Apple just released the brand new iPhone 15 series for 2023, and there’s also a big update for all iPhones from the iPhone XR and up. This update is called iOS 17, and it became available on Monday, September 18, 2023. In this article, we’ll discuss the new features that the iOS 17 has introduced.
iOS 17 new features: what’s in store for your iPhone
Some of the highlights include contact posters, NameDrop, StandBy, Live Voicemail, FaceTime video voicemail, a fresh Siri voice recognition system, major improvements to autocorrect and dictation, and more. Think of it like getting a brand-new iPhone without having to spend any money.
AirDrop and NameDrop
Apple is making AirDrop simpler to use. Now, you just need to bring your phones close to each other to share info. You can pick the phone numbers and email addresses you want to share on an iPhone or Apple Watch, like when sharing photos. In the future, there’ll be another AirDrop update allowing you to start a transfer in person and finish it over the internet.
There’s a new feature called NameDrop that uses AirDrop to easily exchange contact info. No need for missed calls to share your number with new friends.
Contact posters
One of the good and new features of iOS 17 is Contact Posters are digital business cards for your iPhone contacts. Personalize them with your photo, Memoji, font, and color. They’ll appear when you call, in Contacts, and apps like NameDrop. To edit, open Contacts, tap your name, and hit Edit at the top.
iOS 17 new features include smarter autocorrect
Frustrated with Apple’s autocorrect? Good news! It’s getting smarter with a “transformer language mode” for better predictions, and handling more grammar errors. Plus, you’ll see predictive text like Gmail’s Smart Compose as you type, improving voice dictation accuracy too.
iMessages and FaceTime upgrades in iOS 17
iMessage apps are now neatly tucked under a little “+” icon, keeping the keyboard tidy. Just tap it to see your most-used apps and swipe up for the rest. You can also reply to messages by swiping right. You can now share your location with friends and family. FaceTime now lets you leave video or audio messages if your call isn’t answered. It’s also coming to Apple TV, and you can use your iPhone as a camera. During calls, you can add fun augmented reality reactions like confetti or hearts with hand gestures.
Stickers drawer
There’s a handy stickers drawer that puts all your stickers in one spot. This includes Live Stickers, emojis, Memojis, and iMessage sticker packs. You can even create Live Stickers by pressing and holding an object in a photo, like a cat or a dog.
A new Siri
Apple has made it easier to talk to Siri on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, HomePod, and AirPods Pro. Instead of saying “Hey Siri,” you can now just say “Siri” to get its attention. Plus, you can give multiple commands without repeating “Siri” each time.
Live voicemail
Just like Google’s Pixel phones have Call Screen, iPhones now offer a similar feature, but it’s not mainly for blocking spam calls. Instead, it focuses on voicemails. When someone leaves you a voicemail, you can watch it get transcribed on your screen as it happens. If it’s something urgent, you can decide to pick up the call right away.
Easily edit multiple photos
Now, you can edit a bunch of vacation photos all at once. Open a photo, make your edits, then tap the triple-dot icon, choose Copy Edits, and paste them on other photos. This way, your photos will have a consistent look with just a few taps.
More iOS 17 new features
iPhone on StandBy
Apple’s StandBy makes any iPhone a handy display while charging in landscape mode. It can show the time, photos, or interactive widgets. MagSafe chargers remember your preference, and for iPhone 14 Pro, it’s always on. Explore 3-in-1 chargers for this feature.
Offline maps
Apple Maps is getting a new feature that brings it closer to Google Maps: the option to download maps for offline use. This means you can save a map area and still use turn-by-turn directions, check your estimated arrival time, discover places, and more even when your iPhone isn’t connected to the internet.
Journal
Introducing a fresh app that takes Memories in Photos to the next level. It lets you relive special moments, jot down experiences with text, location, and photos, and more. Developers can also use the Suggestions API in their apps.
Ring tones and text tones
iOS 17 brings 24 new Ringtones like Dollop, Kettle, and Storytime. To change your ringtone, head to Sounds & Haptics and tap Ringtone. For new text tones like Cheers and Slide, find them in the Text Tone section of Sounds & Haptics settings.
Apple ID passkey
Apple ID passkeys, previously introduced in iOS 16, are becoming a standard feature in iOS 17. With iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma, you can use your Face ID or Touch ID on your iPhone to log into your Apple ID instead of using a password. It’s a more convenient and secure way to access your account.
Which phones are capable of running the iOS 17?
iOS 17 won’t work on the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, or the iPhone X. But don’t worry, they can still use iOS 16 and receive security updates for about a year. On the other hand, certain iPhones will be able to use iOS 17, but not all of its cool new features on all of them.
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro. iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, Phone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd gen or later)
