Have you made the switch to iOS 17 yet? If not, you’re losing out on some incredible new features that have the potential to completely change your iPhone experience. iOS 17 makes daily chores easier and more enjoyable with its smarter communication tools, improved privacy, and new customization possibilities.
We’ll look at ten essential features that make iOS 17 unique in this article. There is something for everyone with this update, whether you want to enhance texting, increase productivity, or customize your device like never before.
Our objective is straightforward: to maximize your iPhone’s potential by assisting you in discovering iOS 17’s greatest features. Are you prepared to unleash your device’s full potential? Let’s get started!
1. Live Voicemail: See Transcriptions in Real-Time
The Live Voicemail feature in iOS 17 allows voicemail messages to be transcribed in real-time as they are being left. This implies that you may read the voicemail rather than listen to it, and if it’s a crucial call, you can even answer it.
Key Benefits:
- Read voicemail messages without listening.
- Decide whether to answer or ignore calls based on the transcription.
- Works automatically for all voicemails.
2. NameDrop: Instant Contact Sharing
Contact data may now be sent more quickly thanks to NameDrop. You can now exchange contacts by just holding two iPhones close to one another, eliminating the need to enter numbers or scan QR codes.
How to Use NameDrop:
- Hold two iPhones (running iOS 17) close together.
- A pop-up will appear, allowing you to share your contact details.
- Confirm, and the contact details will be shared instantly.
This feature works with Apple Watch as well!
3. StandBy Mode: Turn Your iPhone into a Smart Display
With StandBy Mode, your iPhone transforms into a smart display when placed in landscape mode while charging. It can show the time, calendar, widgets, or even your favorite photos.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Works as a bedside clock or desk display.
- Shows important widgets, calendar events, or notifications.
- Customizable to fit your preferences.
4. Interactive Widgets: Do More from the Home Screen
Widgets are now interactive in iOS 17, allowing you to control apps directly from the Home Screen without opening them.
What’s New?
- Mark tasks as done in the Reminders widget.
- Control music playback from the Apple Music widget.
- Check off calendar events right from your Home Screen.
5. FaceTime Video Messages: Leave a Personal Touch
Missed a FaceTime call? With FaceTime Video Messages, you can leave a short video voicemail for the person to watch later.
How to Send a FaceTime Video Message:
- Call the person via FaceTime.
- If they don’t answer, tap the Leave a Message button.
- Record and send your video message.
This is a great way to add a personal touch when you can’t reach someone.
6. Enhanced AirDrop: Share Files Faster
Apple has supercharged AirDrop with iOS 17, making it faster and more seamless than ever. Now, transfers continue even if you step away from the other device.
New AirDrop Features:
- Share content by bringing two iPhones together.
- Transfers continue over the internet if interrupted.
- NameDrop integration for quick contact sharing.
7. AutoCorrect and Predictive Text: Smarter and More Accurate
iOS 17 improves AutoCorrect and predictive text, making typing faster and more natural. The keyboard now learns your typing habits, offering more accurate word suggestions.
Key Improvements:
- Smarter AI-powered text predictions.
- More accurate AutoCorrect that adapts to your style.
- Inline predictions appear as you type, reducing effort.
8. Safari Profiles: Keep Work and Personal Browsing Separate
Now, Safari Profiles let you separate work and personal browsing. This is perfect for keeping tabs, bookmarks, and history organized.
How to Set Up Safari Profiles:
- Open Safari and go to Settings.
- Tap Profiles and create a new one.
- Customize it with different tabs and bookmarks.
This helps keep distractions away while working or studying.
9. Check In: Stay Safe with Automatic Location Updates
The Check In feature in Messages lets you share your live location with friends or family for safety reasons. If you don’t arrive at your destination on time, your contacts get an automatic alert.
How to Use Check In:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap the Check In button when texting a contact.
- Set your destination, and iOS 17 will track your journey.
This feature is great for late-night commutes or traveling alone.
10. Journal App: Capture Your Daily Moments
iOS 17 introduces Apple’s new Journal app, designed to help you record thoughts, memories, and experiences in a personal, secure way.
Features of the Journal App:
- Write daily reflections with ease.
- Add photos, locations, and voice recordings.
- Get intelligent suggestions based on your activities.
This app is a perfect digital diary for journaling enthusiasts.
Comparison Table: iOS 17’s Top Features
| Feature | Functionality | Why It’s Useful |
| Live Voicemail | Real-time voicemail transcriptions | Read messages instead of listening |
| NameDrop | Quick contact sharing via proximity | Faster than typing manually |
| StandBy Mode | Turns iPhone into a smart display | Works as a nightstand clock |
| Interactive Widgets | Allows direct control from widgets | Saves time and effort |
| FaceTime Video Msg | Leave video messages for missed calls | More personal communication |
| Enhanced AirDrop | Transfers continue even if interrupted | Faster file sharing |
| AutoCorrect AI | Smarter predictive text and AutoCorrect | More accurate typing |
| Safari Profiles | Separate work and personal browsing | Keeps tabs and bookmarks organized |
| Check In | Share live location for safety | Ensures security while traveling |
| Journal App | New app for recording daily thoughts | Encourages mindfulness |
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Upgrade to iOS 17
With its many strong features, iOS 17 improves security, customisation, and usability. This update is intended to make your life better, from more intelligent communication tools like FaceTime Video Messages and Live Voicemail to productivity enhancers like Interactive Widgets and Safari Profiles.
Now is the ideal moment to discover iOS 17’s greatest features if you haven’t already upgraded. Try them out now to get the most out of your iPhone!
What’s your favorite iOS 17 feature? Let us know in the comments!
FAQs
Question: What are the best new features in iOS 17?
Answer: iOS 17 introduces Live Voicemail, NameDrop, StandBy Mode, Interactive Widgets, and enhanced AirDrop. Other key updates include FaceTime Video Messages, Safari Profiles, and the new Journal app, making the iPhone experience more seamless and personalized.
Question: How do I update my iPhone to iOS 17?
Answer: To update to iOS 17, go to Settings > General > Software Update and check for available updates. Make sure your iPhone is compatible and has enough storage before downloading and installing the update.
Question: Is iOS 17 available for all iPhone models?
Answer: iOS 17 is available for iPhone XS and later models. Older devices, such as the iPhone X and iPhone 8, are not supported in this update. Check Apple’s official list to confirm your device’s compatibility.