Prior to the launch of the iPhone 15, Apple is set to roll out a significant software update for their existing devices on Monday. iOS 17 introduces several new features, such as a standby mode that transforms your device into a bedside smart display, interactive widgets for the home screen, and the capability to replicate your voice using artificial intelligence. Here’s What You Need to Know About iPhone’s Major Update.
How Do You Get The Update
Here are the steps you must follow;
Check if Your iPhone is Compatible
Apple’s practice of discontinuing support for certain iPhone models continues each year, leaving behind at least one device. This time, it carries a symbolic weight as one of the devices to lose support is the iPhone X, which was the first to do away with the once-ubiquitous home button when it was introduced in 2017.
In addition to the iPhone X, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus will also not receive iOS 17 updates. However, these older models will still receive essential security updates.
For those with newer iPhones, these changes will apply. If you’re uncertain about your device’s model, you can find the model name in your phone’s settings under “General” and “About.”
Install the Update
If you’ve enabled automatic updates, iOS 17 will be delivered to your device without any action required on your part. However, it may take a few days for the update to become available. If you’re eager to get it sooner, you can manually initiate the installation process.
To do this, navigate to the settings app, then select “General,” followed by “About,” and finally “Software Update” to check if Apple has made iOS 17 available for your device.
Now, without any more delay, let’s dive into the exciting new features…
‘Ducking’ Autocorrect
One of the most applauded features revealed when Apple initially introduced iOS 17 was an enhanced autocorrect system. The iPhone’s keyboard will now adapt to your conversational style, eliminating the “correction” of any deliberately chosen colorful language you may prefer to use.
Standby Mode
For those who keep their iPhone on their bedside table, this new feature transforms it into a home hub-like assistant. Once activated, when you place your phone on charge in landscape mode, the screen will show selected widgets such as the clock, calendar, photos, weather information, and media playback controls.
Interactive Widgets
Apple joined the widget trend on iPhones a few years after it began, and now it’s taking a page from Android by introducing interactive widgets. This means you can have miniature, limited versions of apps that you can use directly from your home screen without needing to open them fully, allowing you to perform tasks like checking off items on a reminders list, for instance.
Calls and Messages
The phone app is set to introduce customizable contact cards, which will appear when you receive a call. You can also easily share these contact cards with someone new through AirDrop by bringing your devices close together.
Voicemails are becoming more practical, with live transcriptions helping you determine whether to answer the call or not. Additionally, you’ll be able to leave voicemails in video form via FaceTime.
In the messages app, a check-in feature similar to apps like HomeSafe will be incorporated. This allows you to inform friends and family when you’re heading out and where you’re going. It can send them an alert when you reach your planned destination and display essential information like battery level and signal strength if there’s no response.
Voice Cloning and Accessibility
The voice cloning feature mentioned earlier allows you to create an on-demand version of your voice that can read aloud any text you type. This feature is particularly designed for individuals who are at risk of losing their ability to speak or those who struggle with speech. It is located within the accessibility settings, alongside other new features such as the option to customize Siri’s speaking speed.
Privacy and Security
With iOS 17, you can share passwords stored in your iCloud keychain with trusted friends and family members. In addition, the Safari web browser introduces a feature that secures your private sessions behind facial recognition for added privacy.
Apple’s messaging apps, as well as third-party apps that support it, now have the ability to alert you about sensitive photos and videos before you open them. This feature is primarily designed to prevent unwanted explicit content from reaching your device.
Photo Recognition
For those with multiple pets, the Photos app now has the ability to recognize and differentiate between different animals in your pictures.
Additionally, if someone sends you a photo of a tempting plate of food, you can tap the information button and receive an online selection of recipes for similar dishes.
Mental Health
While many people may primarily associate the Health app with tracking physical activities like runs, swims, and cycles, it now includes a feature for tracking mood and evaluating signs of anxiety and depression.
In addition to these updates for the iPhone, the iPad and Apple Watch also receive noteworthy enhancements. The iPad aligns with iOS 17 changes related to privacy and messaging. It introduces lock screen widgets and the ability to view PDFs in the Notes app. The Apple Watch introduces new watch faces and improved tracking for cycling and hiking activities.
Lastly, a reminder: The “Hey Siri” command is changing to make it even easier to accidentally activate “Siri,” so exercise caution when using it.
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