Apple has recently announced the release of iOS 17 at its 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference. While the update is not yet available, Apple has provided a sneak peek into what users can expect from the newest version of its iPhone operating system.
One of the most significant updates in iOS 17 is the improvements made to core functions like Phone, FaceTime, and Messages. For instance, incoming calls will now feature personalized appearances called Contact Posters, and voicemails will be transcribed automatically. Additionally, calls identified as spam by your carrier will be automatically declined.
In FaceTime, users can now record audio and video messages if someone doesn’t pick up. Through iOS 17, users can also transfer a call from iPhone to Apple TV. In Messages, iOS 17 comes with new search filters for narrowing results, ways of catching up with unread messages, and an easier way of replying to inline messages by swiping. Audio messages are also transcribed. iOS 17 has an improved interface for the plus button on Messages, which also includes emoji stickers, and the ability to make live stickers from photos.
Another new feature in Messages is Check In, which notifies contacts when you’ve arrived at your destination. If your location hasn’t changed, Check In will share details like battery life, location, and cell service details.
Apple has also expanded AirDrop’s capabilities in iOS 17 called NameDrop. By bringing two iPhones (or Apple Watch) close together, you can share contacts and other content or start SharePlay more easily.
Autocorrect is getting better with iOS 17. The updated keyboard uses a transformer language model which is more accurate for word prediction. It has improved design for fixing grammatically mistakes, a better way of reverting to a word that you didn’t want corrected, and predictive text recommendations inline so you can tap the space bar to fill out full sentences.
Apple announced a brand new journaling app for iOS 17 called Journal. The app uses machine learning to make suggestions to inspire journal entries by analyzing recent activity from photos, workouts, interactions, and travels. You can also schedule notifications to remind you to write and maintain a journaling routine.
The iOS 17 Health app update also has some mental health features. Users can log their moods and emotions within the app and even access depression and anxiety assessments.
Building on the Always-On lock screen display that was introduced at last year’s WWDC, StandBy works as a smart display, showing the time, temperature, schedule, and other key info when your phone is in horizontal mode. StandBy is integrated with Siri, and other Apple or third-party widgets can be added. Standby adapts to low light so it can be used while sleeping.
Other features announced in iOS 17 include a screen distance alert through Screen Time to reduce eye strain and risk of myopia, offline use of Maps, increased AirTag sharing with up to five people, AirPlay compatibility with TVs in hotels, improved audio features for AirPods, and Apple finally dropped the “Hey” to activate Siri.
iOS 17 is available today to members of the developer program with a public beta launching in July. It will be fully available as a software update this fall. With these new updates, Apple continues to improve the user experience and provide innovative features for its users.