apples World developer conference (WWDC 2023) has kicked off in California and the Cupertino giant is offering a first look at its iOS 17 at the annual event. The latest version of the iPhone manufacturer’s software offers several new features and improvements. This time, Apple added noticeable improvements to the Phone and Messages apps. iOS 17 brings a new journal app that integrates data from other apps. It gets a stand-by mode that turns the iPhone into an alarm clock when it’s on its side and charging. Along with AirPlay and SharePlay optimization, offline maps are also coming to iOS. Apple also previewed the latest versions of its operating systems for tablets, PCs, smartwatches and TV boxes at the event, specifically iPadOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10 and tvOS 17.
Developers can get their hands on the first betas of the new operating systems this week, followed by a public beta next month. The iOS 17 and other major updates are then expected to be released to all users sometime in September, likely alongside the iPhone 15 series.
standby mode
As expected, the iOS 17 update comes with a feature that allows users to view more items horizontally on the locked iPhone screen while it is loading. This new charging stand-by mode turns the iPhone screen into an intelligent display with the date and time. Details of live activities, widgets and smart stacks are displayed. This standby function is activated automatically when the phone is lying horizontally while charging.
journal app
The iPhone manufacturer offers its own journal app in iOS 17. This would help users track and record their activities and thoughts through a log of their daily life. It uses data from the user’s iPhone to make suggestions on what to journal about. People can add photos and activities to journals. This should also be end-to-end encrypted.
NameDrop
The latest OS also has an AirDrop-related feature called NameDrop for sharing phone numbers with other iPhone users. Selected email addresses and phone numbers can be shared by bringing two iPhones close together.
Finally, iOS 17 brings a live transcription feature for voicemail. This shows the transcript of the message a caller is leaving in real time. Offline maps are coming to iOS this time. Apple got rid of the “Hey Siri” command and now users can only say “Siri”. It also allows users to create and insert live stickers.
