Apple unleashes iOS 17: Your iPhone just got a major upgrade

Say hello to iOS 17. From Contact Posters to interactive widgets, Apple's latest update is all about personalization and fun.

By: Tech Desk
New Delhi | Updated: September 19, 2023 08:13 AM IST

4 min read

iOS 17 running on iPhone 12 Pro (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

Listen to this article

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Apple has released the iOS 17 update, and it’s packed with some seriously cool features that are about to make your iPhone experience more personal and intuitive than ever. The update was first shown off back in June at the WWDC event and has since been undergoing beta testing. But that phase is now officially over. Let’s dive into its juiciest bits.

iOS 17 update: New features

iOS 17 aims to make communication more fun with the addition of a host of features. The biggest is probably Contact Posters, which allows you to customize your profile’s look when interacting with other iPhone users. The update also introduces FaceTime to voicemails for the first time – for audio and video calls. FaceTime is also getting a dose of fun with new Reactions like hearts, balloons, and fireworks

Also read | These iPhone models won’t get Apple’s iOS 17

Contact Poster lets you customise contacts with full-screen pictures and Memojis (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

Next up is AirDrop, which is levelling up with NameDrop, making sharing contact details a breeze – all you need to do is tap two iPhones together. This feature also lets you share videos, music, and games with friends through SharePlay.

The Music app has finally gained support for collaborative playlists and cross-fade. And in CarPlay, SharePlay support means everyone in the car can DJ – choose the music they want to play next, in other words.

iMessage on iOS 17 allows users to create their own stickers (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

The typing experience on iOS 17 has been refined with an improved autocorrect, powered by machine learning, which adapts to your typing style and even predicts your words. Dictation has also been fine-tuned for better accuracy.

For fans of Home Screen widgets, iOS 17 includes a big update with support for interactive widgets. You can now interact with widgets directly without having to visit their respective apps. Apple has also added some new widgets for the Home app as well with this.

Story continues below this ad

Then there’s the all-new Standby mode. When your iPhone is charging horizontally, you’ll be greeted by a sleek StandBy mode with widgets for time, calendar, alarms, and more.

iOS 17 also supports widget stacking (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

Accessibility has been given special attention with iOS 17. The update brings Assistive Access for users with cognitive disabilities and Personal Voice for those at risk of speech loss. Live Speech lets nonspeaking users type and have their words spoken.

Also read | iOS 17 StandBy mode overview: iPhone slips into a digital clock & gallery with ease

Lastly, iOS 17 introduces a new Journal app which uses machine learning to suggest moments worth preserving. Whether it’s a photo, a song, or a workout, your iPhone will prompt you to journal about it.iOS 17 supported devices.

iOS 17 also introduces a new journal app (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

iOS 17 update: Supported devices

If your iPhone is powered by an A12 Bionic chip or newer, you should already be seeing a notification for the update. If not, just navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. That said, the following devices are compatible with iOS 17:

Story continues below this ad

iPhone XS and XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max
iPhone 12 and 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max
iPhone 13 and 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max
iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen)
iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max

From the homepage