phone
- StandBy, a charging mode that lets you see clocks, photos, weather, home, schedule, live activites and other widgets
- Now you can just say “Siri” instead of “Hey Siri” to toggle Siri