Apple’s iOS 17 is full of new features for iPhone users.
In the Phone app, you can now create a custom contact poster with a photo or emoji. That will be shown on the other person’s phone screen during a call.
Live Voicemail will show a transcription of the voicemail being left on your phone so you can decide whether you want to talk to the person.
You can now also leave a video message if someone doesn’t answer a FaceTime call.
Messages is also introducing a better way to search for something specific with Message filters. You can also view voice message transcriptions.
A Check In feature will allow you to automatically check in with another person to let them know that you’ve made it home safely. They can also see if something has happened when you are on the way home.
StandBy will turn an iPhone into a full-screen experience when placed on a nightstand in horizontal orientation while charging. You can see information like the time and alarm and also personalize what is shown on the screen with widgets and more. You can also see a dynamic photo slideshow.
Speaking of widgets, home screen widgets can now be interactive where you can do things like turn off lights or check off a reminder. Previously, just pressing a widget would open up the corresponding app.
To see a comprehensive list of changes, you can view this PDF from Apple.
You can download the update by going to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone.
The update is compatible with the iPhone XR and later and the second-generation iPhone SE.
iPadOS 17 offers many of the same features found in iOS 17 along with some unique additions. The highlights include Lock Screen widgets like the iPhone and a Health app.
Download iPadOS 17 by going to to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPad.
The update is compatible with the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation and later), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (6th generation and later), and iPad mini (5th generation and later).
Find all of the iPadOS additions here.
