Welcome the highly anticipated iOS 17 introduced at its Worldwide Developers Conference! 

So, you must be buzzing with excitement. WWDC has introduced many new features and enhancements, and iOS 17 promises to take your iPhone experience to the next level. 

Although the official release to the general public is scheduled for the fall, developers and beta testers can already get their hands on the iOS 17 public beta. 

In this article, we will examine all you need to learn about the iOS 17 has to offer.

1. StandBy mode

One standout feature of iOS 17 is the StandBy mode. Designed to make the most of your iPhone‘s display, StandBy mode transforms your device into a smart display when it’s charging and in landscape mode. From displaying the time to showcasing widgets and Live Activities. 

StandBy mode offers a range of helpful information at a glance. While currently limited to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max with their always-on displays, earlier iOS 17-compatible iPhones can also benefit from StandBy mode, albeit with the screen turning off after a certain period.

2. 72-Hour Passcode Grace Period

For those who have ever changed their passcode only to forget it shortly after, iOS 17 introduces a 72-hour passcode grace period. 

Sounds interesting? This feature uses your old passcode to reset the new one. That is a much-needed solution to the frustrating experience of being locked out of your device. Yes, we can relate to you!

3. Enhanced Autocorrect (Smarter Typing)

iOS 17 significantly improves the autocorrect feature on your iPhone‘s keyboard. Utilizing a transformer model similar to OpenAI’s in their language models, the enhanced autocorrect in iOS 17 offers better predictive capabilities. 

If you’re typing a name or avoiding those accidental curse words, the keyboard will anticipate your following input more accurately. Additionally, autocorrect will assist with grammar, reminiscent of word processing software like Microsoft Word, saving users from the hassle of manually correcting errors.

4. Journal App

Journaling has long been recognized as a beneficial practice for managing stress and achieving personal goals. With iOS 17, Apple introduced a new journaling app called Journal, leveraging on-device machine learning to offer personalized prompts and reminders. 

Suppose you prefer typing over traditional pen and paper or seek assistance generating ideas for reflection. In that case, the Journal app provides a convenient and private platform for keeping track of your thoughts and experiences.

5. Messages Improvements and Features

iOS 17 brings several enhancements to the Messages app, making communication even more seamless. In case of any security issues, the check-In feature lets you quickly inform family or friends of your safe arrival at a destination. 

Additionally, if you want to jump directly to the first unread message in a conversation in a group chat, yes, that is covered! The swipe-to-reply functionality simplifies responding to specific messages, eliminating the need for lengthy contextual explanations.

And you can create stickers using your Photos. The Live stickers feature includes effects as well. 

6. Fun feature: Contact Posters

Contact Posters add a fun twist to iOS 17 by offering highly customizable contact cards. Beyond assigning ringtones and thumbnails to your contacts, you can now edit the color and font and add emoji pictures to individual contacts. 

This feature promotes personalization and enables easy identification of essential contacts. Contact Posters are not limited to iPhone contacts alone but can also be used with third-party calling apps.

7. Improved Password Verification

iOS 17 introduces a new option called “Clean Up Automatically” under Verification Codes in the Passwords section of the Settings app.

Enabling this option will automatically delete messages containing verification codes from apps such as Messages and Mail once the codes have been used with AutoFill. 

This feature ensures that your messages and emails remain clutter-free, allowing you to focus on essential conversations and information.

8. Grocery Lists in Reminders

With iOS 17, the Reminders app receives an upgrade that makes grocery shopping a breeze. By following a few easy guidelines, users can create categorized grocery lists that separate items into sections like produce and bread/cereals. 

This enhancement brings order and efficiency to your shopping experience, ensuring you always remember an essential item or wander through the store.

9. Conversation Awareness on AirPods

Owners of the second-generation AirPods Pro will appreciate the Conversation Awareness feature in iOS 17.

This enhancement recognizes when you start speaking and automatically lowers the volume of your music, reduces background noise, and amplifies voices in front of you. 

No more awkward fumbling with your AirPods or iPhone to pause your music when conversing.

10. Siri Improvements

iOS 17 introduces some significant improvements to Siri, Apple’s digital assistant. You can now activate Siri simply by saying “Siri” without needing the “Hey, Siri” phrase.

This change brings Siri’s activation closer to the experience other digital assistants like Amazon’s Alexa offer. 

Additionally, iOS 17 allows for back-to-back requests, enabling a more conversational interaction with Siri.

11. AirTags

iOS 17 introduces a convenient sharing feature for AirTags, allowing users to share their tracking devices with others.

Now, you can register AirTags with multiple people, making it effortless for friends and family to keep track of their items. 

Moreover, numerous individuals can utilize the same AirTag without constant swapping or reconfiguring.

12. Maps App

Prepare to be impressed by the revamped Maps app in iOS 17. You can now download specific map areas to your device, enabling turn-by-turn navigation. It works even when you’re offline.

Moreover, finding park trails across the United States becomes a breeze, while electric vehicle (EV) drivers can conveniently check charging station availability directly within the app.

13. AirDrop and NameDrop

Sharing content becomes even more seamless with iOS 17’s improvements to AirDrop and introducing a new functionality called NameDrop.

With AirDrop, you no longer need to remain close to another person to complete the sharing process. Start the transfer within range, and you can move about while it finishes. 

Furthermore, SharePlay allows you to enjoy music or videos with others by simply bringing your iPhones together.

On the other hand, NameDrop lets you effortlessly share contact information with someone by bringing your iPhone or Apple Watch close to their device, eliminating the hassle of exchanging details manually.

14. Sensitive Content Warnings

iOS 17 prioritizes your privacy and protects against unwanted exposure to sensitive content. In Messages, AirDrop, Contact Posters, FaceTime messages, and even third-party apps, you can now choose to blur explicit images or videos before viewing them. 

This valuable feature empowers users to maintain control over the content they encounter and ensures a more secure digital environment.

iOS 17 Features

FAQs

Is it safe to install iOS 17 public beta?

Installing the iOS 17 public beta comes with some risks as it is pre-release software. Apple strives to address issues, but bugs and performance problems may still exist. Also, it will affect your device’s stability and functionality. Installing the beta on non-essential devices and regularly backing up your data before proceeding is recommended.

How to install the public beta iOS 17?

To install the iOS 17 public beta, you can enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program on Apple’s website. After signing up, you will receive instructions on downloading and installing the beta profile on your compatible device. 

How stable is iOS 17 beta?

The stability of the iOS 17 beta can vary as it is still under development. However, Apple tries to improve strength with each beta release; it is crucial to note that beta software may have unresolved issues, performance hiccups, or compatibility difficulties with certain apps or features. 

Is iOS public beta out?

Yes, the iOS public beta is out on July 12th, 2024. It is available to the public after Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Yet, Keep an eye on Apple’s official website or announcements for the other iOS public beta updates.

Final Thoughts

iOS 17 is set to revolutionize the iPhone experience with its exciting features. From the convenience of StandBy mode to the enhanced autocorrect and the all-new Journal app, Apple has taken user feedback into account to deliver a more personalized and intuitive iOS. 

With improvements to Messages, Siri, Maps, and other core apps, iOS 17 offers seamless communication and streamlined functionality. So, more to come!