Cupertino, California – Apple has just announced the release of iOS 17, a major update that brings a host of exciting features to enhance the communications experience on iPhone.
This update includes significant upgrades to Phone, FaceTime, and Messages, as well as improvements to AirDrop for easier sharing and intelligent text input for faster and more accurate typing. Additionally, iOS 17 introduces two new apps, Journal and StandBy, offering users new experiences to explore.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, shared his excitement about iOS 17, stating, “With iOS 17, we’ve focused on making iPhone more personal and intuitive by enhancing the features we rely on daily. Phone, FaceTime, and Messages play a central role in our communication, and this release is packed with updates that we believe our users will love. We’ve also reimagined AirDrop, improved autocorrect, and introduced all-new experiences with Journal and StandBy.”
Let’s delve into some of the key features and updates in iOS 17:
Major Upgrades to the Phone Experience
The Phone app receives a significant overhaul with the introduction of personalized Contact Posters. Users can now express themselves by customizing their appearance for incoming calls, choosing from a range of beautiful treatments for photos or Memoji, as well as eye-catching typography and font colors. Live Voicemail adds real-time transcription capabilities, allowing users to read voicemails as they are being left and pick up the call if desired. Spam calls are instantly declined, ensuring a hassle-free experience. All transcription is handled on-device using the Neural Engine, prioritizing user privacy.
FaceTime Enhancements
FaceTime now supports audio and video messages, allowing users to share messages when their contacts are unavailable. Reactions, such as hearts, balloons, and fireworks, make FaceTime calls more expressive. These effects can be activated through simple gestures, and third-party video calling apps can also utilize them. Apple TV 4K now extends FaceTime to the big screen, enabling video calls directly from Apple TV or seamless handoff from iPhone. Center Stage ensures users stay perfectly framed even when moving around during a call.
Messages Updates
Messages receives several significant updates, including a new stickers experience with emoji stickers and the ability to create Live Stickers by extracting subjects from photos. Users can also add effects to bring these stickers to life. The keyboard now features a dedicated drawer for easy access to all stickers. Other enhancements include an expandable menu for iMessage apps, more powerful search filters, a catch-up arrow to indicate the user’s last read position, and automatic transcription of audio messages.
Easier Sharing with AirDrop and NameDrop
AirDrop introduces new sharing capabilities with the addition of NameDrop. Users can now share contact information, content, or initiate SharePlay simply by bringing their iPhones together or by pairing an iPhone with an Apple Watch. These gestures facilitate seamless sharing between devices in close proximity.
Intelligent Input with Autocorrect and Dictation
Autocorrect receives a comprehensive update with a transformer language model, utilizing on-device machine learning for word prediction, resulting in improved accuracy and user experience. Predictive text recommendations are now displayed inline as users type, making it easier to complete sentences. Dictation also benefits from a new speech recognition model, enhancing accuracy further.
StandBy: Glanceable Information While Charging
StandBy introduces a full-screen, glanceable information experience designed for when the iPhone is placed sideways and charging. Perfect for nightstands, kitchen counters, or desks, StandBy allows users to personalize their display with clock styles, favorite photos, and widgets. It supports Live Activities.
