iOS 17 is now rolling out globally to eligible iPhone models, including India. The company is also rolling out additional software updates including macOS Sonoma, iPadOS 17, tvOS 17 and watchOS 10 for compatible devices. These updates add a number of new features while improving several existing apps and services on Apple’s currently supported devices. You can read our guide on how to download and install the latest iOS 17 software update on your iPhone and try out the latest features.
If you’re looking for the new Journal app and collaborative playlists for Apple Music – both features unveiled at WWDC 2023 – you’ll have to wait for a future update as these aren’t part of iOS 17. Here are some of them the best features for iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma that you should try out after installing the update.
Contact posters and live voicemail
While most of the user interface elements on iOS 17 are quite similar to iOS 16, the Phone app gets a major overhaul in the form of Contact Posters. This feature allows users to set their own poster and a profile photo that will be shared with other people in their contacts. This could include full-length images or Memoji, and customizable fonts with large text. In select regions, Apple says users will also see real-time transcription for Live Voicemail processed on the device.
NameDrop and AirDrop
iOS 17 will improve the company’s proprietary wireless sharing mechanism, AirDrop. You can easily bring two devices together to share a file, start a SharePlay session, or play a game together. In addition to bringing your phone close to another user to share different types of data, you can also use a new feature called NameDrop that allows you to share contact information (including your contact poster) with another user.
Standby mode
While Apple’s smartphones have supported wireless charging since the iPhone 8, the company is finally adding support for a way to display useful information while the handsets are charging. After updating your iPhone to iOS 17, you can see live activities, notifications, widgets and Siri from your smartphone’s screen while it is in a horizontal position. The feature works with both wired and wireless chargers.
Safari profiles and private browsing lock
Apple’s web browser is getting a few new tricks with the latest iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma update. Private Browsing tabs are locked behind Face ID or Touch ID, meaning unauthorized users can’t gain access without your permission. Safari also gets multi-profile support that lets you separate their cookies, bookmarks and browsing history and switch between them for work and personal use. Competing browsers like Chrome and Firefox have supported profiles for several years, and Chrome allows users to lock incognito tabs on smartphones.
Check-in and live stickers for messages
Apple is adding support for a new Messages feature called Check-In, which lets you notify your family member when you’ve arrived home safely. If you’re not heading toward the specified destination, the Messages app will safely and temporarily inform your family member of your location, battery level, and mobile service information. Meanwhile, you can create stickers on your smartphone by long pressing the button and share it with the Messages app. According to Apple, these will appear in a new stickers section that can be used on iOS.
