Apple has issued the second set of developer betas for the highly anticipated iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 updates. These updates follow the initial beta release that occurred two weeks after the unveiling at the WWDC keynote event.
Registered developers can access the betas by navigating to the Settings app, selecting the Software Update section, and activating the “Beta Updates” option. To download and install the beta, developers must have an Apple ID associated with a developer account.
iOS 17 brings forth a significant update, introducing personalized caller appearance, allowing individuals to customize their appearance during phone calls. Moreover, live voicemails now offer real-time transcriptions, enabling users to decide whether to answer a call based on the message content. Voice messages sent through iMessage are also automatically transcribed into text. Another notable feature is the ability to record video or audio messages for missed FaceTime calls, while FaceTime itself can be accessed via the Apple TV through Continuity functionality.
In the Messages app, apps have been relocated to a redesigned interface, resulting in a cleaner appearance. Additionally, a new Check In feature has been incorporated, providing a means for friends and family to monitor an individual’s location during travel. Check In sends automatic notifications to designated contacts upon arrival at specific destinations, such as one’s home. Furthermore, sharing locations directly from the Messages app is now possible.
Within group chats, a catch-up arrow allows users to quickly locate the first message they have yet to read in a conversation. The introduction of search filters enhances the ability to find desired content efficiently. Stickers have also received an overhaul, with all emojis now functioning as stickers alongside dedicated sticker packs and Memojis. Users can convert any subject from an image into a sticker using the new remove from background feature in iOS 17.
StandBy mode transforms an iPhone into a convenient home hub when placed horizontally, displaying essential information like the calendar, time, and home controls. Additionally, Live Activities can now be viewed in full screen mode.
Interactive widgets on the Home Screen offer increased functionality, enabling users to perform actions such as checking off items on a to-do list or controlling smart devices without opening specific apps. AirDrop has been enhanced, introducing the NameDrop function for swift contact sharing. Furthermore, two iPhones can be held together to initiate a SharePlay session, which is now compatible with CarPlay, allowing passengers to enjoy their music during car rides.
Additional features slated for release later this year include a dedicated journaling app, AirPlay support in select hotel rooms, improvements to the AirPods Pro 2 with the introduction of Adaptive Audio, offline Maps, an always-on Siri feature that eliminates the need for vocal activation, and enhancements to the search and spotlight functionalities.
While the current beta release is exclusive to developers, Apple intends to provide a public beta version later in the summer.