The latest Apple operating system for the iPhone provides a welcome array of new features, as well as updates to familiar apps and tools. Some will be immediately evident in the apps you use every day, such as messages and calling, while others might require a bit of exploring.
To get the most out of your iPhone and iOS 17, learn about the notable features and capabilities accompanying the most recent update.
Contact Posters
This latest software introduces a new way to personalize the calling experience. With Contact Posters, you can display a customized image along with specified fonts and color palettes so you can decide how you appear on incoming call displays to friends, family or whomever you’re calling.
Stickers
The Stickers experience has also been improved and now offers customizable Live Stickers, meaning you can create animated cut-outs from live photos and send them in messaging. You can now find the Stickers feature in the same keyboard location as emojis.
NameDrop
iOS 17 takes the contact customization further with the NameDrop feature. Utilizing AirDrop technology to make exchanging contact information easier, NameDrop lets you place your iPhone next to another to exchange contacts automatically, including the above-mentioned Contact Posters.
Live Voicemail
Voicemail gets an update with Live Voicemail. As callers leave a message, your phone will display a live transcription of it and allow you to answer the call even as the voicemail is being delivered. FaceTime users can now leave voicemails in the form of video and audio messages.
iMessage updates
Along with new call features, several new iMessage features improve the display and general ease of use for messaging. For example, it’s now easier to catch up in ongoing group message conversations. Just tap on the arrow now located in the top right corner. Another useful addition to iMessage, iOS now lets you respond to specific messages by simply swiping them to the right.
Autocorrect
Constantly declining Autocorrect recommendations on your messages? Apple has made subtle but useful performance improvements to the Autocorrect system that will align more with your texting style. Apple is implementing enhanced software that will adapt to your texting style, so you won’t have to keep altering your texts to get around Autocorrect.
StandBy
One of the more unique features of the update, StandBy adds a new display format that effectively turns the iPhone into a smart hub display when set on its side and charging. StandBy allows users to customize their iPhone displays with useful widgets and information such as live weather and sports updates. StandBy is a tool that can provide utility while allowing users to remain focused on other tasks.
iOS 17.2
As a follow up to these iOS 17 features, Apple most recently released the supplementary iOS update 17.2, providing bug fixes and security updates, as well as Journal, a brand-new app that provides users with a phone-based journaling tool that encourages writing and reflection with prompts and an easy-to-use format.
The iOS 17 update is supported on iPhone models going back to the SE (2nd Gen) and through the newest iPhone 15 models. If you’re still holding on to that older iPhone hardware, it might be time to update your device so you can get the latest performance and personalization features. Check out the latest iPhone offerings here.
