Apple Released iOS 17.2 Beta 1 with 10 Major New Features
Introduction
A day after the public release of iOS 17.1, Apple decides to release iOS 17.2 Beta 1 for developers and public beta testers. iOS 17.2 introduces the long awaited Journal app which was announced back in June 2023 during June’s WWDC. Apart from the new first party application introduced by Apple, several new features and optimisations have been introduced with the first beta of iOS 17.2.
Apple also seeded the first beta versions of watchOS 10.2, iPadOS 17.2, macOS Sonoma 14.2 and tvOS 17.2. The latter introduces a new and interesting user interface (UI).
New Journal App
Apple's Journal app, is set to debut alongside iOS 17.2 probably in late November or early December 2023 if we follow the release pattern of the previous major iOS releases. This new iPhone app is all about making it easier for you to document your experiences and stories in a fun and meaningful way.
Journal leverages on-device machine learning to provide personalized suggestions for your journal entries. It analyzes your photos, location, music, workouts, and more to prompt you with questions like "What was the highlight of your trip?" or "What's the story behind these photos?" These suggestions and writing prompts make it a breeze to get started with your journaling. You can even set a schedule for your journaling practice to keep it consistent.
Journal features on-device processing, end-to-end encryption, and the option to lock your journal for better security. This means that no one but you, not even Apple, can access your personal journal. So, whether it's capturing memories, brainstorming ideas, or simply reflecting on your day, Journal is an ambitious application released by Apple in order to be your trusty companion for self-expression or even personal storytelling.
Journal App Splash Screen & Icon
New Action Button Option: “Translate”
For iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max users, the Action Button just got a whole lot more versatile. If you haven't noticed yet, Apple has bid farewell to the conventional mute switch and replaced it with a customizable Action Button for this year's pro iPhone models. The latest addition to this feature is the a really useful translation option. By selecting translate as your preferred Action Button function, your iPhone 15 Pro springs to life with a mesmerizing animation. It instantly displays the recognized text and seamlessly provides you with the translated version. Apple's commitment to expanding the capabilities of the Action Button is nothing short of commendable, offering users an exciting and convenient tool for a wide range of tasks.
Action Button Comes with A New Translate Option
New Apple Music Features
You can now invite your friends to join in the musical fun. This means everyone can contribute by adding, reordering, and removing songs, making it easier than ever to curate the perfect playlist for any occasion. Plus, in the "Now Playing" view, music enthusiasts can express their reactions using emojis, adding a playful and interactive element to your listening sessions.
Moreover, the introduction of the "Favorite Songs" playlist is a delightful addition for those who cherish specific tracks. This playlist serves as a quick and convenient way to revisit your most beloved songs. Whether you're revisiting your cherished tunes or just seeking some musical nostalgia, you can easily access the "Favorite Songs" playlist in your Library or simply ask Siri to do the honors. With these two new music features, Apple is making it even more enjoyable to create, share, and relish your music collection.
New Favorites Playlists (left) & Collaborative Playlists (right)
Apple Music Filters are now available in Focus settings. Apple has added the following filter in Focus: “Choose if music played will influence recommendations and mixes, appear in Recently Played, or be shown to others on Apple Music.”
Apple Music Focus Filter Option
New Widgets - Weather & Clock
The native Weather Application has been enhanced with three new small sized widgets, “Details”, “Daily Forecast” and “Sunrise and Sunset”. This is the description for each new weather widgets according to Apple:
Details: See the chance of precipitation, UV index, wind, and more.
Daily forecast: See the current weather conditions and daily forecast for a location.
Sunrise and sunset: See the upcoming sunrise and sunset information for your location.
Apple also introduces a new Clock widget with iOS 17.2, named Clock Digital. Again this is a small sized widget which is available only in white color and does not change into black when Dark Mode is enabled.
New Clock & Weather Widgets
Rainbow Font Color in Contact Posters
Apple has added a new font color option in iOS 17.2 beta 1. Users are now able to select a rainbow font color when editing or creating a new contact poster. This is another small detail added by Apple to enhance the experience. This rainbow font color is not available when designing a wallpaper. At least not yet.
New Rainbow Font color option when designing contact posters.
iMessage Contact Key Verification
Apple is at last delivering the iMessage Contact Key Verification feature, which was initially announced in December 2022 as a pivotal component of its Advanced Security Features roadmap for the iPhone. For iOS 17.2 users keen on enabling this feature, the process is straightforward. Simply navigate to the Settings, tap on your name at the top, select "Contact Key Verification" at the bottom, and toggle the "Verification in iMessage" option to the 'on' position. Below, you'll find the complete release notes outlining this new feature, as provided by Apple:
With iMessage Contact Key Verification, users can choose to further verify that they are messaging only with the people they intend. iMessage Contact Key Verification uses Key Transparency to enable automatic verification that the iMessage key distribution service returns device keys that have been logged to a verifiable and auditable map. When a user enables the feature, they will be notified about any validation errors directly in the Messages conversation transcript and Apple ID Settings.
For even higher security, iMessage Contact Key Verification users can compare a contact verification code in person, on FaceTime, or through another secure call. They can also choose to create or edit a contact and save a public key to turn on iMessage Contact Key Verification with that person.
All devices signed into your iCloud account must be on the minimum supported version of iOS 17.2 Beta, macOS 17.2 Beta, or watchOS 17.2 Beta. If you wish to keep using other devices on older versions of the OS, you will need to sign out of iMessage on these devices in order to enable contact key verification. (111356044)
iMessage Contact Key Verification Activate Screen
Messages: React with a Sticker or an Emoji
Apple is introducing a long-awaited feature with iOS 17.2, allowing users to react to messages using any sticker or even an emoji. This new functionality can be accessed either through the plus button or directly from the Tapback menu within the Messages app. By long-pressing on an incoming message, you can opt for the "Add Sticker" feature from the Tapback menu, allowing you to embellish your selected message with a sticker of your choice. This marks the fulfillment of another iOS 17 feature that Apple initially unveiled at WWDC23 in June but was not immediately available when iOS 17.0 was released.
Messages: React with a Sticker
New Memoji Body Option
Apple is elevating the personalization of Memojis with the introduction of an all-new category: "Body." With iOS 17.2, users can now fine-tune the Waist, Bust, Shoulders, and Arms size of their Memojis to align them precisely with their real-life appearance or their desired image. This latest enhancement provides an exciting opportunity to craft Memojis that are even more reflective of the individual, offering a level of customization that empowers users to express themselves authentically through their digital avatars. This addition underscores Apple's commitment to providing a rich and diverse experience for its users, ensuring that Memojis can be as unique as the people who create them.
Memoji Body Option on iOS 17.2 (left) vs iOS 17.1 (right)
New Page Turn Animation on Books: Fast Fade
Apple is introducing a fresh addition to its native Books application with a new page turn animation. This enhancement grants users the ability to choose a distinct animation for flipping pages in both books and PDFs. This new page turn animation, dubbed "Fast Fade," is designed for those who prefer a swift and efficient page-turning experience without the delay of slower animations.
Activating this new animation is a breeze. While reading a book, simply tap anywhere on the screen, then navigate to the settings icon located at the bottom right corner of the page. Select "Themes & Settings," tap on the animation icon (as illustrated in the image below), and then choose "Fast Fade." This streamlined process allows readers to tailor their page-turning experience to their liking within the Books app.
New Page Turn Animation on Books: Fast Fade
iPhone as AirPlay Receiver
Apple has introduced a new AirPlay receiver toogle, that allows Apple Vision Pro owners to stream content directly to the iPhone. Once this feature is enabled from “AirPlay & Handoff” option in Settings, General, apple reveals two other options. The first is similar to the AirDrop feature and allows you to select which Apple Vision Pro owners can stream content to your iPhone (Current User or Everyone). Apple also allows you to set an AirPlay password that needs to be set in order to connect to your iPhone via AirPlay.
Apple is testing a new feature for Apple Vision Pro owners, a dedicated AirPlay receiver toggle. With this addition, users can seamlessly stream content from their Apple Vision Pro directly to their iPhone. Enabling this feature is a straightforward process, accessible through the "AirPlay & Handoff" option located within the Settings under General. Once activated, Apple unveils two additional options to enhance your AirPlay experience.
The first option is reminiscent of the AirDrop functionality, enabling you to specify which Apple Vision Pro owners can initiate content streaming to your iPhone, granting you the choice between "Current User" or "Everyone." Furthermore, Apple offers an extra layer of security by allowing you to set a unique AirPlay password. This password ensures that only authorized devices can connect to your iPhone via AirPlay, safeguarding your streaming experience.
