iOS 17.2 Unveiled: A Deep Dive into Apple’s Latest Update

Apple enthusiasts and iPhone users worldwide welcomed the much-anticipated iOS 17.2 update on Monday. This release, following iOS 17.1 by over a month, not only brings essential security fixes but also introduces a myriad of new features, making it a significant update for Apple device users.

Journal App debut in iOS 17.2: Unleashing Creativity with Personalized Suggestions

One of the standout features is the long-awaited Journal app. Initially announced at Apple’s WWDC event in June, it finally makes its debut in iOS 17.2. Utilizing on-device machine learning, the Journal app provides personalized writing suggestions based on your iPhone activities, such as photos taken and music listened to throughout the day. It also introduces “Reflections,” suggesting topics for entries, making journaling a seamless and engaging experience.

To access this feature, users can navigate to Settings > General > Software Update, tapping ‘Install Now’ to enjoy the latest enhancements.

Contact Key Verification: Security Reinforced

Contact Key Verification, announced by Apple in December 2022, has now been integrated into this version. This security feature is particularly targeted at users facing significant digital threats, offering an additional layer of protection for individuals such as journalists, human rights activists, and government officials. Enabling this feature is simple; users can navigate to Settings > Apple ID > Contact Key Verification and follow the on-screen prompts.

Live Stickers in Messages: Express Yourself Creatively

iOS 17.2 enhances the messaging experience with Live Stickers. Introduced in this version, users can now react to texts in Messages using their custom Live Stickers. By long-pressing on a text and selecting ‘Add Sticker,’ users can incorporate personalized visuals into their message reactions.

Apple Music Settings: Personalize Your Library

Subscribers to Apple Music will appreciate the new settings introduced in this version, allowing automatic addition of favorited songs to the library. Users can customize this feature by navigating to Settings > Music and toggling the ‘Add Favorite Songs’ option.

Memoji Customization: Fine-Tune Your Digital Persona

Memoji enthusiasts will find a new menu in the Memoji editor called “Body” in iOS 17.2. This menu enables users to edit various aspects of their Memoji’s body, including waist, bust, shoulders, and arms, providing a more comprehensive customization experience.

Default Notification Sounds and Haptics: Tailor Your Alerts

iOS 17.2 introduces the ability to change default notification sounds for the first time. Users can navigate to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Default Alerts to select new tones and customize haptic feedback.

Photos and Apple Music Integration: Curating Memories

Upon updating to iOS 17.2, the Photos app seeks permission to access the Apple Music library, using songs to curate memories for users.

AppleCare and Warranty Menu: Streamlined Device Coverage Information

A new addition in Settings > General called AppleCare and Warranty provides users with a comprehensive overview of device coverage under AppleCare or warranty.

Catch-Up Arrow in Messages: Efficient Message Navigation

iOS 17.2 reintroduces the catch-up arrow in Messages, aiding users in navigating through extensive message threads, ensuring they stay informed with contextual messages.

New Contact Poster Sharing Options: Enhanced Connectivity

Users can now share Contact Posters through Phone and FaceTime in iOS 17.2, providing additional options for sharing their contact information.

iPhone 15 Pro Action Button Update: Translate on the Go

The iPhone 15 Pro’s action button receives a translation function in iOS 17.2, allowing users to quickly translate phrases or engage in multilingual conversations.

AirPlay Receiver for Vision Pro: iPhone as an Additional Screen

Although the Vision Pro headset is slated for release in early 2024, iOS 17.2 introduces the AirPlay Receiver setting, enabling iPhones to function as an additional screen for the upcoming device.

Spatial Video Recording: Immersive Content Creation

Exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users, iOS 17.2 introduces Spatial Video recording, allowing for 3D viewing on the upcoming Vision Pro headset.

Disable Inline Predictions: Typing, Your Way

For those bothered by inline text predictions, iOS 17.2 introduces the ability to disable this feature, providing a more personalized typing experience.

Sensitive Content Warnings Extended: Privacy Amplified

Sensitive Content Warnings, introduced in iOS 17, now encompass contact posters, offering enhanced privacy for users.

Expanded Siri Capabilities: More Queries, More Answers

iOS 17.2 expands Siri’s capabilities, allowing users to ask new questions such as altitude and estimated arrival time during navigation.

Updated Weather Widget and App: Meteorologist in Your Pocket

iOS 17.2 revamps the Weather widget, offering six options, each displaying varying levels of detail. The Weather app introduces features like an interactive moon calendar, historical rain data, and wind speed information.

Digital Clock Widget: Time at a Glance

The Clock widget gets a facelift in iOS 17.2, now offering a digital clock option for improved time readability.

News App Live Activities: Stay Informed in Real-Time

iOS 17.2 enhances the News app with Live Activities, allowing users to follow real-time events, such as elections, directly within the app.

Apple TV App Update: Streamlined Interface

The Apple TV app undergoes changes in iOS 17.2, with the Movies and TV Shows sections now accessible under the ‘Store’ menu.

Local Awareness in Emergency Alerts: Precision in Notifications

The Emergency Alerts menu in iOS 17.2 introduces Local Awareness, utilizing approximate location data for more accurate and timely emergency notifications.

Contact Poster Customization: Rainbow-Colored Text Option

Building upon the Contact Posters feature, iOS 17.2 introduces further customization, allowing users to add rainbow-colored text to their contact posters.

In summary, iOS 17.2 marks a significant update, addressing security concerns, enhancing user experience, and introducing innovative features across various aspects of Apple’s ecosystem.