iOS 17 marks the latest addition to Apple’s suite of iOS operating systems made specifically for iPhone users. The beta version was recently unveiled in June with a general release slated for September together with a brand-new set of iPhones. The perk? It comes packed with exciting features for iPhones, FaceTime, and Messages. In addition, all apps are better optimized, and a brand-new journaling app debuts soon.
Imaginatively designed for excellent communication, the Phone app is a complete overhaul. Now introducing personalized Contact Posters – eye-catching images that appear whenever you make a call – take your pick from a broad range of photos, or express your mood through Memojis. The options are almost endless, from font to color selection, providing a truly unique calling experience that has never been seen before. Contact Posters are now accessible for first-party and third-party apps alike.
With Live Voicemail, you no longer have to listen to a message with a pen and paper, frantically jotting down notes. In real-time, voicemail transcriptions appear on your Lock Screen. Instantly decide whether to pick up the phone or not based on an active transcription of your caller’s message. Calls flagged as spam will be instantly declined, streamlining your workflow.
NameDrop is a fresh AirDrop feature that simplifies the exchange of contact information between iPhones. Want to watch a movie or start a game with someone who has an iPhone? Just bring two iPhones together to initiate SharePlay! Facilitating content and file transfers between devices has never been easier. You can even use Apple Watch to join in on the fun!
FaceTime now offers a broad range of Reactions to make your conversations even more enjoyable. Choose from hearts, balloons, fireworks, laser beams, and rain to add excitement and comradery to your calls. Plus, record and leave video or audio messages for loved ones when you can’t pick up. Not only will you be more productive, but your conversations will be delightful too.
Apple TV 4K now has the feature of linking with an iPhone or iPad for an immersive FaceTime experience right on your TV. With Continuity Camera, your iOS device serves as the camera while the larger TV screen displays the video for seamless calls. Not only this, but this feature supports Center Stage framing, Handoff, and all the FaceTime features.Â
Moreover, the Messages app has a sleeker layout providing easy access to apps, photos, and camera, all within a single “+” button located next to the compose bar. Simply tap the button to instantly access the Camera, Photos, Apple Cash, Audio Messages, Messages apps, and an updated Stickers experience for sharing your emotions with your loved ones.
The Messages app has revamped the humble emoji, elevating them into the pantheon of stickers. They’re now an even more integral part of your conversations, adding extra flavor to your messages and images. With the new Remove Subject from Background feature, you can undertake some smart alchemy on your photos, turning them into unique stickers. Live photos become a mesmerizing animated sticker that dance and groove in the messages app. Stickers have special effects and colors, and they can be employed throughout iOS whenever an emoji is appropriate.
Meanwhile, search filters in Messages have been souped up to deliver even more granular search results. You can kick off your search with broad keywords, and fine-tune it with additional search terms. The catch-up arrow is just the tonic if you struggle to keep pace in group chats; it’ll point out exactly where you left off so you don’t miss a beat. You can also reply directly by swiping on a text bubble, and auto-transcription makes for effortless communication. Plus, one-time verification codes can be effortlessly purged thanks to Messages.
The location sharing feature of Messages isn’t just about convenience but also about saving lives. It provides real-time updates for friends and family members to view your whereabouts and track your journey. But that’s not all, because Check-In, an added safety feature, grants emergency access to your iPhone location, battery level, and cellular status. Plus, no more awkward moments as the new nudity warning sensor blocks unsolicited nude photos.
Switching gears, Apple’s autocorrect system deserves a standing ovation. The recent machine learning model predicts what you’re saying and offers inline sentence predictions to compose text with ease. And, getting back on track has never been easier with its one-tap typo correction feature. Also, keep an eye out for the increasingly accurate dictation feature thanks to its unbeatable speech recognition model.
When your iPhone is not in use, prop it up on a horizontal charger to slip into StandBy mode. With a quick glance, see a full-screen interface displaying various types of helpful information. The mode is best utilized with an always-on display, but can also be activated with a single tap. Similar to Nightstand mode on the Apple Watch, it offers diverse clock styles, mesmerizing photos, calendars, weather, Live Activities view, and customizable widgets courtesy of Smart Stack. Keep your phone primed and enjoy a stylish and informative standby display.
The Home Screen is now packed with widgets that are interactive and intuitive–you can control music playback, switch lights off/on, add reminders, and so much more! But that’s not all: Spotlight Search is introduced with a bang of dynamism and allows you to tweak device settings without opening an app!Â
The Health app is another game-changer that’s now got a mood tracking feature built right in! You can record your day-to-day emotions and learn from the past–with the app offering options for recording your emotions, and personalized insights into what’s causing the ups and downs. And to top this all off, Apple is bringing in-deep assessments for depression and anxiety, designed for clinics, right to your device.
The TrueDepth camera is an exceptional addition that makes iOS devices stand out. With its Screen Distance measuring tool included in Screen Time, users (both adults and kids alike!) can efficiently manage their screen time and maintain optimal device distance.Â
Anticipated for release in iOS 17, the all-new Journal app will revolutionize the way you catalogue your daily life. Harnessing the power of on-device machine learning, it suggests topics based on your daily experiences and activities. Whether it’s an adventure, workout, socializing or a beautiful photo you took, there’s always something new to explore. To ensure complete privacy and security, the Journal app comes with passcode protection and encryption. Get excited, as your journaling journey is about to get more captivating than ever before!
Safari’s private browsing feature now offers an added layer of security with Face ID, keeping your search habits safe from trackers as you navigate different sites. Moreover, custom Profiles let you compartmentalize browsing experiences based on work and personal usage, complete with unique histories, Tab Groups, extensions, and cookies.Â
But wait, there’s more! You’ll be thrilled to know that the Photos app can now identify your four-legged friends and even suss out useful info, like recipes, by identifying specific foods in pictures or videos. Speaking of videos, how about an updated Visual Lookup feature that identifies logos, places, and even storefronts in paused video clips?
Now, managing passwords is more convenient and safe than ever, thanks to Family Sharing in the Passwords app. Everyone in your group can add or edit relevant passwords, which get seamlessly synced via iCloud Keychain. If you’re someone who shares passwords for streaming services or other accounts, you’ll never look back.
Apple Music takes the idea of sharing music to the next level by supporting Collaborative Playlists that allow users to invite friends to listen along. With SharePlay, CarPlay passengers can add their favorite tunes, even without an Apple Music subscription. And with crossfade, there’s never a pause between tracks, ensuring uninterrupted listening pleasure.
Apple Maps leapfrogs into the future allowing users to download offline maps for select regions, thus arming you with everything you need to make the most of your journey. With turn-by-turn navigation, estimated time of arrival, and location information available even without signal, you’ll reach your destination with ease. Apple Maps has also been updated providing more information on trails in parks in the US. The real-time charging availability information for electric vehicles is an added bonus.
AirTags, a revolutionary item-finding device, now features the power to share the wealth. Anyone living with you can track an item with an AirTag, thanks to the Find My app. Using Precision Finding, play sounds, and see the item’s exact location. Also, it works seamlessly with Find My network accessories!
AirPlay’s new update is nothing short of genius! The ability to learn your device sharing preferences and select hotels soon supporting AirPlay on TVs around the globe is quite exciting. But wait, there’s more! Signing into an iPhone using your Apple ID has never been easier – use a nearby device, email address, or phone number, and you’re good to go.
And that’s just the beginning! AirPods’ updated version, AirPods Pro 2, is loaded with game-changing features. Experience Adaptive Audio, which pairs Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode to keep you alert to your surroundings while still blocking out disturbing ambient noise. But there’s more. Conversation Awareness automatically reduces volume when you’re engaged with someone, ensuring you don’t miss a word. And the ultimate feature is Personalized Volume. It’s designed to adjust sound output to perfectly match your ears, creating an audio experience unique to you. Plus, thanks to its improved Automatic Switching, switching between devices is now lightning-fast, and muting and unmuting sound is incredibly easy – just a simple touch on the AirPod stem. These AirPods are truly a game-changer!
Experience the ultimate smart home with the latest Home app update! It’s packed with new features that’ll blow your mind! Discover an extended 30-day activity history, covering everything from door locks to contact and alarm systems. You’ll also love the seamless integration with Matter-based smart locks, enabling you to unlock doors with a simple tap. Get ready to be amazed!
But wait, there’s more! The Reminders app has become a powerful organizational tool featuring a built-in grocery list that sorts items into intuitive groups. Meanwhile, the Notes app offers innovative features like interlinked notes and deeper PDF support, empowering you to capture your thoughts and ideas like never before.
And speaking of ease-of-use, you can now activate Siri by simply saying “Siri” — no need for a formal “Hey Siri” anymore. What’s more, Siri can execute multiple commands in a row without being prompted, streamlining your mobile experience.
Apple News subscribers have even more to enjoy, with daily crossword puzzles and the ability to listen to news stories in the Podcasts app. Those seeking holistic wellness will love the Fitness app’s social sharing features and customizable workout and meditation schedules.
Last but certainly not least, the Freeform app has been updated with amazing new drawing tools, including a watercolor brush, ruler, and highlighter, so you can express your creativity freely.
Witness the groundbreaking technology behind Personal Voice, the ultimate solution for users who may lose their voice. Now, any user can create a voice that mimics their own unique sound. Even better, the Live Speech accessibility feature allows for the spoken word to come alive, whether in-person, over the phone, or on FaceTime. For individuals with low vision or blindness, the innovative Point and Speak technology reads text on physical objects, making the impossible possible.
How to Install iOS 17 Beta?
Currently, iOS 17 is exclusively available for download to developers, however, Apple recently made an exciting breakthrough by allowing free access to developer betas! All an aspiring developer needs is an Apple ID to avail the perk.
How to download and install iOS 17 Developer Beta on your iPhone without any cost.
Don’t jump right into it though! While we can provide you with instructions on getting developer beta access, it is not advisable to install on your primary device. These betas are prone to instability and glitches, with some apps even malfunctioning for months!
Compatibility
With its release, iOS 17 welcomes all newer iPhones, starting with the iPhone XR and iPhone XS models, into its compatible fold. On the flip side, iOS 17 marks the end of iOS 16 support for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X – only newer models can upgrade to the new OS.
iOS 17 Launch Date
Apple has kicked off its private beta testing for its newest iOS, iOS 17, which will last for several months. Developers already have access to the beta, while eager enthusiasts have to wait until July to get their hands on the public beta release. The big event will finally happen in September, and we can’t wait to see what iOS 17 has in store for us as it reaches the market alongside the new iPhone models. Exciting times are ahead!
