Apple has recently introduced the public beta of iOS 17, allowing users to test the latest iPhone software, although it may come with a few bugs. I have been using the developer beta of iOS 17 on my iPhone 14 Pro for the past few weeks, and there are numerous exciting features and upgrades to explore. While some of the most anticipated features were only made available recently, there are already some notable quality-of-life improvements. However, if you are interested in Apple’s new Journal app, you will have to wait until later in the year for its release.
If you are keen on using machine learning to transcribe voice notes from your friends or turning your iPhone into a smart display, you might be willing to give the public beta a try. You can access the iOS preview by enrolling on Apple’s website, which will prompt the beta update in your iPhone’s Software Update section. As always, remember to back up your iPhone and ensure its compatibility. (iOS 17 is compatible with iPhone XS and newer models released in 2018 or later.)
Regarding the developer betas, this year Apple changed its approach and released the developer beta for iOS 17, iPadOS, and macOS Sonoma to anyone with a free developer account. In the past, accessing betas right after the WWDC keynote required a paid developer account costing $100 per year. However, it is not advisable to experiment with early builds of iOS, including the current public beta, as they often have rough edges, and apps may not work properly on the latest mobile OS. The developer version can be even less stable.
Apple continues to push users towards its Messages app, but I find myself sticking with WhatsApp due to all my friends and family using it, even those who own iPhones. Apple’s iOS still makes it challenging for WhatsApp users to stick with the platform.
One of the standout features I appreciate is the transcription of audio messages using machine learning. The iPhone can automatically transcribe voice notes, provided the audio quality and accent are suitable. In my experience, it accurately transcribed both my British accent and my colleague Cherlynn’s American accent.
Most of the significant upgrades in Messages are accessed through the plus button, keeping the interface clean and organized. Check-In is a feature that automates the “text me when you get home” scenario by doing half the work once your iPhone detects your return. If your phone detects that you’re not heading in the right direction, Check-In will notify you that you may have made a mistake.
Apple has included several settings to customize Check-In according to your preferences. You can use it when your destination is not your home or set it up for a specific timed period when you’re home alone but expecting visitors. When you’re delayed, additional information from your phone, such as battery and signal levels, can be shared.
Apple has consolidated stickers into one drawer, encompassing live stickers, memoji, emoji, and third-party stickers. Live Stickers allow you to lift subjects out of photos, whether it’s a person, pet, or object, and these stickers are archived in their own drawer. With iOS 17, you can also apply sticker effects that undulate when you move your phone, reminiscent of the pencil cases from the ’90s. Stickers can now be directly applied from the sticker drawer to your photos and documents.
FaceTime has received a few updates, the most notable being video voicemail. In addition to sending videos on Messages, you can now leave spontaneous video or voice messages on FaceTime when the recipient doesn’t answer your call. Furthermore, with further refinement of Apple’s Continuity Camera, you can now display your FaceTime video calls on Apple TV, utilizing the cameras from your iPhones, iPads, or MacBooks. Recorded messages are stored in the Recent tab of FaceTime, alongside missed calls. Additionally, you can receive audio-only FaceTime calls on your Apple Watch.
FaceTime video messages can be recorded using both the front and rear cameras, and you can enhance them with Portrait mode and Studio Light. Apple has opened up these video effects to other platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Gesture-based AR effects, such as fireworks and confetti cannons, have also been introduced, which activate when specific hand gestures are recognized by your iPhone.
StandBy is a feature that transforms your iPhone into a smart display when it is horizontal and charging. It provides widgets, calendar information, music controls, photos, news, sports scores, and more. On the iPhone 14 Pro, the always-on display ensures that the StandBy view is always visible. However, on other devices, you will need to tap to wake the display.
StandBy also transitions into a low-light smart display during the night, allowing you to use it as an alarm clock. The iPhone automatically categorizes your photos based on places and recognized people in your contacts. Music and podcast controls for audio playback are also available, resembling the CarPlay interface.
Apple has incorporated Smart Stacks into the StandBy widgets, allowing you to swipe between smart home controls, calendars, weather, and more. Incoming calls are displayed in a landscape version of iOS 17’s new Contact Posters.
Contact Posters are the most significant visual upgrade in iOS 17, providing a new way to display incoming calls, contact profiles, FaceTime, and Messages. You can customize your profile using different fonts, photos, and color options, giving it a magazine profile headshot vibe. There are countless customization options, making calls from your favorite contacts feel more glamorous. The Contact Posters feature doesn’t require portrait mode photos; as long as the iPhone detects the object, it will create an outline of your head and name.
NameDrop is a long-awaited feature that uses AirDrop technology to share your contact details and Contact Poster by simply bringing two devices close together. You can fine-tune which contact details are shared, such as your work or personal email, or choose to receive contact details only. Additionally, photos and links from Safari can be shared through this method, and AirDrop will continue transferring content even if you move away, utilizing the internet. This sharing functionality is available through the share button on both native and compatible third-party apps.
There are several other features worth mentioning, including improvements to the keyboard language model for enhanced autocorrect. Autocorrected words are temporarily underlined, allowing you to easily identify the changes. Tapping on an autocorrected word reveals the original version, which can be restored if desired.
Siri now supports back-to-back commands, enabling you to set a timer and turn off a smart light simultaneously. You can also summon Siri while on a call with someone.
The Fitness app has introduced a trophy case to showcase your best workout runs, custom workout plans for Fitness+ subscribers, and the ability to adjust the sound mix during workouts to prioritize music or trainers’ voices. News+ subscribers can now enjoy crossword puzzles, and News+ audio stories are now available in the podcast app.
While the iOS 17 beta provides a glimpse of what’s to come, there are still several exciting features yet to be tested. This includes Apple’s own Journal app, which aims to provide a personalized platform for writing and reflecting on everyday moments and special events in your life. The Journal app will utilize on-device machine learning to suggest topics based on photos, locations, music, and workout data. Additionally, you will have the ability to lock your Journal to protect your privacy.
