Apple releases new iPhone software updates in iOS 17
Apple has now released its long-awaited iPhone 15 line-up, with the standard iPhone, Plus, Pro and Pro Max models boasting a range of new features.
As well as physical updates to the phone models themselves, the release has been preceded by the launch of a new operating system, iOS 17, which is available as a free update.
The new system will run on phones from 2018’s iPhone XS and newer, while older models may still get important security updates.
One of the biggest headline-grabbers is an improved keyboard autocorrect that will let you type what you ‘ducking’ want to – even if it’s an expletive.
Predictive text can also now predict and complete full sentences, in a similar way to Gmail and others.
A new StandBy mode will turn your iPhone into a bedside clock or personal assistant when it’s on its side and charging.
It’s fully customizable, of course, so you can display a range of clock styles, photos, or widgets, with a low-light mode for night-time.
Elsewhere, incoming calls get a major upgrade with personalized contact cards.
These allow the caller to customize how they appear when they call a known contact (including when using third-party calling apps), while the recipient can see who’s calling at a glance.
Users will be able to leave video and audio messages on FaceTime, while FaceTime calls get more expressive with a range of Reactions such as hearts, balloons and fireworks triggered by simple gestures.
There are also several other upgrades to widgets, accessibility and more in the new iOS 17.