WWDC happened and today I’m going to round up just a few of the headline details revealed for iOS17. There really was a lot, so here’s what caught my attention in particular.

First, FaceTime is adding Audio and Video Messages, Reactions, and Extends to Apple TV

FaceTime now supports audio and video messages so when users call someone who is not available, they can share a message that can be appreciated later.

FaceTime calls get more fun too with reactions like hearts, balloons, fireworks, laser beams, rain and more.

Apple TV 4K has a cool new update - FaceTime is now available on the biggest screen in the house. With Continuity Camera, users can easily start a video call from Apple TV or begin it on their iPhone and then move it to the TV - so they can talk to friends and family on the big screen. Centre Stage keeps your framing on point as you move around.

iOS 17 has lots of new updates for Messages, including emoji stickers and the option to make Live Stickers from photos. Users can make Live Stickers come alive with effects, and the keyboard now has a drawer that keeps all stickers together for simple access on iOS.

The Messages update makes it easier to stay in touch. Lost a message but know it’s in there somewhere? Search gets sharper and more accurate with filters, so users can start a search and add filters to refine their results and find what they want. A new catch-up arrow indicates where the user last left off in the conversation, and replying inline is as simple as swiping on a text bubble. If someone shares their location, it'll show up instantly in the chat. Transcription automatically happens when you send audio messages, so you can read it on the spot or listen later.

Messages also introduces Check In, an important feature for when a user wants to notify a family member or friend that they have made it to their destination safely. After a user initiates a Check In, their friend or family member will automatically be notified as soon as the user arrives. If they are not making progress toward their destination, useful information will be temporarily shared with the selected contact, such as the device’s location, battery level, and cell service status. Any information shared is end-to-end encrypted.

iOS17 also brings a well-overdue update to autocorrect with a transformer language model, explained as a state-of-the-art on-device machine learning language model for word prediction — improving the experience and accuracy for users every time they type. And Dictation will leverage a new speech recognition model to make it even more accurate. This is also well overdue.

What else? Well, I spoke about the new Journaling feature in yesterday’s show, so catch up with that there. But there’s also StandBy: giving users a full-screen experience with glanceable information designed to be viewed from a distance when iPhone is on its side and charging. Put StandBy on your nightstand, counter, or desk and customize it however you want with clock styles, photos, or widgets like Smart Stacks- which only show you what you need when you need it. StandBy adds a whole bunch of new features like Live Activities, Siri, incoming calls and bigger notifications, meaning you can use your iPhone from further away.

The list goes on, it really does. This is a pretty mammoth update.

The Health app's got some fresh mental health features. Users can keep track of their moods and emotions each day. Furthermore, viewing the device from a greater distance can help kids reduce the risk of myopia and adult users can reduce digital eyestrain. Screen Distance in Screen Time uses the TrueDepth camera to encourage users to move their device farther away after holding it closer than 30 centimetres from their face for an extended period of time.

Maps adds offline maps so users can download a specific area and access turn-by-turn navigation, see their estimated time of arrival, find places in Maps, and more while offline. 

AirTag can be shared with up to five other people, allowing friends and family to keep track of an item in Find My. Everyone in a group will be able to see an item’s location, play a sound, and use Precision Finding to help pinpoint the location of a shared AirTag when nearby. 

Siri can be activated by simply saying “Siri.” Once activated, you can issue multiple commands in succession without needing to reactivate the assistant.

And there’s more for the Home app, Photos, accessability, and even visual look up which can now be used for paused video frames. It’s a crazy big update and I’ve only told you the headlines. Expect the p[ublic beta out next month, and it’s already out there for developers.

It will be available for iPhone Xs and newer - so if you’re on an iPhone X or 8 and you want these features, now’s the time to upgrade either to a 14 or something on the second-hand market.

Have fun when it comes - I’ll be going through some of the features I’m most interested in on my main Youtube channel @TheSarbJohal. See you there, and keep listening for more here at the A+ Report.

Cheers.

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