The upcoming iOS 17 update promises a slew of new enhancements including improvements to Messages, the introduction of a new StandBy mode, and more. However, a number of highly awaited features will not debut immediately and are expected to arrive later.
The Journal App
Perhaps one of the most awaited elements of iOS 17 is the Journal app, pitched by Apple as an innovative way to cherish life and capture memories. The app will employ machine learning algorithms to propose significant moments for documentation. The app will prompt users to draft journal entries surrounding various life aspects such as photographs, music, physical exercise, and more.
Although initially anticipated to be a part of the September release, Apple has confirmed the Journal app will make its appearance “later this year”.
Upgraded Airdrop Features
Another notable enhancement is in AirDrop’s functionality. The introduction of a feature called “NameDrop” will facilitate easier exchange of contact information. Furthermore, an intuitive feature allowing users to begin sharing content simply by bringing two devices into proximity of each other has generated much excitement.
Apple has also announced a robust feature that ensures AirDrop transfers continue to completion even if you move away from the receiving device, transferring securely and at full quality over the Internet if both parties are logged into iCloud. Unfortunately, this capability will also be a “later this year” addition, missing from the initial iOS 17 beta.
Collaborative Playlists in Apple Music
For audiophiles, iOS 17 heralds the introduction of collaborative playlists on Apple Music. This interactive feature lets you invite friends to contribute to a playlist, allowing for song addition, rearrangement, or deletion. It will also offer Emoji reactions for songs in the Now Playing interface for an added element of fun. However, this feature too is earmarked for a “later this year” release, according to Apple’s confirmation.
Other Delayed Features
- Messages in iOS 17 will allow users to create stickers from photos and share them from the ‘Plus’ menu, with future support for sharing via the Tapback menu. Settings synchronization, including text message forwarding, SMS filters, and accounts, will be possible through iCloud in a later release
- The News widget will gain playback controls for Apple News podcasts and News+ audio stories on iOS 17
- Systemwide intelligent PDF form detection with enhanced AutoFill will be available in apps like Files and Mail, as well as for scanned documents
- The Fitness app will allow users to prioritize the volume of trainer voices or music during training sessions on iOS 17
- Proximity sign-in using the particle cloud technology, used by devices like HomePod and Apple Watch, will be expanded to make it easier to sign in to other devices using a trusted iPhone or iPad.
- iOS 17 will enable users to tap to unlock Matter-enabled smart locks with a home key or set up a PIN code in the Home app
In light of these delays, iOS 17 is still poised to offer a list of features this September. But some, like the Journal app, enriched AirDrop functionalities, and Apple Music’s collaborative playlists, will necessitate a little more patience.
Apple may further tweak its release schedules based on user feedback and developmental strides.