Are you prepared for another update from Apple? It seems like iOS 17, launching in September, is going to be more than just an incremental update. After using the beta version for a few weeks, here are the top 5 most impressive new features of iOS 17.
Top 5 exciting features iOS 17
These are just a few of the exciting new features coming with iOS 17. With its focus on battery life, productivity, and communication, iOS 17 is shaping up to be a major update for iPhone users.
1. Airdrop Enhanced with Name Drop
AirDrop is a great feature that makes it easy to share files and contact information between Apple devices. The new NameDrop feature is a welcome addition, and it’s sure to make sharing contact information even more convenient.
I’m particularly excited about the cool animation that plays when you use NameDrop. It’s a small touch, but it adds a bit of fun and personality to the process. And the fact that the contact information is transferred instantly is just icing on the cake.
Overall, I think the enhanced AirDrop features are a great improvement. They make it easier and more enjoyable to share files and contact information with others, and I’m sure they’ll be well-received by Apple users.
Here are some other new features that are coming to AirDrop in iOS 17:
- Continued transfer over the internet: If you’re not in close proximity to the other device, you can still transfer files over the internet.
- SharePlay integration: You can now use SharePlay to share AirDrop files with others who are watching a video or listening to music together.
- Explicit image blurring: You can now blur images before sending them over AirDrop, which can help to protect your privacy.
I’m looking forward to trying out these new features when iOS 17 is released later this year.
2. Personal Voice Siri
Personal Voice is a feature on iOS and iPadOS devices that allows users to create their own synthesized voice for Siri. This can be helpful for people who have difficulty speaking or who want to make Siri sound more like them.
To create a Personal Voice, go to Settings > Accessibility > Siri & Search > Personal Voice. Then, follow the instructions on the screen to record a set of phrases. The phone will compile these recordings into a voice that sounds like you.
Once you’ve created a Personal Voice, you can use it to interact with Siri in a more personal way. For example, you can ask Siri to read your messages, set reminders, or make calls in your own voice.
Here are some of the benefits of using Personal Voice:
- It can make interactions with Siri more personal and engaging.
- It can be helpful for people who have difficulty speaking.
- It can be used to create a more customized Siri experience.
If you’re interested in trying Personal Voice, I encourage you to give it a try. It’s a great way to make Siri more like you.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about Personal Voice:
- The Personal Voice feature is only available on iOS and iPadOS devices.
- You need to have a good quality microphone in order to create a good Personal Voice.
- The Personal Voice feature may not be available in all languages.
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3. IOS 17 new features
Apple is always adding new features and improvements to their stock apps, and iOS 17 is no exception. Some of the “little things” that I’m most excited about include:
- The new keyboard with transformer-based autocorrect is supposed to be much smarter and more accurate than the current one.
- The improved dictation feature will make it easier to dictate text without having to constantly switch between the keyboard and the microphone.
- The interactive widgets are a great way to get more information at a glance, and I’m excited to see how developers take advantage of them.
- The new messaging features, like Check-In, are a great way to stay connected with friends and family.
Overall, I think iOS 17 is a solid update that includes a number of useful new features. I’m especially excited about the keyboard and dictation improvements, and I think the interactive widgets have the potential to be really transformative.
Here are some other “little things” that I’m looking forward to in iOS 17:
- Standby mode, which will give you a glanceable view of important information when your iPhone is locked.
- The new Journal app, which will help you track your thoughts and feelings.
- The ability to share AirTags and AirPods with family members.
- The new privacy features, like the ability to remove tracking parameters from URLs.
I think iOS 17 is shaping up to be a great update, and I’m excited to see all of the new features that Apple has in store.
4. Standby Mode on iPhone
Here are some additional details:
- Standby Mode is available on all iPhones that support iOS 17.
- To activate StandBy, your iPhone needs to be locked, charging on a MagSafe or Qi-based wireless charger, or a Lightning charger.
- The StandBy screen can be customized to show your favorite widgets, photos, and clock faces.
- Siri is more interactive in StandBy Mode, and you can ask her questions, control your smart home devices, and even listen to music.
- StandBy Mode is a great way to keep your iPhone useful while it’s charging, and it’s a fun way to show off your favorite photos and widgets.
Here are some examples of what you can do in Standby Mode:
- Check the time and weather.
- See your latest notifications.
- Control your smart home devices.
- Listen to music or podcasts.
- Set timers and alarms.
- Ask Siri questions.
- View your favorite photos.
Standby Mode is a great way to make the most of your iPhone while it’s charging. It’s a simple way to stay connected, informed, and entertained.
5. IOS 17 Phone and FaceTime App
The improved Phone and FaceTime apps in iOS 17 are a great reminder that our iPhones are still phones, even though they’re capable of so much more. The contact posters are a really nice touch, and they make it easy to see who’s calling you at a glance. The live transcription of voicemails is also a very helpful feature, especially if you’re in a noisy environment or if you have difficulty hearing. And of course, the ability to send video messages in FaceTime is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family who are far away.
Here are some of the specific improvements to the Phone and FaceTime apps in iOS 17:
- Contact posters: These are personalized images that appear next to your contacts in the Phone app. They can be photos that you’ve taken yourself, or they can be generated by Apple based on your contacts’ social media profiles.
- Live voicemail transcription: This feature transcribes voicemails as they’re being recorded, so you can read what’s being said without having to listen to the voicemail.
- Video messages in FaceTime: This feature lets you send short video messages to your contacts in FaceTime. They’re a great way to share a quick hello or to let someone know what you’re up to.
I think these are all great improvements that make the Phone and FaceTime apps more useful and more enjoyable to use. I’m definitely looking forward to trying them out.
In conclusion
iOS 17 looks like a major update with a lot of new features that will make iPhone users’ lives easier and more enjoyable. However, it’s important to note that many of these features require another iPhone to be used. For example, the new Live Voicemail feature only works if the person you’re calling also has iOS 17. Similarly, the new collaborative playlists feature for Apple Music only works if you and your collaborators are all using Apple Music.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it helps to keep Apple’s ecosystem tightly integrated. However, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering upgrading to iOS 17. If you don’t have any other iPhone users in your life, you may not get as much out of the update as someone who does.
Overall, iOS 17 looks like a great update that will make iPhones even more powerful and versatile. However, it’s important to be aware of the limitations of the update before you upgrade. If you have other iPhone users in your life, you’re likely to get a lot out of iOS 17. But if you don’t, you may want to wait until the next update to see if Apple adds more features that don’t require another iPhone.
