The new iOS 17 features promise a slew of exciting updates for iPhone users. As Apple gears up to release this much-anticipated update, here’s how to get your device ready:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Navigate to General.
- Select Software Update to initiate the installation process.
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What are the new iOS 17 features?
Stay tuned as we review the key new iOS 17 features you can expect to see on your iPhone, with additional enhancements expected to be introduced later in the year.
StandBy
StandBy introduces a full-screen view designed to display essential information from a distance when your iPhone is charging. Ideal for a nightstand, kitchen counter, or desk, the feature is customizable and can show a variety of elements such as a clock, calendar, weather forecast, and music controls. This is particularly useful for iPhone models like the iPhone 14 Pro with an always-on display, enhancing the functionality even further.
iOS 17 standby mode🥹 pic.twitter.com/4ufKZrnH5p
— kousei (@couldvejohn) September 14, 2023
Personal Voice
Personal Voice offers a remarkable solution for preserving your voice for the future. Particularly beneficial for individuals at risk of losing their voice due to degenerative diseases, this feature allows users to create and securely store a replica of their own voice, providing peace of mind.
Contact Posters
Imagine seeing a personalized poster every time a specific contact calls you—that’s what the Contact Posters feature does. Available through the built-in Phone app and soon in third-party calling apps, this new iOS 17 feature lets you customize the poster with a photo or Memoji, as well as the font and background color.
Tomorrow is the public release for iOS 17. Which means, everybody gets to set their contact picture and poster, and it gets updated automatically to their contacts, which means I don’t have to do it manually anymore! 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/KKWxVWDFQP
— Jake Peralta (@3asy1ce) September 17, 2023
Screen Distance
Eye health is a growing concern, and iOS 17 addresses it with Screen Distance. This feature aims to reduce eye strain across all age groups and is particularly focused on decreasing the risk of myopia in children. The setup is straightforward, making it easy for anyone to use.
All these new iOS 17 features are a testament to Apple’s ongoing commitment to improving user experience. Whether it’s providing glanceable information through StandBy or preserving your voice with Personal Voice, these enhancements aim to make our digital lives more convenient and enjoyable.
NameDrop
One of the intriguing new iOS 17 features is NameDrop. This feature streamlines the process of sharing contact information by simply bringing two iPhones near each other. Users can choose which details to share and can also include their Contact Posters for a more personalized experience.
Live Voicemail
Live Voicemail is another one of the new iOS 17 features that enhances the call experience. It provides real-time transcriptions as someone is leaving you a voicemail, allowing you to pick up the call if you find it important. It adds an additional layer of convenience by auto-declining spam calls identified by carriers.
Swipe to Reply in iMessage
Swipe to Reply in iMessage is an addition to the new iOS 17 features that make text interactions more fluid. You can swipe right on any message to send an inline reply, making it easier to manage your conversations.
Interactive Widgets
Interactive Widgets rank among the most versatile new iOS 17 features. They can be placed on your Home Screen, Lock Screen, and the new StandBy view. These widgets are not just display items; they allow you to perform actions like marking reminders as complete or controlling music playback.
Preview Widgets in action!
Made possible by the new iOS 17 interactive widgets 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/ttCjyu6ZOy— Hasan Kassem (@hasankassem_) September 6, 2023
Automatically Delete 2FA Codes
Simplifying security, the ability to automatically delete 2FA codes after use is also one of the practical new iOS 17 features. This addition not only keeps your message inbox clean but also adds a layer of security.
Each of these new iOS 17 features is designed to enrich your iPhone experience in a unique way. Whether you’re looking to effortlessly share contact information or manage your home devices right from an Interactive Widget, iOS 17 has something tailored to make your digital life more secure and convenient.
Improved Autocorrect
Improved Autocorrect is among the new iOS 17 features aiming to enhance your typing experience. It boasts a sophisticated language model for word prediction and autocorrection. The updated design briefly underlines autocorrected words, allowing you to quickly revert any changes, and it learns your typing habits over time.
Link Tracking Protection
Link Tracking Protection is another noteworthy addition to the new iOS 17 features focused on privacy. This feature prevents websites and apps from tracking your online behavior without your explicit consent, complementing Apple’s already robust App Tracking Transparency feature.
Offline Apple Maps
Apple Maps Offline use is one of the most awaited new iOS 17 features. This brings Apple Maps closer to Google Maps by allowing you to download specific map areas for offline use, offering turn-by-turn navigation and place-finding capabilities even without a network connection.
Apple Maps finally received offline support pic.twitter.com/Nx7mKFp2wu
— Nick Revenko (@koodeau) September 12, 2023
Shared Passwords
The ability to share passwords securely through iCloud Keychain vaults is also one of the functional new iOS 17 features. It allows users to create shared vaults to seamlessly share passwords with anyone or any group, further simplifying password management.
The new iOS 17 features continue Apple’s tradition of balancing convenience, functionality, and security. Whether you’re keen on more accurate typing or enhanced privacy measures, iOS 17 offers a wide range of features tailored for a better user experience.
Stickers Drawer
The Stickers Drawer is an entertaining addition to the new iOS 17 features. This drawer consolidates all your stickers, including Live Stickers, emoji, Memoji, and iMessage sticker packs, into a single accessible place. Live Stickers can be created dynamically by touching and holding an object in a photo.
Siri
Making voice commands more streamlined, the phrase “Hey Siri” has been simplified to just “Siri” in the new iOS 17 features. This change is effective across multiple Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, HomePod, and the latest AirPods Pro. The best part? You can issue multiple commands back-to-back without having to repeat the activation phrase.
Both the Stickers Drawer and the shortened Siri command illustrate how iOS 17 is refining the user interface and experience. Whether you’re into customizing your chats or streamlining your voice commands, these new iOS 17 features provide improved functionality and ease of use.
Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Midjourney
