10 Exciting Features Coming to Your iPhone With iOS 17 Update

Apple has revealed that the upcoming iOS 17 version will be available for eligible iPhones in the near future. The developer beta of iOS 17 is already available this month, while the public beta will be released in July. Apple has emphasized the introduction of more personalized features for iPhone users, particularly with the lock screen, which now includes an always-on-display feature for iPhone 14 and later models. Here are the top 10 significant features that have been announced for the iOS 17 version this year.

1. Add lock screen goodies

The lock screen finally got Apple’s attention, and now you can customize your profile based on who’s online and even set your own avatar as your iPhone’s lock screen image. Apple calls them Contact Posters, which also work when you get a call from someone whose photo profile you’ve set up. You can also add fonts to customize the stickers, and the best part is that you can use them for third-party messaging apps as well.

iPhone users can get a live transcript of the caller, so it’s like a normal voicemail, but now you can see the text on the lock screen. Apple claims spam calls don’t have this support, which is a relief. Apple uses a neural engine and the transcription takes place on the device and remains private.

2. FaceTime call drop message

You also have a new Video Mail for FaceTime calls. Like regular voice calls, iPhones will soon let you leave video messages on unattended FaceTime calls. You can even leave a voice note if the video isn’t your thing. You also have the option to send reactions to FaceTime calls like hearts, balloons, rain and more. It can also be used by third-party applications.

Finally, you have FaceTime calls compatible with the Apple TV 4K version. Apple says you can start a call on your TV or iPhone and then switch between the two. This way, you can make the most of your iPhone’s camera for FaceTime calls, but still watch it on the big screen.

3. Improved iMessage feature

Apple has redesigned the app to make it look sleeker. It says that the search feature has been enhanced with fancy filters. You also get a contact arrow so you know where you left off the conversation. Voice messages are now automatically transcribed so you can read them whenever you have time.

From a privacy perspective, Messages now has a new check-in feature that allows you to let family and friends know your current location. It will alert the person of your location with a pop-up window and keep you informed of their movements. Apple says that using this feature means you’re sharing your device’s location, iPhone battery level, and cellular service status with another user. Despite this, all shared data is secure behind end-to-end encryption.

4. Share your files and contacts

Now you have a version of AirDrop that allows you to seamlessly share contacts with other iPhone users. It’s called NameDrop, which lets you share contacts by grouping iPhones together as shown below. It will gradually work on your Apple Watch as well. You can use the same method to share content or even play music or watch a movie as long as both iPhones are close to each other.

5. Standby mode for iPhone docking

Google already has the Pixel feature, and now iPhone users are getting a docked pattern lock screen mode. You get all the information, including weather information, music playback and a digital photo album that keeps changing like a screensaver. Apple showed off the dock during its iPhone keynote, and we want to hear more about it, possibly when the iPhone is released.

6. Share passwords

iOS 17 offers easier ways to share passwords or keys. Sharing is done via iCloud Keychain and group members can modify or even add new passwords that are available to all group members. All sharing is done behind end-to-end encryption.

7. Now just say “Siri”

Apple has confirmed that it is giving up around the world to activate Siri on the iPhone. The company also said it will let you talk to the voice assistant without saying Siri every time.

8. AirTags are now shareable

You can share AirTags with up to 5 people, which means your friends and family can follow them. You create a group to add all these people to and allow them to track the location of the AirTag tracked item.

9. Apple takes Maps offline

Offline maps are now available in select markets on Apple Maps. You can download the information of a specific location and use it for turn-by-turn navigation, which is activated when you are outside the network area. The maps now also offer electricity-focused details and the location of chargers.

10. Audio adaptation for AirPods

Apple introduces a new AirPods feature with adaptive sound that changes according to your environment, whether it’s a noisy crowd or a quiet environment. It’s similar to the adaptive feature of other high-end TWS headphones, and now AirPods get it.