Here’s everything new in iOS 17.2
Apple has recently released iOS 17.2, introducing an array of innovative features and enhancements to elevate the user experience on iPhones. From the much-anticipated Journal app to refined Apple Music functionalities and camera improvements, let’s delve into the details of what iOS 17.2 has to offer.
- Journal App: Cherishing Life’s Moments
A significant addition is the new Journal app, designed to offer users a unique way to capture and relive life’s moments. While currently exclusive to iPhones, there is anticipation regarding its potential expansion to iPad and Mac in the future.
- Apple Music Enhancements: Favorites Playlist and Listening History Control
iOS 17.2 introduces a default playlist called “Favorite Songs” for Apple Music users, automatically generated based on favorited tracks. Furthermore, users now have the ability to control whether Apple Music listening history influences recommendations and mixes during Focus Mode.
- Spatial Video Recording for iPhone 15 Pro Users
Exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users, iOS 17.2 introduces the capability to record spatial videos for Vision Pro. This feature, offering 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second, adds a new dimension to video creation.
- Customizable Notification Sounds
Responding to user feedback, iOS 17.2 allows users to customize the default notification sound. Personalize your alert tones by navigating to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Default Alerts.
- Messages App Upgrades: Reactions and Catch-Up Arrow
Enhancements to the Messages app include the ability to react to messages using stickers or emojis. Additionally, a convenient “catch-up arrow” facilitates jumping to the first unread message in a conversation.
- AirDrop Improvements and Action Button Translation
Sharing passes and tickets is made easier with AirDrop improvements, similar to the contact sharing feature, NameDrop. Furthermore, iPhone 15 Pro users can assign the Action button to initiate automatic voice-to-text translation, a feature initially announced with the iPhone 15 Pro release.
- New Widgets for Clock and Weather Apps
The Weather app receives three new widgets, offering detailed information on precipitation, UV index, wind, and more. Meanwhile, the Clock app introduces the “Clock Digital” widget, providing a digital format for the first time.
- Emergency Alerts with “Local Awareness”
iOS 17.2 introduces “Local Awareness” for Emergency Alerts, aiming to enhance the timeliness and accuracy of emergency information based on your approximate location.
- Contact Key Verification for Enhanced iMessage Security
Contact Key Verification, unveiled a year ago, is now integrated into iOS 17.2, providing an additional layer of security to iMessage. This is particularly valuable for individuals facing heightened risks of targeted online threats.
- Camera Improvements for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple focuses on enhancing the Telephoto camera’s focusing speed for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, promising an improved photography experience.
- AirPlay Receiver Option for Vision Pro
iOS 17.2 introduces an “AirPlay Receiver” option for Vision Pro, enabling content streaming or sharing from Apple Vision Pro to your iPhone.
- iTunes Store Changes: Transition to the TV App
In preparation for upcoming changes, iOS 17.2 lays the groundwork for phasing out dedicated iTunes movie and TV show apps in favor of the TV app.
- Qi2 Charging Support and Software Update Features
Qi2 wireless charging support is unlocked for iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 users. Additionally, iOS 17.2 introduces a feature allowing iPhones to be updated even if they are still sealed in the box, a convenience for Apple retail employees.
- Miscellaneous Enhancements and Fixes
iOS 17.2 addresses various issues, including Wi-Fi slowdowns, introduces new subcategories in the App Store, enhances AutoFill for forms, and includes a range of minor improvements.
Conclusion:
iOS 17.2 introduces a wealth of features catering to diverse user preferences and needs. From multimedia enhancements to security updates and improved device management, Apple continues to refine its iOS ecosystem. Explore the latest update to make the most of your Apple device’s capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About iOS 17.2
- Q: How can I access the new Journal app on my iPhone? A: The Journal app is accessible on iPhones with the iOS 17.2 update. Simply locate the app on your home screen or use the search function. As of now, it is exclusive to iPhones, and there’s no official information about its availability on iPad or Mac.
- Q: Can I create collaborative playlists in Apple Music with iOS 17.2? A: No, the ability to create collaborative playlists, initially teased during WWDC and available in early iOS 17.2 betas, was removed in later updates due to concerns around abuse and spam.
- Q: How do I customize the default notification sound in iOS 17.2? A: To change the default notification sound, navigate to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Default Alerts. Here, you can choose from a variety of sounds and haptic feedback options to personalize your alert tones.
- Q: What is the purpose of “Local Awareness” in Emergency Alerts? A: “Local Awareness” in Emergency Alerts uses your approximate location to enhance the timeliness, accuracy, and reliability of emergency information. You can enable this feature by going to Settings > Notifications > Emergency Alerts.
- Q: How do I activate Contact Key Verification for iMessage security? A: Contact Key Verification is automatically enabled in iOS 17.2. This feature ensures that your iMessages are reaching only the intended recipients, providing an added layer of security. There are no specific settings to enable; it functions seamlessly in the background.
- Q: What devices support spatial video recording in iOS 17.2? A: Spatial video recording is available for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users with iOS 17.2. To enable this feature, go to the Settings app, choose the Camera menu, then navigate to Formats and toggle the “Spatial Video for Apple Vision Pro” option.
- Q: How does the AirPlay Receiver option work for Vision Pro? A: iOS 17.2 introduces an “AirPlay Receiver” option for Vision Pro, allowing you to stream or share content from Apple Vision Pro to your iPhone. You can find this toggle in the Settings app under the AirPlay menu.
- Q: What changes are happening to the iTunes Store in iOS 17.2? A: iOS 17.2 marks the beginning of the transition away from dedicated iTunes movie and TV show apps in favor of the TV app. Users may notice new messaging redirecting them to the TV app for their content.
- Q: How do I update an iPhone still sealed in the box with iOS 17.2? A: iOS 17.2 lays the groundwork for a feature that allows iPhones to be updated even if they are still sealed in the box. This capability is particularly useful for Apple retail employees, enabling them to ensure that devices have the latest software before reaching customers.
- Q: Are there any improvements to the iPhone 15 Pro camera in iOS 17.2? A: Yes, iOS 17.2 includes an improvement specifically focused on enhancing the Telephoto camera’s focusing speed for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users. Further testing will reveal the extent of this improvement.
Also Read: A Sneak Peek into iOS 17.2’s Keyboard Improvements