Apple introduced the iOS 17 at WWDC 2023. The iOS 17 update brings some worthy improvements and new features, including Contacts Poster, NameDrop, StandBy, and more. Right from the exciting additions to helpful tools, this version is loaded with some fantastic features to level up the user experience. If you’re also curious to know what’s new in iOS 17, we’ve got you covered. After using iOS 17 for quite a time now, we’ve rounded off the best iOS 17 features that you should check out. Let’s jump to the list right away!
Top iOS 17 features
NameDrop
If I have to choose the best iOS 17 feature that I absolutely love, it has to be NameDrop. It’s a new AirDrop feature in iOS 17 that offers a shortcut to share contact information with new people you meet at conferences or parties. When you bring two iPhones close to each other, you can quickly exchange numbers, email addresses, and posters. It means, there’s no need to input the details manually. The lightning-fast speed and gorgeous visuals instantly grabbed our attention. It’s super easy and fun to use NameDrop on an iPhone so make sure to try it right now!
The iOS 17 NameDrop feature also works between an iPhone and Apple Watch. Two users can also bring their iPhones closer to share content or start SharePlay to watch a movie or play a game together. Moving on, if you move out of range during an AirDrop exchange, iOS 17 will use the internet to complete the transfer.
Contact Posters
Another exciting and super-cool feature of iOS 17 is the Contacts Poster which lets you add emojis or images to your contact card to express yourself better to specific contacts. Your personalized contact posters will appear full screen on the recipient’s iPhone when you call them. This iOS 17 feature follows the same design language as the iOS 16 Lock Screen, so you can customize contacts posters with colors, fonts, and more. The Contacts Poster feature will also work with third-party VoIP apps.
You can make Contact Posters for yourself as well as your saved contacts. Here’s how to create Contact Posters on iPhone in iOS 17.
StandBy Mode
Next on our best iOS 17 features list is Standby, a new mode for charging that turns your iPhone into a smart display. You get a full-screen experience with glanceable information like date & time, incoming calls, and notifications. Basically, it adds more functionality to your iPhones when they are charging and not in use.
You can use and personalize the iOS 17 StandBy mode to display your favorite photos, widgets, Live Activities, Smart Stack, and more. It means you can check match scores, get weather updates, and much more even when your iPhone is at a distance. This makes Standby a fantastic mode for your nightstand, kitchen counter, or desk.
Revamped Messages App
The Messages app also gets several updates with iOS 17. The app is now sleeker with an expandable menu that can display iMessage apps with a simple tap. For better organization, you can rearrange or delete iMessage apps as per your requirements. Next is Search Filters, which lets you search anything from a contact in an easier and faster way. Simply type the contact name followed by your query, and the Messages app will help you find exactly what you’re seeking.
Another new iMessage feature in iOS 17 is Catch Up, which shows the latest unread messages in a specific conversation. When you open an unread conversation, you will see a new arrow that indicates the last unread message.
Live Stickers
If you use iMessage, you’re going to love this new iOS 17 feature. The existing stickers feature in the Messages app gets an amazing overhaul with Live Stickers. You can add any emoji or photo cutout as stickers to make your iMessage conversations more fun. That’s not all. You have all the freedom to turn Live Photos into stickers and personalize them with some cool effects. So, it’s time to ditch the regular stickers and create personalized live stickers on your iPhone.
iMessage Check In
The slew of must-try iOS 17 features doesn’t end there. Apple also added a much useful iMessage feature called Check-In to help you share live location and status with your family & friends. It can automatically notify your family when you’ve reached your destination safely, cutting all the stress down. Also, it can share your cell service status and phone’s battery level to let your loved ones know if you’re in a dead zone. So, next time you’re traveling early morning or late at night, you can use the iMessage check-in feature on your iPhone to notify your loved ones.
iOS 17 Release Date: When will you get new features?
If you are wondering when iOS 17 is coming out and you’re eager to check out new features, then you will be glad to know that Apple is set to release iOS 17 on September 18, 2023. We have also prepared an iOS 17 release time guide to help you know when iOS 17 will release in your region/country.