Summary
- AirDrop in iOS 17 now allows users to continue transfers if one walks away, ensuring uninterrupted file sharing and no need to wait side-by-side.
- The App Store in iOS 17 now displays the time remaining for app downloads and updates, providing more transparency for users.
- The Clock app in iOS 17 finally allows users to set multiple timers with unique durations, labels, and tones, catching up to the Apple Watch.
First previewed during WWDC23, iOS 17 powers all new iPhone models, including the iPhone 14 Pro Max. And while Apple mostly focused on communication upgrades in FaceTime and Messages during its keynote, there are still plenty of smaller introductions and lesser known features that further enhance and supercharge the iPhone's operating system.
AirDrop
AirDrop has received some notable upgrades in iOS 17. Users can now bring their iPhones close to each other to initiate an AirDrop transfer. They can similarly share their contact info or start a SharePlay session when using a supported app. It doesn't stop there, though. If a user walks away during an ongoing AirDrop transfer, then iOS will upload the rest of the file to the cloud and download it on the recipient's device. This way, AirDrop transfers don't get interrupted or canceled, and two users don't have to wait side-by-side unnecessarily.
App Store
Not much has changed with the App Store, but Apple has included a welcome detail in iOS 17. When downloading an app or updating one, the app page will now mention the time remaining for the download process to conclude. Afterward, the time stamp is replaced by the word "installing."
Camera
In the Camera app on iOS 17, when pointing at a QR code, the app will now display the link at the bottom. Prior to this update, the link would float around and follow the QR code on the viewfinder, which made it hard to click. There's also now a new guidance tool that helps you straighten your shots.
Clock
In the Clock app, you can finally set more than one timer at a time! Each could have its own unique duration, label, and tone. While this change is relatively minor, it's great to see the iPhone finally catching up with the Apple Watch.
FaceTime
On iOS 17, you can leave FaceTime video messages when someone doesn't answer your call. Additionally, you can react with new effects during a video call, such as thumbs up or hearts.
Find My
In Find My on iOS 17, you can share an AirTag with up to five other people. Prior to this release, an AirTag's location could only be viewed by one Apple ID account owner at a time.
Fitness
The Fitness app also gets some love in iOS 17. Apple has overhauled the Sharing tab, which now has a simplified view of the contacts you share your activity with. Instead of scrolling through a long list of previous days, you can now view your friends' activity histories by tapping on their dedicated profiles. There's also a new row that highlights your friends' latest achievements, including closing all three rings, earning awards, and more.
Apart from the Sharing tab, there's now a new row in the main Summary tab that displays a weekly tip. Finally, in the Fitness+ tab, you can now stack workouts and meditation exercises, in addition to being able to build your own workout plan. The latter requires you to input your expectations and schedule, which then can generate a personalized Fitness+ plan for you.
Freeform
On iOS 17, the Freeform app introduces some new tools, including a watercolor brush, calligraphy pen, highlighter, variable-width pen, and ruler. These additions further enrich the app and help users find the right means to brainstorm and express themselves.
Health
On a core level, not much has changed in the Health app on iOS 17. Despite that, users get to record more data types, including ones related to mental and vision health.
Home
The Home app on iOS 17 packs plenty of tweaks. First, the Settings button in an accessory page now floats in the bottom right corner instead of being stationary at the bottom of the overview page at all times. Additionally, the HomePod overview screen has received a translucent overhaul that replaces the solid gray background. You can also now control and set the lighting shade of compatible smart bulbs in a finer manner, thanks to the redesigned color picker. That's not to mention that certain Home activities are now stored for 30 days.