iOS 17 Is Now Available, What Are the New Features?

New features for iOS 17 (Photo: Apple)

JAKARTA - After announcing the launch of its newest product, Apple has now officially released the iOS 17 system update for iPhone, which includes significant updates for Messages, FaceTime, keyboard, and so on.

Now, you can install iOS 17 on any iPhone from 2018 or later. If your device is eligible, you can go directly to Settings > General > About > Software Update to manually initiate the download and installation.

New Features in iOS 17

Phone App

So, in iOS 17 Apple launched the Contact Posters feature, where you can choose photos or emojis, fonts, font colors, and much more to your contacts. Later, this display will appear when the contact/person calls you.

Live Voicemail

When someone leaves a voicemail, the new Live Voicemail feature will show a real-time transcription of the message on the Lock Screen as the person speaks.

AirDrop improvements

NameDrop, a new aspect of AirDrop, allows you to exchange contact information by holding an iPhone close to another iPhone. Putting two iPhones together can start SharePlay so you can listen to music, watch movies, or play games with other people who have iPhones, and it also works for transferring content.

FaceTime

In iOS 17, FaceTime will support audio and video messages, so if you don't receive a call, someone else can leave a recorded video or audio message. FaceTime also supports various Reactions such as hearts, balloons, fireworks, laser beams and rain.

An iPhone or iPad can now link their device to an Apple TV 4K for FaceTime on TV. The iOS device acts as a camera for FaceTime calls, but the video will be displayed on the TV's larger screen.

iMessage App

• The interface for the iMessage app is simpler with access to the  camera, Photos app, location sharing, GIFs and more much easier.
• Audio messages will now be transcribed automatically.
• Apple turns all emojis into Stickers and allows you to create your own Stickers using your own photos. Stickers can be used in Messages, as Tapbacks, and more.
• The iMessage app includes enhanced search functionality with support for search filters.
• It's easier to reply to certain messages by swiping on them, instead of long pressing.

StandBy feature

StandBy is one of the most notable changes for iPhone users this year. When you place your iPhone horizontally on the charger, it will show a new custom smart display style interface with visible widgets for things like time, calendar, alarm, and more.

Others

• The new Private Browsing feature can now lock tabs behind Face ID or Touch ID

  Passwords and passkeys stored in iCloud Keychain can now be shared with friends and family

• Apple Maps adds offline map support and real-time information for electric car charging stations
• Apple's Health app now offers a mental health feature that will log your daily mood
• The Screen Distance feature will help reduce the risk of myopia for children by ensuring children do not hold their devices too close to their faces
• AirTags can now be shared with up to five people. It also works with all other Find My network accessories
• AirPlay is smarter and now uses on-device intelligence to learn more about how you interact with AirPlay-enabled devices
• The Notes app now offers links, so you can link from one Apple Note to another
• Siri can now be activated simply by saying “Siri” instead of “Hey Siri”
• AirPods offer Adaptive Audio, personalized volume, conversation awareness, and improvements to Auto Switching and call control
• Visual Look Up now works in video, along with the ability to recognize new things like food, storefronts, signs, symbols, and more
• The Reminder app can now automatically group items you add to your grocery list by category, such as fruits, vegetables, drinks, meat and more
• The Photos app can now recognize cats and dogs based on their personalities.