Apple iOS 17 has been available for download since September 18th. These models receive the update, these innovations are included and you must take this into account before installing.
The rumor phase is over. In addition to the new iPhone 15, Apple also presented iOS 17 in Cupertino and presented the upcoming functions and features. The major update has been distributed to all compatible devices since September 18th.
But before you update your iPhone, there are a few things you should know. iOS 17 is a major update; as a rule, 3 gigabytes or even more of data have to be downloaded from the network. The exact size varies depending on the device.
Therefore, a stable internet connection and a full battery are mandatory before downloading! Alternatively, you can of course also hang your iPhone on the socket.
What new features does iOS 17 offer?
With iOS 17, Apple primarily uses some of the basic functions of the iPhone. Among other things, the phone and messaging apps receive new features, and there is now an Apple Watch-like display feature when the iPhone is charging. Below we will show you an overview of the most exciting new features of iOS 17.
Posters “Posters” in iOS 17. (Source: Apple)
Apple has given the phone app several new functions. “Posters” is a new display screen that appears when you call your contacts. You can design your personal poster within the Contacts app, with a full-size photo or Memoji as well as your name.
Live voicemail and facetime recordings
iOS 17 introduces Live Voicemail. If you get a call and can’t or don’t want to answer, the live voicemail starts. Callers can then leave a message that will be transcribed on your display in real time. Meanwhile you can accept the call – or not.
FaceTime also lets you leave messages if a contact is currently unavailable. You can now simply record a video and leave it via FaceTime.
NameDrop “NameDrop” lets you easily share your own phone number. (Source: Apple)
You can use the new “NameDrop” function to share your own phone number more easily with others. All you have to do is bring your iPhone close to another iPhone. The feature also works with the Apple Watch. All you have to do is hold your phone up to the smartwatch.
Autocorrect and dictation function
Autocorrection and dictation receive comprehensive updates to work even more precisely. Apple is using its new processor, which is able to learn from your input and adapt to your writing style. In addition, not only spelling errors but also grammatical errors should be corrected.
More features for the news app
There is now a new button within your message chat called “Catch-up”. For example, you can use this to jump to the beginning of your unread messages in a group chat. As is already known from WhatsApp, you can also swipe each individual message to the side to reply to it. The search function has also been improved. You can now set filters to find messages, photos, etc. more quickly.
“Check In” tells your contacts whether you have arrived home safely. (Source: Apple)
Voice messages shared via iMessage are now automatically transcribed. Additionally, you can track shared locations directly in the Messages app. Another function is “Accompaniment”, a new security feature. You can use this if you are on the way home alone. Through companionship, your contacts can keep track of where you are and whether you arrived home safely.
Apple is also integrating new sticker functions and a new design for the apps within the Messages app. You can now create stickers and animated stickers from live photos directly from this, change their size and send them within the message app or attach them to messages or photos.
Visual lookup
With the help of machine learning, Apple has improved visual lookup in iOS 17. For example, you can now find recipes by tapping on a dish in a photo. Furthermore, the software can identify people, animals, plants, sights and many other things,
journal “Journal” – a personal diary with memories. (Source: Apple)
With “Journal” the iPhone gets a new app that comes from the memories of the Photos app. Journal creates retrospectives for you, but is not limited to photos. The application also takes into account which music or podcasts you have listened to and also lets you write a few personal lines about it. The new app is expected to be released later in the year – presumably via an iOS update.
(Hey) Siri
There are also changes to Siri. With iOS 17, commands can be easily initiated via “Siri” without having to say “Hey” first. In addition, the voice assistant should understand related commands without you having to say “Siri” every time.
Standby “Standby” is similar to the Apple Watch loading screen. (Source: Apple)
The new “Standby” feature gives your iPhone a new look when it is charging. During this time you can put the time or various widgets such as calendar or weather on the screen. There is also a night mode in which the screen content is colored red. The iPhone 14 Pro also supports the always-on display.
Share AirTag
AirTags can now be shared with up to five other people. For example, the trackers can also be found by family members. We explain how to share an AirTag with other users in our instructions for sharing AirTags.
Shared Password Groups
Sharing passwords is much easier with the new iPhone operating system iOS 17: Instead of sharing individual login information, you can now create groups and thus share as many passwords as you want with selected contacts. For example, members of a household can see the passwords for all streaming accounts from Netflix to Disney+ in one go, without having to share the login details individually or read them from a piece of paper on the fridge. In our instructions you can easily find out how the feature works.
Spotlight Spotlight is receiving an update with iOS 17. (Source: Apple)
Spotlight search has also been improved and can now provide more detailed results. For example, you can now search directly for app content. This includes, for example, photo albums or notes.
Privacy and security
Communications security now comes with protection for sensitive videos and photos. And that doesn’t just apply to messages, but also content sent and received with AirDrop, system-wide photo selection, FaceTime messages, contact posters in the phone app, and third-party apps. If you receive sensitive content, you will be warned in advance if the function is active.
cards iOS 17 Maps (Source: Apple)
With Apple maps it is now possible to save map areas and continue to use them offline. This can be particularly useful in areas with poor reception. Furthermore, the display of charging stations along planned routes has been improved.
AirPlay
AirPlay can be connected with the help of QR codes in a later update. For example, you should be able to easily connect to smart TVs in hotels. Furthermore, the on-device intelligence learns your AirPlay preferences over time.
A notice: Even though the majority of the functions will be available when the software is released, there are still some features that will not be released until later. These are the Journal app, the improvements to AirDrop, the automatic filling of PDFs and the innovations for Apple Music.
These iPhones will receive iOS 17
Every year a few models are removed from the update list, including this year. However, subsequent iPhone models will receive the iOS 17 update.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone SE (2022)
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone SE (2020)
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
These iPhones will not receive iOS 17
With the update to iOS 17, some iPhone models will no longer be supported. This year the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X are affected.
Don’t miss anything with this NETWORK WORLDNewsletter
Every Friday: The most informative and entertaining summary from the world of technology!