Apple Released iOS 17.2 For All - These Are The Best New Features
Introduction
Apple finally releases iOS 17.2 for all compatible devices. A highly anticipated addition to iOS 17.2 is the Journal app, first unveiled during the June 2023 WWDC. Beyond the introduction of this first-party application, Apple has incorporated several noteworthy features in iOS 17.2 such as Spatial Video for the iPhone 15 Pro.
iPhone users that had installed last week’s iOS 17.2 Release Candidate are already using the version that was released to the public. This means that these users will not receive a new update week.
The rollout doesn't stop at iOS – Apple has also seeded the public versions of watchOS 10.2, iPadOS 17.2, macOS Sonoma 14.2, and tvOS 17.2. Notably, tvOS 17.2 introduces a captivating new user interface (UI), complementing the comprehensive update. Simultaneously, Apple has released the new HomePod software version 17.2 as well.
New Features (click here for the full list)
Spatial Video
The headline feature of iOS 17.2 is the introduction of Spatial Video together with the release of the Journal app. Spatial Video is an impressive new capability now available on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. You can read more details about this feature here.
New Journal App
The long-awaited Journal app, announced in June 2023, is now integrated into iOS 17.2. 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.
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 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.
New Apple Music Features
Although Collaborative Playlists has been pushed back to 2024, 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. 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.”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other New Features
Default Alerts: Apple is finally granting iPhone users on iOS 17.2 the ability to customize their Default Alerts sound and the default Haptics - a feature never offered before.
iPhone as AirPlay Receiver: iOS 17.2 extends functionality by allowing iPhones to serve as AirPlay receivers.
New Live Wallpaper: Apple is reintroducing a new live wallpaper Collection available in 9 colorways.
Qi2 charger support: Apple has updated all iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models, which can now support the new Qi wireless charging protocol, Qi 2. Qi 2 is based on Apple’s MagSafe charger which means that Qi 2 phones support Magnetic Wireless Charging and also faster charging speeds at 15W, compared to 7.5W supported by the original Qi wireless charging devices.
Apple is adding a plethora of new features with iOS 17.2 (click here for Apple’s full release notes).
