Article on iOS 17 with references:
iOS 17 Available Today: New Features
Unveiled
Apple today released iOS 17, the
latest version of its mobile operating system for iPhones. With iOS 17, Apple
is introducing new productivity, personalization and sharing features while
also improving stability and performance. Here's a look at some of the biggest
changes coming in iOS 17.
Lock Screen Customization
One of the most visible changes in iOS
17 is a redesigned Lock Screen that gives users more customization options.
Users can now customize their Lock Screen with various wallpapers and widgets
to see calendar events, weather, activity rings and other info at a glance.1
Users can also set multiple Lock Screens with different widgets and switch
between them with a swipe.
Live Activities
Live Activities allow third-party apps
to present updates to users on the Lock Screen without needing to open the app.
For example, sports apps can show live scores, ride-sharing apps can show the
ETA of the driver, and food delivery apps can provide order tracking.2 Live
Activities are designed to keep users informed without interrupting what
they're doing.
iCloud Shared Photo Library
A new iCloud Shared Photo Library lets
up to six users share photos automatically with family members. Photos added to
the Shared Library are accessible to all members, who can add, edit, favorite
or caption the shared photos.3 This makes it easy for families to stay
connected and share memorable moments even when apart.
Visual Look Up
Apple's Visual Look Up feature has
been expanded in iOS 17 to recognize birds, insects and statues in photos.4
Users can tap and hold on a subject to get more information like the name of
the bird or statue without needing an internet connection. Visual Look Up also
recognizes landmarks, books, plants and more.
Mail Improvements
iOS 17's Mail app gets some notable
improvements like the ability to cancel sending emails up to 10 seconds after
hitting send.5 Users can also schedule emails ahead of time like with Google's
Gmail. Mail also gains the ability to follow up on emails, resurface unread
messages and add reminders to get back to emails later.
Fitness Tracking
The Fitness app gains new tools like
multisport mode for tracking different activities consecutively like a bike
ride followed by a run.6 Fitness data can now be shared with third-party apps
as well. The Fitness app also now provides more metrics and training guidance
for runners.
CarPlay Updates
CarPlay, Apple's platform for
integrating iPhones with vehicle infotainment systems, gains new widgets and
improvements in iOS 17.7 Drivers can see live sports scores, check calendar
appointments and control smart home devices directly from the CarPlay dashboard.
CarPlay also supports multi-stop routing and estimated arrival times for each
stop.
iPad Features
While the core iOS experience remains
the same across iPhone and iPad, iPadOS 17 includes features tailored for the
larger screen like improved multitasking, Stage Manager for managing
overlapping and resizable app windows, and new collaboration features like
Shared iCloud Notes and Freeform.8
Performance Boosts
As with prior iOS updates, iOS 17
promises improved performance and stability. Apple says iOS 17 delivers
"significant improvements to app launch, startup and wake from sleep
times."9 Under-the-hood enhancements help ensure iOS 17 remains fast,
fluid and responsive.
With new productivity, personalization
and sharing capabilities, iOS 17 looks to meaningfully enhance the iPhone
experience. The update is available today as a free software download for
iPhone 8/X and later.