Apple released its latest operating system, iOS17, today, promising iPhone users a more personalized and intuitive experience. The update was first teased at the Worldwide Developer Conference in June, where Apple also unveiled its mixed-reality Vision Pro headset. To update to iOS17, users can go to the Settings app on their phones and click on the Software Update section. However, some users prefer to back up their photos and files before downloading new software, or they may wait for the second version if they’re concerned about bugs.
One of the most anticipated features of iOS17 is Live Voicemail, which transcribes a caller’s message in real-time, allowing users to decide whether to take the call or ignore it while the caller is still on the line. If the “Silence Unknown Callers” setting is turned on, unknown numbers will automatically go to Live Voicemail. Additionally, FaceTime now allows users to leave video messages if a call goes unanswered. The update also introduces more expressive reactions, such as hearts, balloons, and fireworks, that can be activated through gestures.
Siri has also received updates in iOS17. Users can now activate Apple’s voice assistant by saying “Siri” instead of “Hey Siri,” creating a more natural way to interact with the assistant. Siri will also be able to process back-to-back requests more efficiently, eliminating the need for repetitive commands. Another new feature, NameDrop, makes it easier to exchange contact information with others by simply bringing two iPhones close together, similar to AirDrop. Additionally, the update introduces Contact Posters, allowing users to customize their caller ID photo and create a consistent look for all outgoing calls.
The autocorrect feature has also been improved in iOS17. Apple has implemented a transformer language model, a machine learning language model for word prediction, to enhance autocorrections. The updated design offers sentence-level corrections for various grammatical mistakes and provides in-line predictive text recommendations as users type. The iOS keyboard will also learn users’ habits over time, recognizing commonly misspelled words and leaving intentionally typed words untouched.
iOS17 introduces StandBy mode, a full-screen display that shows glanceable information when the iPhone is charging on its side. Users can personalize the display with a clock, favorite photos, or frequently used widgets. Apple’s new Journal app, designed for daily reflection and gratitude practice, will also be available later this year.
Overall, iOS17 offers a range of new features to enhance the iPhone experience. Live Voicemail, NameDrop, improved autocorrect, and StandBy are just a few highlights among many others. iPhone users can update their devices today and explore all the exciting new features brought by iOS17.