Apple unveiled iOS 17 at WWDC 2023, introducing significant improvements and new features like Contacts Poster, NameDrop, and StandBy. From exciting additions to helpful tools, this update enhances the user experience. After extensive use, we’ve compiled the standout features of iOS 17 for you to explore. Let’s delve into the list!
Key iOS 17 Features
1. NameDrop
To me, the standout feature of iOS 17 is undoubtedly NameDrop. This innovative addition to AirDrop streamlines the sharing of contact information with individuals you encounter at events like conferences or parties. Simply bringing two iPhones close together facilitates the swift exchange of numbers, email addresses, and even images. Gone are the days of laboriously inputting details manually. The seamless speed and visually appealing interface immediately captivated us. Using NameDrop on an iPhone is not only effortless but also enjoyable. Give it a try without delay!
The iOS 17 NameDrop feature works between iPhone and Apple Watch. Two users can bring their iPhones closer to share content or start SharePlay for joint activities. If you move out of range during an AirDrop exchange, iOS 17 will utilize the internet to finish the transfer.
Contact Posters
iOS 17 introduces Contacts Poster, allowing you to enhance contact cards with emojis or images for personalized expression. These posters display fullscreen on recipients’ iPhones during calls, adopting the design aesthetics of iOS 16 Lock Screen for customization with colors, fonts, and more. Compatibility extends to third-party VoIP apps.
Generate Contact Posters for both yourself and saved contacts with ease using iOS 17.
3. StandBy Mode
Next on our iOS 17 features list is Standby, a mode for charging that transforms your iPhone into a smart display. You receive a full-screen experience with essential information like date & time, incoming calls, and notifications. Essentially, it enhances iPhone functionality while charging and idle.
You can personalize iOS 17 StandBy to display your favorite photos, widgets, Live Activities, Smart Stack, and more. This allows you to check match scores, get weather updates, and much more even from a distance. Standby is ideal for your nightstand, kitchen counter, or desk.
4. Revamped Messages App
iOS 17 brings various updates to the Messages app, enhancing its functionality and user experience. The app now boasts a sleeker interface, featuring an expandable menu for easy access to iMessage apps. Users can effortlessly rearrange or delete these apps to suit their preferences, ensuring better organization.
One notable addition is the Search Filters feature, streamlining the process of finding specific content within conversations. By simply typing the contact name followed by the desired query, users can quickly locate relevant information.
Another noteworthy feature introduced in iOS 17 is Catch Up, which highlights the latest unread messages within individual conversations. Upon opening a conversation with unread messages, users will notice a new arrow indicating the position of the last unread message.
5. Live Stickers
If you use iMessage, you’ll adore this new iOS 17 feature. The stickers feature in the Messages app undergoes an incredible overhaul with Live Stickers. Any emoji or photo cutout can become stickers, adding fun to your conversations. But wait, there’s more. Transform Live Photos into stickers and customize them with cool effects. It’s time to replace standard stickers with personalized live ones on your iPhone.
6. iMessage Check-In
Exploring iOS 17 reveals a plethora of must-try features. Among them is Check-In, an iMessage addition by Apple, facilitating real-time location and status sharing with family and friends. This feature automatically notifies your family upon your safe arrival at your destination, alleviating stress. Moreover, it provides updates on your cellular service status and phone battery level, ensuring your loved ones are informed, especially during early morning or late-night travels.
7. Live VoiceMail
iOS 17 introduces Live Voicemail, displaying real-time transcriptions of voicemail messages. Translations occur on-device and are end-to-end encrypted for privacy. This feature proves valuable during important meetings, allowing you to screen calls based on voicemail content. Spam calls flagged by your network carrier are automatically rejected, not displayed as Live Voicemail.
8. FaceTime Audio and Video Messages
Previously, missed FaceTime calls only displayed a notification. iOS 17 introduces a new feature: the ability to record and leave custom audio or video messages if calls go unanswered. This feature proves useful for preserving precious moments.
Furthermore, FaceTime calls become more expressive with added reactions like hearts, balloons, and fireworks. Notably, iOS 17 brings compatibility with Apple 4K TV, allowing FaceTime calls to be initiated directly from the television screen.
9. Improved Siri Speed
iOS 17 simplifies and speeds up Siri. iOS 17 eliminates “Hey” from “Hey Siri”, making Apple’s virtual assistant faster. Now, you can activate Siri by saying “Siri” instead of “Hey Siri”. Activating Siri in iOS 17 is faster than in previous versions. Additionally, Siri in iOS 17 recognizes back-to-back commands.
10. Shared AirTags
Shared AirTags are finally here with iOS 17. You can now share AirTag locations with family and friends (up to 5 people). Attach an AirTag to your keys and share its location with family members, who can then track it in the Find My app. You have the option to revoke access at any time.
11. Screen Distance
Screen Distance, a novel health feature in iOS 17, utilizes the TrueDepth camera system, also known as Face ID, to gauge the distance between your eyes and the iPhone screen. When proximity is excessive, it prompts you to maintain a safe distance. Tailored for individuals who habitually hold their iPhones close, this iOS 17 functionality offers guidance on activation and usage.
12. Auto-delete 2FA Codes
Discover a convenient iOS 17 feature that automates the removal of 2FA codes and OTPs. After autofilling a code in a website/app, iOS 17 swiftly deletes it from Messages and Mail. Users plagued by cluttered Messages filled with OTPs will welcome this iOS 17 addition. Eager to test this feature? Follow this brief guide to automate OTP deletion on your iPhone.
13. Personal Voice
Over the years, Apple consistently introduced accessibility features for people with cognitive and speech disabilities. Now, iOS 17 brings another useful feature geared towards those experiencing early voice impairments. Personal Voice lets you train and use your voice to communicate with friends and family. Instead of a generic robotic voice, your iPhone will read sentences in your “personal” voice. Undoubtedly, this is an impressive iOS 17 feature enabling users to bank their voice in case of future loss.
14. Ping your Apple Watch with iPhone
In iOS 17, you can now ping your Apple Watch from your iPhone without using the Find My app. The latest update introduces a “Ping My Watch” option in the iPhone’s Control Center, enabling your Apple Watch to emit an audible tone, aiding in quickly locating it if misplaced nearby.
15. Auto-correct and Inline Predictions
iOS 17 brings enhancements to the keyboard, including improved Autocorrect powered by a machine-learning language model for better accuracy and user experience. Additionally, there’s a shortcut to revert to the original word.
In iOS 17, your iPhone now supports setting multiple timers simultaneously, a feature long-awaited by users. With the ability to label each timer, you can easily differentiate between them. These timers are conveniently displayed on the Lock Screen, and on iPhone 14 Pro models, the last timer is showcased in the Dynamic Island.
Another enhancement in iOS 17 is the introduction of interactive widgets.
If you’re into iPhone widgets, the new Interactive Widgets in iOS 17 will top your favorites. You can directly interact with them, like playing music or turning off lights, without opening the associated app. How convenient!
18. New Journal App
Coming soon to iOS 17 is a new iPhone app called Journal, designed to help users practice gratitude and appreciate life’s little moments. It utilizes on-device learning to suggest moments for journal entries automatically.
Personalized suggestions based on recent activity, photos, workouts, places, and more are provided. The app can be locked for privacy. Journal ensures privacy with on-device processing and end-to-end encryption, preventing access even by Apple. However, the Journal app is currently unavailable.
iOS 17 Release Date: Anticipating New Features
iOS 17 Supported Devices
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone SE (2020 & 2022)
Which iOS 17 feature caught your attention the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
