iOS 17: A Quick Overview of Apple’s Newest Mobile OS

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The realm of technology is in a state of constant evolution, and Apple consistently contributes to this with its innovative advancements. At WWDC 2023, Apple introduced the latest version of its mobile operating system, iOS 17, which brings a suite of new and improved features to the table.

iOS 17 presents considerable enhancements to core functions such as Phone, FaceTime, and Messages. Among these, the newly-introduced Contact Posters provide personalized appearances for incoming calls. Additional features include live transcription of voicemails and automatic decline of calls identified as spam by your carrier. iOS 17 also offers the capability to smoothly transfer calls from an iPhone to an Apple TV.

In terms of FaceTime updates, users now have the option to record audio and video messages when a call is not answered. The Messages app brings improved search filters, methods for keeping track of unread messages, and an intuitive inline reply feature. Furthermore, audio messages are now automatically transcribed. An interesting addition is the Check In feature, which informs contacts of your arrival at a destination and shares relevant details such as battery life, location, and cell service status.

The utility of AirDrop has been expanded with a feature called NameDrop. By bringing two iPhones (or Apple Watches) close together, users can now share contacts and other content more efficiently, or initiate a SharePlay session with ease.

The autocorrect feature of iOS 17 has been updated for improved functionality. The keyboard now uses a transformer language model that provides more accurate word predictions and offers better mechanisms for correcting grammatical mistakes.Beyond communication, iOS 17 also incorporates features for personal growth and mental wellbeing. Apple has introduced Journal, a new app that utilizes machine learning to suggest journal entries based on recent activities. The Health app has also been updated to include mental health features, enabling users to log their moods and emotions and gain access to depression and anxiety assessments.

Building upon the Always-On lock screen display that was introduced last year, iOS 17 includes a feature called StandBy. This feature operates as a smart display, showcasing time, temperature, schedule, and other key information when your phone is in horizontal mode.

With its array of innovative features, iOS 17 is poised to reshape the landscape of mobile experience. Apple’s focus extends on functional improvements enhancing digital well-being and personal growth for its users. iOS 17 certainly marks a stride towards the future of mobile technology. Though we can can certainly say with recent Android 14 release and iOS that we’re coming to a point where it feels that tech has stagnated.