Apple debuted the iOS 17 at the WWDC 2023 keynote on Monday, and comes with major software updates. There are major upgrades to FaceTime, Phone, and Messages, and a new way to share with AirDrop called NameDrop. There are also new experiences to the Journal app and a new StandBy mode that provides a new view when the iPhone charges.
Starting with the Phone app, it receives a major update on iOS 17 with personalised Contact Posters. iPhone users can customize how they appear on other people’s iPhone screens when their call comes in. Photos, Memojis, typography and font colours can be applied to Contact Posters. Apple said third-party calling apps will also be able to use this feature. Voicemail also gets a real-time transcription; call recipients can pick up calls while the caller is leaving the voicemail.
Major updates come to Facetime. Recorded audio and video messages can now be sent to be read later. More reactions like hearts, balloons, fireworks, fireworks, laser beams, rain, and more are now available during FaceTime calls. The effects can be activated through gestures and are also available to third-party calling apps. Apple TV 4K can now use FaceTime as part of the updates.
In Messages, new emoji stickers are available. Search gets improved in messages with additional filters, and audio messages are transcribed automatically when shared. A new Check-In feature lets users notify friends and family when they arrive at a destination safely.
A new way to share with AirDrop, NameDrop lets users share contact easily by bringing their iPhones together. This feature also works with SharePlay. Dictation and Autocorrect are now more accurate thanks to Apple’s on-device machine learning language model.
Lastly, iOS 17 brings a new StandBy mode that gives the iPhone screen glanceable information. On StandBy, Apple said: StandBy is perfect on a nightstand, kitchen counter, or desk, and can be personalized to display a range of beautiful clock styles, favourite photos, or widgets, including Smart Stacks, which surface the right widgets at the right time.
iOS 17 is available to beta testers in the Developer Program. The public beta will be available in July, while the software update will be available this fall to iPhone Xs and later.
Image: Apple
