Apple has released iOS 17, a new version of the iPhone operating system that should add new features and improvements. The update is already available for iPhone Xs and newer Apple smartphones.

Large images for contacts

The Phone app has been updated in iOS 17 to make important calls more visible. A new feature called Contact Posters allows users to personalize their contact images during calls. You can do this with your own photos, Memoji, and a variety of fonts and colors.

Real-time voicemail and improved call handling

Voicemail offers real-time transcription when someone leaves a voice message, giving users the option to answer the call while it is being recorded. This feature is powered by the Neural Engine and ensures privacy by processing the transcription on the device.

FaceTime update

FaceTime now allows users to leave video and audio messages, and introduces reactions such as hearts and fireworks. These features are also compatible with third-party video conferencing applications such as Zoom and Webex.

More features in iMessage

The Messages app now features search filters, automatic transcription of audio messages, and an expandable menu for easy access to iMessage apps.

The new Arrival Notification feature allows users to notify contacts that they have safely reached their destination.

StandBy: A new way to use your iPhone while charging

StandBy provides a full-screen display of useful information while iPhone is charging. It can display different styles of clocks, photos, or widgets, and it adapts to low-light conditions with Night Mode.

AirDrop and NameDrop for easier data exchange

AirDrop adds NameDrop, which makes it easier to share contact information. It also allows you to share content and will soon support data transfer over the Internet when the user is out of range of AirDrop.

Complete updates to auto-correct and dictation functions

Autocorrect in iOS 17 has been enhanced with a new transformational language model for better word prediction and sentence-level correction. The dictation feature also received a new speech recognition model to improve accuracy.

Journal – notes for reflection on moments of life

The new Journal app helps users reflect on their daily activities and special events. It offers personalized suggestions and ensures privacy through end-to-end encryption.

Additional features of iOS 17:

Safari now has profiles for individual web browsing;

Apple Music gets SharePlay support in the car;
Offline maps have been added to Apple Maps;

AirTag can be shared with up to five other people, allowing friends and family to track an object in Find My;
Product lists in Reminders automatically group
added products into appropriate categories to make shopping easier;
Grocery lists in Reminders automatically group added items into relevant categories to make shopping easier. Users can change how the items are grouped, and the list remembers their preferences;
The Health app now offers new mental health features;

AirPods receive powerful new features, including Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, and Conversation Awareness, that redefine the personal audio experience. Plus, improvements to Automatic Switching and call controls make AirPods even easier to use;
Photos app uses on-device machine learning to recognize individual cats and dogs in the People album, just like friends or family members