Apple has announced iOS 17 at WWDC 2023. As you’d expect from such a mature operating system, the updates are mainly focussed on refining existing features and streamlining the user experience. One of the major changes is the ability to use Hand Off to put FaceTime calls on a big screen via your Apple TV.
New features and enhancements coming in iOS 17
Phone app: you’ll be able to create a personalised Contact Poster, so you can customise how you’ll appear on a call. and Live Voicemail gives a real-time transcript as someone leaves a voicemail and the opportunity to pick up while the caller is leaving their message. Live Voicemail transcription is handled on-device and remains entirely private.
FaceTime: FaceTime will support audio and video messages so when users call someone who is not available, they can leave a message. But the best update is the ability initiate a video call directly from Apple TV, or start the call on iPhone and then hand it off to Apple TV.
Messages: Search is improved in Messages – thank goodness! But the best improvement is Check In. This allows a user wants to notify a family member or friend that they have made it to their destination safely. After a user initiates a Check In, their friend or family member will automatically be notified as soon as the user arrives. If they are not making progress toward their destination, useful information will be temporarily shared with the selected contact, such as the device’s location, battery level, and cell service status. Any information shared is end-to-end encrypted.
NameDrop: This is a nifty new feature tat allows people to exchange contact information by bringing their protons together. Basically, this is like old apps like Bump and a LinkedIn feature. So, more like a Apple acquisition of a feature rather than a new invention.
StandBy: This is like an Apple Watch feature. When your iPhone is charging and on its side, you’ll have access to some ‘glanceable’ information. StandBy can be personalised to display clock styles, favourite photos, or widgets, including Smart Stacks, which surface the right widgets at the right time.
When can you get iOS 17?
Developers can get access to the first developer beta of iOS 17 through the Apple Developer Program members at developer.apple.com from today.
A public beta will be available next month at beta.apple.com.
The offical public release will be available this spring as a free software update for iPhone Xs and later.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.