Apple released the iOS 17.2 Release Candidate (RC) on Tuesday, offering a glimpse into features expected to reach the general public in the coming weeks. This pre-release version introduces several significant additions, such as the highly anticipated Journal app and the crucial Contact Key Verification. While developers and beta testers can explore these features now, it’s recommended to exercise caution when downloading the RC on primary devices due to potential bugs and potential impact on battery life.
Key features in iOS 17.2 RC:
- The Journal App:
- Making its long-awaited debut, the Journal app harnesses on-device machine learning to provide users with personalized writing suggestions based on their activities and preferences.
- Users can choose from suggested topics known as Reflections, or opt for an open-entry format, enabling the addition of written content, voice notes, photos, and videos to the journal.
- Contact key verification in messages:
- Designed to enhance security, Contact Key Verification is a crucial security feature, especially for users facing digital threats.
- Accessible through Settings > Apple ID > Contact Key Verification, users can enable this feature to verify the authenticity of their contacts in iMessage.
- React with Live Stickers:
- A new feature in iOS 17.2, users can now react to text messages with Live Stickers, created from images taken by the user.
- Accessible in Messages, users can react by long-pressing on a text and selecting Add Sticker from the dropdown menu.
- New Apple Music Settings:
- For Apple Music subscribers, iOS 17.2 beta 3 introduces the ability to automatically add favourite songs to their library. Users can toggle this feature on or off in Settings > Music.
- More Memoji Customization:
- In iOS 17.2 beta 1, a new “Body” menu is introduced in the Memoji editor, allowing users to customize the physical appearance of their Memoji, including waist, bust, shoulders, and arms.
- Change Default Notification Sounds and Haptics:
- A notable first, iOS 17.2 beta 4 allows users to change the default notification sound. This feature is accessible in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Default Alerts.
- Photos and Apple Music Integration:
- After updating to iOS 17.2 beta 3, the Photos app prompts users to grant access to their Apple Music library. This integration is designed to curate memories using songs from the library.
- AppleCare and Warranty Menu:
- Introduced in iOS 17.2 beta 4, a new option under Settings > General is labelled AppleCare and Warranty. This menu provides users with an overview of device coverage status.
- Catch-Up arrow in messages:
- Reintroduced in iOS 17.2 beta 1, the catch-up arrow in Messages aids users in navigating lengthy message threads. It allows users to jump to the most recent messages for better contextual understanding.
- New options for sharing contact posters:
- In iOS 17.2 beta 3, users can now share Contact Posters through Phone and FaceTime, offering more control over poster-sharing preferences.
- iPhone 15 Pro Action Button update:
- As per reports from iOS 17.2 beta 1, the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro is updated with a translate function. This function enables users to translate phrases or have conversations in different languages.
- Spatial video recording for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max:
- Introduced in the second beta of iOS 17.2, this feature allows iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users to record Spatial Videos, compatible with the upcoming Vision Pro headset. Spatial Videos can be viewed in 3D on the Vision Pro headset and in the Photos app.
- Disable inline predictions:
- If you find inline text predictions annoying, iOS 17.2 beta 3 brings relief by allowing users to turn off this feature. To disable inline predictions, navigate to Settings > General > Keyboard and toggle off the slider next to Show Predictions Inline. This customization option provides a more seamless typing experience for users who prefer not to have predictive words appear as they type.
- More Siri requests:
- iOS 17.2 beta 2 expands Siri’s capabilities with the introduction of new queries. Users can now ask Siri about their current altitude or inquire about the estimated arrival time when utilizing the voice assistant for directions. This enhancement adds versatility to Siri’s functionality, making it even more useful for a variety of inquiries.
- New digital clock widget:
- In the first beta of iOS 17.2, the Clock widget undergoes an update. Users now have the option to choose a digital clock format for easier time reading. This customization feature enhances the visual appeal of the Clock widget and provides users with a clear and modern time display.
- Local awareness option in emergency alerts:
- Introduced in iOS 17.1 beta 1 and continuing in iOS 17.2, the Local Awareness option aims to refine the Emergency Alerts users receive. By enabling this option in the Emergency Alerts menu, users allow the system to use their approximate location for improved accuracy, timeliness, and reliability of emergency notifications. This feature enhances user safety by delivering more precise and relevant alerts based on their location.
These features underscore Apple’s commitment to delivering a more personalized and secure user experience. As the iOS 17.2 update approaches its public release, users can eagerly anticipate an array of exciting enhancements across various aspects of their Apple devices.
