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- Apple announced its latest software upgrade, the all new iOS 17.
- The new software promises updated features - from messaging, voicemails, facetime, calls and more.
- iOS 17 will not support older Apple devices, such as the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.
- For more stories, visit the Tech and Trends homepage.
Multinational tech company Apple announced a number of new features coming up on its iOS 17 update.
Announced on Monday at the tech giant's 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference, iOS 17 brings users new software features, including personalising phone calls, live transcripts of voicemails, transcribed audio messages, StandBy display while your phone charges, NameDrop and more.
Exciting as it is, the new software will not support all its devices. The iPhone X, which ushered in Apple's Face ID feature, and the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus will all be missing out on the latest iOS upgrade.
The oldest devices that the updated software will support include the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR, but they may not get all the new features.
Here are some of the features to expect from the all new iOS 17:
Phone calls and messages
The new software will allow users to customise what people see when they call them. This can be done through a contact poster, using photos, emojis, some colours and a preferred font.
Live voicemail
Live Voicemail lets users view a real-time transcript of the message someone is leaving as they speak.
This gives users immediate context for the call. If owners want to address something immediately, they'll be able to pick up the call at any time while the caller is still on the line.
With the Silence Unknown Callers feature turned on, unknown numbers will go directly to Live Voicemail without ringing first, while spam calls will be declined instantly.
Check in
If you're lazy to text or call your friends to alert them that you got home safe, then the new Check In feature is for you. Your loved ones will be automatically alerted when you reach your destination.
"If you stop making progress, it checks in with you - and, if you don't respond, it shares helpful information with your friend, like the location, battery level and cell service status of your iPhone. Any information that is shared is end-to-end encrypted," according to Apple.
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The new software also transcribes audio messages.
Autocorrect
Autocorrect will also offer support as you type, with words being temporarily underlined, so users know what's been changed and can revert to the original word with a tap.
Standby
With the Standby feature, users can use their iPhone as a homehub or bedside clock while the phone charges. The feature will turn on automatically when the phone is placed horizontally, showing info such as the calendar, time, weather, music control and more, all by swiping left and right.
FaceTime
Facetime will give users voicemail functionality, allowing them to record their messages in video or audio format. Voicemails can also be played on Apple Watch.
AirDrop and NameDrop
Sharing information from one iPhone to another will be made much easier. The new NameDrop feature lets two iPhone users bump their phones or Apple watches to exchange numbers or email addresses, along with contact posters.
A new airdrop feature will also let users share information, even when their devices are not next to each other. Transfers will happen using the internet.
According to Apple, you can also hold your iPhone close to your friend's iPhone to instantly watch content, listen to music, play games in sync, and more, with SharePlay.
