WWDC 2023: iOS 17 has updates to core features and a new Journal app

Apple has officially unveiled iOS 17.

At WWDC 2023, the company's developers conference, Apple introduced the newest version of its iPhone operating system. Per usual, the iOS 17 update won't be available until later this year, but we got the full details on what to expect when it's released.

Phone, FaceTime, and Messages

iOS 17 comes with all around updates to core functions like Phone, FaceTime, and Messages. This includes personalized contact posters, live transcription of phone calls and voicemails, and recorded messages on FaceTime. In Messages, iOS 17 comes with new search filters for narrowing results, and ways of catching up with unread messages, and an easier way of reply to inline messages by swiping. Audio messages are also transcribed.

An all-new feature in Messages is Check In which can share current location and help notify contacts when you're home safely. iOS 17 has an improved interface for the plus button on Messages, which also includes emoji stickers, and the ability to make new stickers.

AirDrop

Apple has expanded AirDrop's capabilities in iOS 17 called NameDrop. By bringing two iPhones (or Apple Watch) close together, you can share contacts more easily.

Keyboard and dictation

Autocorrect is getting better with iOS 17. The keyboard uses a transformer model which is more accurate for word prediction. It has improved design for fixing grammatically mistakes and a better way of reverting to a word that you didn't want corrected.

Journal app

Apple announced a brand new app for iOS 17 called Journal which has personalized suggestions from files on your iPhone like photos and workouts. Journal also includes reflection prompts. You can also schedule notifications to remind you to write.

StandBy

In horizontal orientation, StandBy works as a smart display, showing the time, temperature, and schedule. Other notifications can be added as widgets — Apple or third party. StandBy is integrated with Siri and adapts to low light so it can be used while sleeping.

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