On June 5, during the keynote address at the 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple revealed the exciting new features that will debut in iOS 17 this fall. Along with the launching of the iPhone 15, iOS 17 will bring a number of improvements to the user interface and new features to make your devices even more potent.
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Presenting iOS 17
The release of iOS 17 to all iPhones globally is planned for the fall, most likely in mid-September, although it was officially unveiled and made official at WWDC 2023. Apple has a history of delivering updated versions of iOS in September. Nevertheless, programmers can use the software to start creating new applications and features that will benefit from the update. This time, Apple is offering access to the developer beta without the requirement of a paid developer membership, making it available to free developer accounts. This is likely the most significant change. Due to this change, more users can test out iOS 17 beta.
Public and developer beta versions are the two choices available to people wishing to participate and test the beta versions prior to the official release. Registration as an Apple software developer is necessary in order to access developer betas. This can be done by downloading the Apple Developer App. Users must confirm their smartphone is running iOS 16.5 or later and log in using their Apple ID. To minimize the risk of the update “breaking” your phone, it is best to wait until the public beta release because it is typically more stable, appropriate for regular users, and suited for all users. With an Apple ID and on any device, you may sign up for the public beta program. Probably later in July, the public beta will be released.
This year’s iOS release is quite tolerant in terms of compatibility. Neither the iPhone 8 nor the iPhone X will be supported by the release. Although they are capable of running iOS 16, the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X will not get iOS 17. However, security patches for these gadgets must last at least another 12 months. One of the devices to receive the update is the iPhone 11, along with the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Small, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max. In addition, the iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and iPhone SE (2nd generation or later) are also eligible. It’s important to keep in mind that earlier iPhone models might not be able to handle the entire range of new features due to hardware restrictions, though we won’t know for sure until developers test the new update.
Full of New Features
It’s impossible to deny that this year’s iOS update is smaller than usual, and possibly among the least notable ones in recent memory. The business has put a lot of effort into developing the world’s most sophisticated smartphone operating system over the past ten years, so incremental releases these days are more concerned with improvements and adjustments than game-changing new features.
Journal App
However, there is still much to discuss, such as the brand-new Journal app, which expands on the Memories feature in photographs and enables users to revisit and record memorable occasions with text, location, and photographs. For developers to include into their own programs, a Suggestions API will also be made accessible. When the iPhone is placed in landscape mode on a stand, another new feature called StandBy that draws influence from the Apple Watch provides a clock and different clock styles. Along with viewing widgets and Live Activities like game results, users may also cycle through their favorite photos. By adding photos, typefaces, and colors to posters, Contact Posters, on the other hand, enables users to customize how they appear in calls and on their contact cards. Call Kit and other third-party VOIP programs support this feature, which is also integrated with Call Kit.
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Live Voicemail
Live Voicemail was also added by Apple with this year’s iOS version. Users who receive a voicemail can choose whether to answer the call by viewing a live transcript of the message as it is being recorded. Contrarily, FaceTime enables users to send video messages to recipients who aren’t available to take calls directly via the FaceTime app. Swipe-to-reply capability, search filters to focus results, the ability to skip to the first unread message in a group conversation, and automatic transcription of audio messages have all been added to the Messages app. In order to increase safety and provide customers piece of mind, a new Check-In function will also let users let loved ones know when they’ve arrived safely at a location. If no progress is detected, automatic notifications will be sent out.
Emojis & Stickers
In iOS 17, all emojis have been changed into resizable stickers. In order to provide users greater creative power, users can also take subjects from images and turn them into stickers. Live animated photos can also be made into Live Stickers. By enabling customers to exchange information by merely putting their phones close together, Apple also streamlines the AirDrop experience. Additionally, when using AirDrop, users will be able to choose which phone numbers and email addresses to share. The feature is known as NameDrop.
Autocorrect
With the release of iOS 17, Apple has claimed that autocorrect will be more accurate and provide the opportunity to go back to the original word by tapping the underlined suggestion. While typing, predictions will be displayed in-line, and users can add them by tapping the space bar. Through machine learning, the autocorrect feature will adjust to the user’s writing style. Additionally, dictation will be improved, utilizing a new voice recognition model for better accuracy. On the other hand, calling Siri will no longer require you to say Hey each time, making it simpler to combine many requests into a single command.
Favorite Photos
In addition to numerous smaller improvements to Spotlight search, Notes, Autofill, and Apple Music, iOS 17 will include the People album, which will use on-device machine learning to identify more images of users’ favorite people as well as cats and dogs. Dozens more features are being discovered by developers every day.
Prior to WWDC, rumors suggested that Apple would make iOS 17 more open by permitting app distribution outside of the App Store, enhancing NFC functionality, and removing browser limitations. To be in compliance with the new Digital Markets Act of the EU, several adjustments would be required. The WWDC speech did not, however, address these potential changes, and the iOS 17 website makes no explicit mention of sideloading or third-party app stores. However, since the release of iOS 17, Apple’s VP of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, has hinted at the company’s willingness to work with the EU. As a result, there may be more intriguing announcements in the months to come.
iOS 17 promises an exciting array of features and improvements to enhance the iPhone user experience. From the introduction of the Journal app and Live Voicemail to enhancements in FaceTime, Messages, and Siri, Apple aims to provide users with a more intuitive and personalized operating system, and we can’t wait to see what else is to come with iOS 17
