Buzz
After approximately 3 months of continuous beta releases, Apple has officially released iOS 17 to all regular users. Essentially, this iOS 17 version is almost identical to the iOS 17 RC recently released to developer beta testers by Apple. Below are some highlighted features of iOS 17 for your reference.Major Changes in iOS 17
Experience StandBy feature from the early days of using dev beta, up to now with iOS 17 officially, the feature operates more stable. With StandBy, simply plug in and rotate the screen horizontally, it will act as a smart display to show time, weather information, calendar, and some other important information. Additionally, users can choose from various clock face styles to make their time viewing experience more enjoyable.
Explore Contact Posters
Discover the Contact Posters feature
In the past, connecting with others used to require exchanging phone numbers or other contact details. But with iOS 17, if both you and your 'significant other' have iPhones running iOS 17, you can simply place your iPhones close together, and your information will automatically swap, including profile pictures and other details like email and Facebook (if you have them in your profile). I believe this method could significantly speed up the connection process between people, compared to the old days of asking for and manually inputting phone numbers.
SharePlay Enhanced
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on features that enhance connections between people. iOS 17 is set to change the way people connect with each other in the near future. SharePlay is a feature that Apple has significantly upgraded in iOS 17. Now, you can share a movie to watch together with one or more people, or even share a game to play together. Imagine you and your significant other enjoying a movie together without needing to be in the same place (especially useful for those in long-distance relationships).
Arrival Notification
This feature is quite similar to location sharing, but with a twist. You don't have to overthink when using it. For instance, if you're attending a martial arts class, you send a check-in request, and your fellow members join in. When it's time for the class, you'll receive a notification, sparing you the hassle of notifying others. In another scenario, say a group is out drinking, and someone initiates a check-in request in the group chat. Once everyone joins, upon reaching home, there'll be a notification ensuring nobody forgets their way back 😁.
Personal Mention
Enhancing Widget Interaction
Currently, for certain default Apple Widgets, users can directly interact outside of the main screen instead of accessing them through the app directly. Specifically, users can interact directly with Widgets such as Notes, Reminders, etc.
Download Maps for Offline Use
- Step 1: Navigate to settings
- Step 2: Find and select Safari option
- Step 3: Scroll down to locate Profile section and click on New Profile
- Step 4: Name it, pick an icon, choose a color
- Step 5: Select the website folder you desire, upon opening that profile, it will dazzle you.
Once you've completed these steps, revisit Safari, and in the top left corner, you'll notice a Profile icon (typically Personal by default). To switch to the newly created profile, simply click on the icon → choose Profile → select your newly created one.Embracing Security Enhancements
Private Tabs Lock
Private tabs have been a long-standing feature on iOS. They serve as a secluded space for users to explore without prying eyes. Surprisingly, it wasn't until iOS 17 that the ability to lock these tabs was introduced, making them truly private. Stay tuned for a comprehensive guide on utilizing this feature.
Password Sharing and Beyond
In iOS 17, users can now effortlessly share passwords and passkeys with trusted contacts, streamlining access to shared services like Netflix subscriptions. This feature allows users to add trusted contacts to their settings and securely share passwords with them, enhancing convenience and security.
Reset Password
iOS 17 introduces a seamless password reset feature, enabling users to reset their passwords within 72 hours of setting a new one, eliminating the need for complex procedures. Users can reset their passwords using their old passwords within this timeframe, simplifying the process significantly without requiring additional steps.
Access Permission for Calendar App
As of iOS 17, Apple has introduced additional categorization and access levels for calendar apps. Similar to photo access permissions, calendar access now consists of two parts: adding events only or granting full access. Opting for event addition only means that the app can solely add events from itself to your calendar. Conversely, selecting Full Access allows the app to access all information in your calendar, including location, attached documents, invitations, and other important notes.
App Activity Log
In iOS 17, Home app now allows you to track the activity history of added devices for the past 30 days. Specifically, it can identify who has accessed those smart devices to help you better control and ensure no unauthorized access to personal smart devices at home.
Changes in CarPlay with iOS 17
Introducing SharePlay
Currently, with 17, folks can utilize SharePlay for the Music app on CarPlay. What does this mean? It means that everyone in that car can share their music for all to hear. As long as the car owner subscribes to Apple Music and activates CarPlay, everyone else can contribute their tunes. Other passengers can scan a QR code generated by the owner to access the music playlist and add songs to that list.
That playlist, folks imagine it to be like a potluck, but I find it quite enjoyable because everyone can share their preferences. Only the car owner needs an Apple Music subscription; everyone else can use Apple Music to contribute music without paying extra.
Improvement in electric charging station information
If you happen to own an electric vehicle, Apple Maps application can now provide real-time information on available charging slots at compatible charging stations. This update will make it easier for electric vehicle owners to locate nearby charging stations when traveling or visiting unfamiliar areas. Additionally, knowing which stations have available slots will help drivers save time. Initially, this feature may only be available in the United States, and it might take some time for it to be introduced in other countries like Vietnam.
Enhancements to Message Interface
Apple has made some changes to the Messages app on CarPlay. The user interface has been improved to make it easier to view and respond to messages while driving. These enhancements primarily aim to reduce distractions for drivers, allowing them to quickly read and reply to messages without taking their eyes off the road for too long, thus enhancing overall safety. Specifically, messages received can now be read aloud, followed by support for replying, although this feature may not yet be available in Vietnam.
Small Other Changes
Firstly, CarPlay on iOS 17 will introduce new wallpapers similar to those accompanying iOS 17 on, with the option to switch between light and dark modes as usual (based on the system).
Secondly, users can now activate Siri by saying 'Siri' instead of 'Hey Siri'. This change applies not only to CarPlay but to all devices updating to the new software. Additionally, there are several other features not yet available on current iOS 17, which Apple says may be introduced by the end of this year. CarPlay is expected to support more screens, all screens in the car. It will also integrate other information such as speedometer, distance traveled, fuel gauge, and many other essential parameters alike.
With the enhanced CarPlay experience expected to roll out the remaining features by the end of 2023, we can anticipate more exciting CarPlay features in future iOS 17 updates. The next-generation CarPlay supported automobile brands include Acura, Audi, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, and Volvo.Exciting New Features
Granting Location Permissions in Settings
Crossfade Correction
Customize Standby
Enhance Night Mode
In the latest iOS 17 update, users now have an additional option to toggle notifications when their iPhone is in Standby mode. However, for notifications categorized as important, even if this option is turned off, they will still be displayed.
Enhanced Widget Experience
Apple Music has undergone a redesign, offering users various sizes to customize their home screens. Widgets now feature interfaces for song recommendations such as top picks or the top 100 songs.
Delete 2FA Verification Messages
This feature allows users to effortlessly remove 2FA verification messages from their inbox, streamlining their communication and decluttering their digital space without manual intervention. Guide on Deleting 2FA Verification Messages on Service:- Access settings.
- Choose Password.
- Proceed to Password Option.
- Select Clean Up Automatically at the bottom line.
Explore music track's manufacturer and lyrics
On iOS 17, users can access detailed information about the music's manufacturer, author, and performing artist in the additional options section while listening to music. Additionally, users can access detailed lyrics and use those lyrics to share on social networks or with others. I've noticed many users have a habit of sharing song lyrics on social media, so this is a feature that users need, mainly for entertainment purposes.
Introducing Home App Updates
The Home app now features a sleek window showcasing its latest functionalities. Additionally, we've revamped the interface for smoother navigation, allowing users to effortlessly control various smart lights' brightness levels. iOS 17 also introduces new icons for garage doors.
Camera Settings Overhaul
In the latest iOS 17 update, there's a subtle change where the 'Depth Control' feature now stands as a separate entity within the camera settings, whereas previously it wasn't segregated like it is now.
Revamp in Mental Health Section
Apple has made a minor alteration to the design of the Mental Health section within the Health app, giving it a fresh look with cohesive colors, making it aesthetically pleasing compared to the previous version. Particularly noteworthy is that these colors will dynamically adjust based on one's emotions.
Shades of fresh colors:- - Subdued discomfort: pale purple
- Mediocre: green
This feature essentially resembles the child-friendly content restriction feature, but it's designed for all ages. Now, you can set it up to avoid encountering awkward situations. Specifically, this feature will blur out explicit content from messages, and in the future, from other third-party messaging apps as well. However, you still have the option to view it by tapping on the button at the bottom right corner. To activate this feature, follow these steps:- Open Settings
- Select Privacy and Security
- Choose Sensitive Content Warning
- Toggle the switch to ON
- Currently, it can intervene in three main areas: Images in Messages, AirDrops, and videos in Messages. You can toggle them on or off as per your preference.
- Done! Now, any explicit images will be blurred before you see them 😁.
Communication Safety: Blurring Inappropriate Content for All Ages
This feature functions similarly to the sensitive content alert above but with specific differences, as it's tailored for children. When setting up a phone for a child under 13, this feature will automatically activate. In the Message interface, there's a slight difference too—there's no option to view, only a prompt to call a trusted contact. This means it differs from the previous feature in terms of age and access to sensitive content. For instance, siblings may have access, whereas their children may not, only being able to call their siblings upon receiving such content. To use this feature, follow these steps:- Open Settings
- Select Screentime
- Choose Communication Safety
- Enable Check for Sensitive Photos
- That's it! If you set up the phone for a child under 13, this feature will automatically activate without any additional setup needed.
Enhancement of Medication Reminder Feature
Exciting Features Not Yet Seen on iOS 17
Transferring NameDrop from iPhone to Apple Watch
NameDrop is a quick contact sharing feature from your device to others. However, the ability to NameDrop from an iPhone to an Apple Watch is currently delayed. According to some reports, this feature will only be available on Apple Watch Series 6 and above, SE 1&2, Apple Watch Ultra, and of course, these devices must be running at least watchOS 10.
New AirDrop feature works from a distance
For those who've been keeping track, iOS 17 brings a neat improvement to AirDrop. Now you can send a file to someone without necessarily being close to them during the transfer process. This means that although you still need to be nearby to initiate the transfer, once you've hit send, you're free to roam elsewhere while the file continues its journey uninterrupted. It utilizes wireless connections like WiFi and mobile data to keep the transfer going, but as of the latest official iOS 17 release, this feature hasn't been rolled out yet.
Shared Music Playlists on Apple Music
In addition to the official release of iOS 17, Apple also unveiled several new software versions, such as:
- official release
- official release
- official release (available on September 26th)
- official release
