🎉 Here's iOS 17: A breakdown of exciting new features and enhancements

During the much-anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023, Apple took the stage to announce the latest iteration of its mobile operating system, iOS 17. Packed with a host of innovative features and improvements, the update promises to elevate the user experience on iPhones to new heights.

One of the standout additions in iOS 17 is the nightstand mode for the iPhone's display. This mode not only serves as a convenient bedside clock but also provides users with useful information tailored to their preferences. With customizable clockfaces, users can personalize their nightstand display according to their style and mood. The people from Cupertino is also introducing Journal, a built-in app that aims to make journaling a seamless and enjoyable experience. Journal suggests moments worth commemorating, and users can create encrypted entries complete with photos, music, and even activities. Unlike other third-party apps like Day One or Journey, Journal will be able to suggest information to add based on its integration with the system. For example, if you have listened to something in Apple Podcasts or Apple Music, it can automatically suggest a snippet from it thanks to its integration. Something similar happens if you have messaged someone with Messages or taken a photo from Apple Photos. This feature ensures that users can cherish their memories securely and conveniently within the iOS ecosystem.

Apple has also revamped contact cards, turning them into eye-catching posters that recipients see on their iPhones during calls. These posters add a touch of visual flair to interactions, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Additionally, the update brings live transcription to voicemail messages, allowing users to view real-time transcripts and decide whether to answer or let the message play out. Furthermore, Apple has focused on enhancing the Messages app in iOS 17. Users can now benefit from filtered searches, a jump-to-recent message feature, voice message transcriptions, and the ability to share live location and status through Check In. Stickers have received a significant upgrade as well, with support for adding any emoji or photo cutout, as well as effects and animated stickers from live photos.

AirDrop, Apple's popular file-sharing feature, now introduces NameDrop in iOS 17. By simply bringing two iPhones near each other, users can easily share contact information and photos (somewhat similar to services like HiHello), streamlining the process of exchanging essential details with friends, family, or colleagues.

Keyboard updates also take center stage with iOS 17. Improved autocorrect functionality powered by a new language model ensures more accurate suggestions. In-line predictive typing enables users to compose messages swiftly, while sentence-level autocorrections minimize errors and enhance overall typing efficiency. Siri has also received some love, and now is more capable than ever. With iOS 17, Siri recognizes back-to-back commands and no longer requires the "hey" wake word, streamlining the interaction process. Additionally, Siri's integration with the StandBy charging mode introduces a wealth of visual results, enriching the user experience with visual information displayed on the screen. Speaking of StandBy charging mode, iOS 17 introduces this innovative feature that transforms the iPhone's screen into a dynamic status display. Users can view the date, time, Live Activities, widgets, and smart stacks without unlocking their device. The StandBy mode also showcases highlighted photos and offers customizable clockfaces, adapting to a soothing red tone at night to avoid disrupting sleep (again, somewhat similar to the Amazon's Echo Show or the Google Nest Hub, but more convenient).

iOS 17 builds upon the success of its predecessor, iOS 16, which focused on quality-of-life improvements, iMessage features, and the introduction of the Dynamic Island concept. Notably, the update emphasizes the differentiation between the iPhone 14 Pro and the regular iPhone 14 models. Exclusive features like the always-on display and Dynamic Island are limited to the Pro model, showcasing Apple's commitment to providing distinct experiences across its product lineup. There are still plenty of cool new features we haven't mentioned here, so feel free to take a detailed look at on the official press release page or check out the list of sources we shared below.