CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, June 6 – Apple has announced iOS 17, a major update that aims to make the iPhone more personal and intuitive. The release brings significant upgrades to communication apps, introduces easier sharing with AirDrop, enhances text input with improved autocorrect, and introduces two new experiences: Journal and StandBy.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, expressed excitement about the update, stating, “With iOS 17, we’ve made iPhone more personal and intuitive by deeply considering the features we all rely on every day. We can’t wait for everyone to try it.” One of the notable updates is found in the Phone app, which now offers personalized Contact Posters. Users can customize their appearance, choosing captivating typography, font colors, and beautiful treatments for photos or Memoji. Additionally, live voicemail provides real-time transcription and the option to answer calls while the caller is leaving a message, utilizing the Neural Engine for on-device transcription.
FaceTime receives audio and video messages, as well as expressive Reactions to add more fun and interactivity to calls. The update also extends FaceTime to Apple TV, allowing users to initiate video calls directly from the device or transfer ongoing calls to the TV screen. Center Stage ensures users remain perfectly framed, even when they move around the room. Messages gets a significant overhaul with new emoji stickers, Live Stickers that come to life, and an improved sticker experience.
The introduction of an expandable menu, enhanced search capabilities, and intuitive catch-up arrows streamline conversations. Messages also introduces Check In, a feature that allows users to notify friends and family when they have reached their destination safely. AirDrop receives new sharing options, including NameDrop, which enables effortless contact sharing and content sharing between iPhones and Apple Watches. Autocorrect benefits from a comprehensive update, utilizing an on-device machine learning language model to enhance typing accuracy and provide predictive text recommendations.
iOS 17 introduces StandBy, which displays glanceable information on the iPhone screen when it is charging and placed on its side. StandBy offers various clock styles, favorite photos, widgets, and Live Activities, making it useful for nightstands, kitchen counters, and desks. Furthermore, Apple unveils Journal, a new app designed to help users practice gratitude through journaling. With personalized suggestions and on-device machine learning, Journal inspires users to reflect and capture their experiences.
The app prioritizes privacy, utilizing on-device processing and end-to-end encryption to ensure the security of journal entries. iOS 17 also brings numerous additional features, including enhanced privacy protection for Private Browsing in Safari, improved password sharing, new mental health features in the Health app, offline maps in Maps, expanded sharing capabilities for AirTag, collaborative playlists in Apple Music, and advancements in AirPods, Home app, Reminders, Photos, Siri, and accessibility features.
Apple’s iOS 17 introduces a range of new features and enhancements that elevate the iPhone experience, emphasizing personalization, communication, and user satisfaction. The update is set to revolutionize the way users interact with their devices and further solidify Apple’s position as a leader in the mobile industry.
