Hey there! Exciting news for iPhone users, as Apple is currently beta testing iOS 17.2, the second major update to the iOS 17 operating system. Set to make its public debut in December, this update brings a plethora of new features and improvements. One standout addition is the Journal app, which allows users to record their daily activities and thoughts with optional prompts provided by Apple. Another neat feature is the ability to add sticker responses in the Messages app, giving users a fun and expressive way to react to chats. This article provides a comprehensive overview of all the new features coming with iOS 17.2, so keep reading to stay in the loop!
Journal App
iOS 17.2 includes the Journal app that Apple announced as part of iOS 17. With the Journal app, you can record your daily activities and thoughts, with Apple providing optional prompts that can be used as inspiration. Adding a Journal entry is simple – just tap on the “+” button in the Journal app. From there, you can choose a suggestion as the basis for your writing or opt for a “New Entry” to write anything you like. Entries are automatically tagged with a date for organizational purposes, but you also have the option to add bookmarks. The Journal app also allows you to include images, voice recordings, and location tags in your entries, making them even more personal and detailed.
Messages App Sticker Reactions
The Messages app in iOS 17.2 introduces a new feature called Sticker Reactions. Now, you can long press on any chat bubble in the Messages app to add a sticker response. This serves as an alternative to a tapback reaction and allows you to express yourself more creatively. By tapping on “Add Sticker,” you can choose either a sticker or an emoji to apply to the corner of an iMessage. This feature makes responding to incoming messages quicker and adds a fun and visually appealing element to your conversations.
Spatial Video Recording
One of the exciting new features in iOS 17.2 is spatial video recording. This feature is available for both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. To enable spatial video recording, simply go to the Settings app. From there, navigate to the Camera section and select Formats. Toggle on the “Spatial Video for Apple Vision Pro” option. When recording spatial video, it is recommended to hold your iPhone in a stable landscape orientation to achieve the best results. The videos are recorded at 30 frames per second at 1080p resolution. Please note that to view spatial videos in 3D, you will need the Apple Vision Pro headset.
Collaborative Apple Music Playlists
A new feature introduced in iOS 17.2 is the ability to create collaborative playlists in Apple Music. This means that multiple people can contribute to a playlist, making it a great way to discover new music and create playlists for special occasions or shared interests. To create a collaborative playlist, simply tap on the three-dot icon in the top right corner of the Apple Music app. From there, select the Collaborate option and choose “Start Collaboration.” You will then be able to create a link to the playlist, and anyone with access to the link can add songs to it. You can also invite people to join the playlist via a QR code and manually approve each person who requests to join.
Favorites Apple Music Playlist
In iOS 17.2, Apple has introduced a new feature that aggregates all the songs you have favorited in the Apple Music app into a dedicated playlist called Favorites. This playlist makes it easy to access and enjoy all your favorite songs in one place. It eliminates the need to search for individual songs or albums and provides a convenient way to listen to your most-loved tracks.
Apple Music Listening History Focus Filter
For those who share their devices with others and want to maintain their personalized music recommendations, iOS 17.2 introduces a Focus Filter for the Apple Music Listening History. By activating this filter, you can temporarily turn off the Listening History feature, ensuring that the music choices of others using your device do not influence your personalized recommendations. This gives you more control over your music suggestions and allows you to enjoy a tailored listening experience.
Action Button Translate
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users now have a new translate option for the Action button. When the Action button is set as Translate, simply press and hold to activate the Translate window. This feature allows you to easily translate spoken text from one language to another. The Translate function uses the languages that you have previously set up in the Translate app, making it a convenient tool for overcoming language barriers and communicating effectively.
iMessage Contact Key Verification
iOS 17.2 introduces a feature called iMessage Contact Key Verification, designed to provide enhanced security for those who face “extraordinary digital threats.” This feature is particularly useful for journalists, human rights activists, and government officials. With iMessage Contact Key Verification, you can ensure that no one is eavesdropping or intercepting your iMessage conversations. It provides an option to display a Contact Verification Code, which allows you to verify the identity of the person you’re communicating with during in-person meetings or FaceTime calls.
Messages in iCloud Syncing
The Messages section in iCloud has been renamed to Messages in iCloud in iOS 17.2. This section provides useful information about your messages, including the total amount of storage they are occupying, the number of messages synced to iCloud, and the time of the last sync. This renaming makes it easier to locate and manage your messages. Additionally, there’s a “Sync Now” option that allows you to manually force an update and sync your messages across all your devices.
Siri
Siri in iOS 17.2 has received some exciting new features. Now, when you have active turn-by-turn directions in the Maps app, Siri can provide details on the estimated time of arrival, giving you valuable information about your journey. In addition to this, Siri can also provide altitude data, which can be particularly helpful for outdoor activities such as hiking or climbing. These Siri enhancements make the personal assistant even more useful and informative.
These are just some of the new features introduced in iOS 17.2. The update brings a wide range of enhancements and improvements across various apps and functionalities, further enhancing the overall user experience. As the beta testing phase continues, we can expect even more exciting features to be unveiled before the public launch in December. Stay tuned for further updates and enjoy exploring all the new features in iOS 17.2!
