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Below, we’ve summarized top key features coming to the iPhone with iOS 17, with more to follow later this year. The update is expected to roll out around 10 a.m. Pacific Time / 1 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday and can be installed through the Settings app under General → Software Update.
1. StandBy
StandBy is a new full-screen view designed for easy viewing when your iPhone is charging on its side. It offers customizable widgets, including clock styles, calendars, photos, weather forecasts, music controls, and more. It’s perfect for your nightstand, kitchen counter, or desk, and it’s compatible with Live Activities, Siri, incoming calls, and larger notifications.
2. Contact Posters
iOS 17 lets you create personalized Contact Posters for incoming calls on other people’s iPhones. You can include a photo or Memoji and customize font and background colors. This feature works in the Phone app and will be available for third-party calling apps.
3. NameDrop
NameDrop simplifies sharing contact information by bringing iPhones close together. Users can select specific phone numbers or email addresses to share, including their Contact Posters.
4. Live Voicemail
Live Voicemail provides real-time transcription of voicemails, allowing users to pick up important calls while the caller is leaving a message. Spam calls identified by carriers are instantly declined and not transcribed.
5. Swipe to Reply in iMessage
In the Messages app, you can now swipe right on any message to send an inline reply.
6. Interactive Widgets
Interactive widgets are now available on the iPhone’s Home Screen, Lock Screen, and StandBy view. They allow actions such as marking reminders as completed, controlling music playback, and managing Home app accessories.
7. Improved Autocorrect
iOS 17 features an advanced language model for word prediction, greatly improving autocorrection accuracy. Predictive text recommendations are now displayed inline as you type. Autocorrected words are briefly underlined for easy correction.
8. Apple Maps Offline
Apple Maps now allows users to download maps for offline use. You can access turn-by-turn navigation, estimated arrival times, and more even when not connected to cellular or Wi-Fi networks.
9. Stickers Drawer
iOS 17 introduces a stickers drawer for easy access to Live Stickers, emoji, Memoji, and iMessage sticker packs in one place. Live Stickers can be created by touching and holding an object in a photo.
10. “Hey Siri” Shortened to Siri
Apple has simplified the voice command to activate Siri. Instead of saying “Hey Siri,” you can now simply say “Siri” to invoke the voice assistant. You can also issue multiple commands in succession without repeating “Siri.”
These exciting iOS 17 features promise to enhance your iPhone experience, making it more convenient and enjoyable than ever before.
11. FaceTime is coming to Apple TV with tvOS 17
With both iOS 17 and tvOS 17, individuals have the ability to effortlessly link their iPhone to the Apple TV and initiate a FaceTime call on the large screen. Please note that this functionality is compatible with any iPhone model running iOS 17 but necessitates the use of a second-generation (2021) Apple TV 4K or a newer version.
12. Enjoy content together live using SharePlay on iPhone
SharePlay receives a significant enhancement in iOS 17, and this improvement benefits from the update’s broad availability. Previously, initiating a SharePlay session with someone involved navigating the intricacies of sharing via iMessage or FaceTime. While this method worked reasonably well for remote sharing, it became cumbersome when sharing with someone physically nearby.
With iOS 17, SharePlay receives the same streamlined treatment as AirDrop and NameDrop. To commence a SharePlay session in iOS 17, you can effortlessly hold your iPhone close to your friend’s iPhone, allowing you both to instantly enjoy media together. This provides an excellent alternative to audio sharing, which was previously limited to Apple and Beats headphones.
