iOS 17: Learn what’s new in iPhone features

CNN
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iPhone users: Today is the day to update to Apple’s latest operating system, iOS17, unlocking a slew of new features that promise to make the iPhone experience more personal and intuitive.

Apple first teased iOS17 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in early June, but you may have missed some details as the tech giant also unveiled the long-awaited mixed reality. Vision Pro headset on the same day.

iPhone users can update to iOS17 starting Monday by tapping on the Software Update section in the phone’s Settings app. Of course, many users have become accustomed to backing up important photos or files before downloading the latest software update – or waiting until the second version is rolled out (most likely in the coming weeks) if they fear anything going wrong with the first version of the next-generation mobile operating system. the next.

Here are some of the most interesting and long-awaited new features that iPhone users can expect from iOS17.

Live voicemail and FaceTime video messages are available here

One of the most interesting new features, dubbed Live Voicemail, will transcribe the caller’s message in real time, giving iPhone users the decision whether to ignore or answer the call while the other person is still on the line and leaves their message.

Unknown numbers will go directly to live voicemail when the Silence Unknown Callers setting is turned on.

Furthermore, FaceTime will now also provide users with the ability to leave video messages if someone does not answer a video call.

With iOS17, Facetime calls will also become more expressive – with reactions like hearts, balloons, fireworks and more effects that can be activated with simple gestures.

Another update that may take some getting used to is just saying “Siri” to activate Apple’s voice assistant, instead of “Hey Siri.”

Removing the word “Hey” from Siri’s launch phrase is intended to create a more natural way to activate the assistant. Moreover, Siri will also be able to handle successive requests better once it is activated.

For example, instead of asking: “Hey Siri, how tall is Shaquille O’Neal?” and “Hey Siri, how old is Shaquille O’Neal?” You should be able to say, “Siri, how tall is Shaquille O’Neal?” Followed by: “How old is he?”

The new NameDrop feature in iOS17 makes it easier than ever to exchange contact information with a new friend. iPhone users can simply bring their iPhones closer together, as they would when dropping something via AirDropping, to share names and contact stickers.

The Contact Poster update is another new feature that has piqued the interest of iPhone users. This allows iPhone users to design a custom picture that appears when making calls. Apple said the update allows users to choose their own caller ID picture and will give iPhone users a more consistent look no matter who they call.

iPhone users will also be able to customize their calling card “sticker” with an image or emoji of their choice.

Autocorrect is also getting a comprehensive update, with a Transformer language model — or “a sophisticated on-device machine learning language model for word prediction,” Apple said. According to the company.

This updated design supports typing better and offers automatic sentence-level corrections that can fix more types of grammatical errors. iPhone users will now also receive built-in predictive text recommendations as they type, making it easy to add whole words or complete sentences by simply tapping the space bar.

The new iOS keyboard will also learn your habits over time, such as fixing words you frequently mistype and leaving out words you intentionally misspell. As Craig Federighi, Apple’s head of software, said, Put it in June: “For those moments when you just want to type a hidden word, well, your keyboard will learn it, too.”

New standby mode, Journal app, and more

iOS17 also introduces StandBy, a new full-screen experience with quick information designed to be viewed from a distance when the iPhone is on its side while charging. For example, when you’re charging your iPhone on a nightstand or desk, you can customize the screen to show the clock, favorite photos, or frequently used tools.

Apple’s new Journal app, which aims to help users express and practice gratitude through the daily practice of journaling, will also be available in a software update later this year.

And there’s a lot more: Check out Apple’s ease of use 17 page manual Get all the latest features coming to iOS17.