Apple announces new iOS 17 software – fixes the worst problem about phone calls

APPLE has announced several major changes that are coming with its new mobile operating system iOS 17.

The tech giant says it will mostly affect three big apps but most people won’t see the changes for a few months.

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Apple made the iOS 17 announcement today at its WWDC 2023 event in California.

PHONE APP

The first app discussed was Apple’s Phone app.

You’ll soon be able to create customized contact posters so you can decide how you appear when you call someone.

There’s also a new feature called Live Voicemail.

You’ll be able to see live transcriptions of voicemails that are being recorded.

So you can work out whether you need to pick it up or leave the voicemail for later.

Apple is now letting you leave video voicemails via FaceTime.

So if someone isn’t available to FaceTime chat, you can still leave them a message.

MESSAGES APP

Messages is another app that’s changing and will have additional features.

These include group chat features and a transcription feature for audio messages.

Users will also be able to track the locations of friends and families easier with the new Check-In feature.

It automatically detects when you’re home.

The iOS 17 update will also change how autocorrect works.

A new back-end system will make autocorrect much more intelligent and capable.

It’ll be able to fix more types of grammatical mistakes and make it easier to tap out exactly what you want.

The Messages app will also get emoji changes and now any emoji can become a sticker.

AIRDROP UPDATE

Apple is updating AirDrop, the popular feature that lets you quickly share files or photos with people.

In iOS 17, there’s a new feature called NameDrop that lets you quickly share your contact details with someone else.

You can do it as an exchange, so both people swap their contact details in a matter of seconds.

NEW AIRDROP APP

If changes to old apps weren’t enough, Apple is also introducing a new one.

It’s called Journal and it will encourage users to write and document their days or trips.

You can add photos, videos, and music to the Journal app.

Apple made sure to state that the journal entries are private and that “no one” can access them.

STANDBY MODE

The iOS 17 software also brings a new StandBy mode.

It changes your lockscreen when you turn your phone to the side so you can view widgets or look at a slideshow of photos.

SIRI UPDATE

Siri is getting an update so you can just say “Siri” instead of “Hey Siri”.

And you’ll be able to make back-to-back commands without having to say Siri again.

WHEN IS THE IOS 17 RELEASE DATE?

Users aren’t expected to get access to iOS 17 for a few months.

Experts suspect iOS 17 will be launched in September, along with a new iPhone 15.

Beta testers and developers can access iOS 17 early.