Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2023) has started in California and the Cupertino giant is giving a first look at its iOS 17 at the annual event. The latest version of the iPhone makers’ software packs a number of new features and improvements. This time, Apple has added notable improvements to the Phone and Messages apps. iOS 17 brings a new Journal app that integrates data from other apps. It’s getting a standby mode that turns the iPhone into an alarm clock when it’s on the side and charging. In addition to changes to AirPlay and SharePlay, offline maps are coming to iOS. Apple also previewed the latest versions of its tablet, PC, smartwatch, and TV box operating systems at the event, specifically iPadOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17.
Developers are able to get their hands on the first beta of the new operating system this week, with a public beta coming next month. iOS 17 and other major updates will likely be released to all users sometime in September, possibly alongside the iPhone 15 series.
standby mode
As expected, the iOS 17 update comes with a feature that lets users see more items horizontally on their locked iPhone screen while it’s charging. This new standby mode for charging turns the iPhone screen into a smart display with the date and time. It will display details from live activities, widgets, and smart stack. This standby feature will automatically turn on if the phone is horizontal during charging.
journal app
The iPhone maker is introducing its own Journal app in iOS 17. It will help users track and record their activities and thoughts through logs of their daily life. It uses data from the user’s iPhone to suggest what they might want to journal about. People can include photos and activities in journals. It is also claimed to be end-to-end encrypted.
name drop
The latest operating system comes with an AirDrop-related feature called NameDrop to share phone numbers with other iPhone users. Selected email addresses and phone numbers can be shared by bringing two iPhones close to each other.
Finally, iOS 17 brings the Live Transcription feature to voicemail. It shows the transcript of the message being left by the caller in real time. Offline maps are coming to iOS this time. Apple has removed the ‘Hey Siri’ command and now users can just say ‘Siri’. Additionally, users can create and add live stickers.
