As has become a September tradition, Apple is preparing for the launch of its new iPhone by releasing a new version of iOS. It brings a host of new features to all iPhones over the past five years, including an unexpected change to auto-correct.
According to Tom Acres, technology reporter
Mon Sep 18 2023 01:42 UK
Ahead of the iPhone 15 launch, a major software update will land on existing Apple phones today.
iOS 17 brings new features including a standby mode that turns your device into a smart bedside display, interactive home screen widgets, and the ability to clone your voice using AI.
Sky News has been trialling the update since it was released to beta testers earlier this summer, and we’ve put together a list of the main things you need to know.
But first, how do you actually get the update?
Check if your iPhone is compatible
A good soldier may never leave a man behind, but he sees every year Apple kick at least one iPhone from the update list.
It’s especially symbolic this time around, as one of those to miss out is the iPhone X, which was the first to abandon the once-ubiquitous home button. when he debuted in 2017.
Also missing on iOS 17 iPhone 8 and 8 Plusbut like X, they will still receive important security updates.
All newer iPhones are set to today’s changes – if you’re not sure what you have, check the model name in your phone’s settings under General/About.
Install the update
If you have automatic updates enabled, iOS 17 should arrive without you having to do anything.
However, it can take a few days, so if you’re impatient, you can install it yourself today.
Go to the settings app, then general/info/software update and check if Apple has already made them available.
Now without further ado to the main new features…
Read more:
Apple introduced the iPhone 15 with a new charging port
Apple is changing the connector again
“Ducking” autocorrect.
One of the most famous announcements when Apple first detailed iOS 17 upgraded autocorrect.
The iPhone keyboard will now learn how you like to chat, so it will no longer “correct” any profanity you like to use on purpose.
Standby Mode
For those of you who sleep with your iPhone by your bed, this will turn it into an assistant similar to a home hub.
When activated, selected widgets such as clock, calendar, photos, weather, and media playback controls will appear on the screen when the phone is charged and in landscape mode.
Interactive widgets
Apple was late to the widget party when they finally arrived on the iPhone a few years ago, and this time Android is following suit and making them interactive.
Basically, this means you can have micro-restricted versions of apps that you can control right from your home screen without actually opening them — for example, by ticking off tasks in a reminder list.
Calls and messages
The phone app will introduce customizable contact cards that show up when someone calls you — and you can share them with someone new using AirDrop by bringing your devices closer together.
Voicemails are getting more and more useful, and live transcripts will help you decide whether to pick up or ignore the call, and you’ll also be able to leave it as a FaceTime video.
And Messages will adopt a check-in feature similar to apps like HomeSafe, so you can let friends and family know when you’re out and about — sending them alerts when you arrive at your planned destination and displaying important information like battery status and signal strength when you’re not no response.
Voice cloning and accessibility
The voice cloning above allows you to create an on-demand version of yourself that can read any given phrase out loud – we’ve tested it and you can read how it works here.
Designed for people who are at risk of losing the ability to speak, or who find it difficult, it lives under the accessibility settings – along with other new features like adjusting Siri’s speech speed.
Privacy and security
Now you can share passwords in your iCloud Keychain with trusted friends and family, while the Safari web browser hides your private sessions behind a facial lock.
Apple’s messaging app and third-party apps that support it can now flag sensitive photos and videos for you before you open them — primarily designed to prevent you from receiving unwanted nude photos.
Photo recognition
A big win for multi-pet households is that the Photos app can now recognize and distinguish animals.
And if someone sends you a picture of a good-looking plate of food, you can click the info button and get an online selection of recipes for similar dishes.
Mental health
Most people probably associate a health app with tracking runs, swims and cycles – but now it will offer a way to track mood and assess signs of anxiety and depression.
And PSA: “Hey Siri” turns into even easier to accidentally activate “Siri”, so be careful.
