Introduction
Welcome to the world of iOS 17! With the latest update, Apple has introduced a plethora of new features that promise to make your iPhone experience even more enjoyable. From leaving FaceTime video messages to setting multiple timers, iOS 17 has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the top 10 features you should know about, and maybe we’ll even throw in some bonus tips!
1. Contact Posters
Gone are the days of boring contact screens. With iOS 17, you can now customize your contact poster, which appears when you call someone or share your contact information. You can change the font, background, and even the size of your name. To do this, go to the Phone app, tap on Contacts, then your name at the top, and finally tap ‘Edit’ to customize your contact poster.
2. Name Drop
Sharing contact information has never been easier. When two iPhones running iOS 17 are brought close to each other, a trippy effect appears, allowing you to share your contact info wirelessly. This feature, called Name Drop, works similarly to AirDrop and requires Bluetooth to be enabled.
3. FaceTime Video Messages
If your friend doesn’t pick up your FaceTime call, you can now leave a video message. After the call rings for a while, you’ll see a ‘Record Video’ button. Press it, and you can leave a video message that the receiver can play back in the FaceTime app.
4. Live Voicemail
Remember the old answering machines that allowed you to screen calls? iOS 17 brings back that feature with Live Voicemail. Now, when someone leaves you a voicemail, you can see a live transcription and even pick up the call in the middle of the message.
5. Standby Mode
Turn your iPhone into a fancy alarm clock with Standby Mode. This feature works best with a MagSafe charging stand and allows you to choose between a widget screen, a photo screen, and a clock screen. There’s also a Night Mode that adapts the display to low light conditions.
6. Duck in Autocorrect
iOS 17 finally addresses the infamous autocorrect issue where certain profanities would be changed to the word “duck.” Now, when autocorrect changes a word, a bluish-gray line will appear underneath it, allowing you to revert to the original word.
7. Screen Distance
Worried about holding your phone too close to your face? iOS 17 has a new feature called Screen Distance that warns you if your phone is too close, helping you maintain a healthy distance for your eyes.
8. Personal Voice
Primarily an accessibility feature, Personal Voice allows you to create a synthesized version of your voice. This feature is especially useful for those at risk of losing their ability to speak and requires you to record 150 randomized text prompts.
9. Custom Stickers
Add a personal touch to your photos with custom stickers. Simply hold down on a subject in a photo, and you can add a sticker, which will be saved to your stickers drawer for future use.
10. Check-in Messages
iOS 17 can automatically send a text message when you arrive at a predetermined location. This feature is handy for letting people know you’ve safely reached your destination.
Bonus Tips
- Two-factor verification texts and emails can now be automatically deleted.
- You can download maps in Apple Maps for offline use.
- Swipe right on a specific message to reply to it in the Messages app.
- You can share the location of an AirTag with another person.
- Set multiple timers in the Clock app or by asking Siri.
Conclusion
iOS 17 is packed with features that make your iPhone experience more convenient and enjoyable. Whether it’s customizing your contact poster or leaving a FaceTime video message, there’s something for everyone in this update. So go ahead, explore these features, and make the most out of your iPhone!
