Introduces iOS 17.2 Public Beta
Apple recently rolled out the third beta of iOS 17.2 to public beta testers, just days after the previous release. This update brings a slew of new features, making it an exciting preview for developers and beta testers. As a precaution, it’s advisable to install the beta on a secondary device due to potential bugs and impact on battery life.
Journal App:
iOS 17.2 introduces the much-anticipated Journal app, leveraging on-device machine learning for personalized writing suggestions. It incorporates information from your device, such as photos and music preferences, to offer prompts and reflections for journal entries. The app also allows for customizable schedules and privacy settings.
Contact Key Verification in Messages:
A security enhancement, Contact Key Verification, now appears in iOS 17.2 beta 1. Aimed at users facing digital threats, this feature provides an additional layer of security, ensuring that users communicate only with intended contacts.
React with Live Stickers:
Building on the Live Stickers feature introduced in iOS 17, beta 1 of iOS 17.2 enables users to react to texts in Messages with their personalized Live Stickers, created from their own photos.
New Apple Music Settings:
For Apple Music subscribers, iOS 17.2 beta 3 offers the option to automatically add favorited songs to the library, with the flexibility to toggle this setting based on preferences.
More Memoji Customization:
In the Memoji editor, a new “Body” menu in iOS 17.2 beta 1 allows users to customize their Memoji’s body features, though with a limited set of options.
Photos and Apple Music Integration:
Upon updating to iOS 17.2 beta 3, the Photos app seeks permission to access the Apple Music library to curate songs for creating Memories.
Catch-Up Arrow in Messages:
A returning feature from early iOS 17 betas, the catch-up arrow in Messages aids users in quickly navigating to the beginning of new messages, especially useful in group chats.
New Options for Sharing Contact Posters:
iOS 17.2 beta 3 expands the sharing capabilities of Contact Posters, allowing users to share them through Phone and FaceTime, in addition to Messages.
iPhone 15 Pro Action Button Update:
Reportedly, iOS 17.2 beta 1 updates the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro, introducing a translate function, enabling users to translate phrases or have conversations in different languages.
Sharing Content with Apple Vision Pro:
While awaiting the release of the Vision Pro headset, iOS 17.2 beta 1 introduces the AirPlay Receiver setting, enabling the iPhone to function as an additional screen for the headset.
Spatial Video Recording for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max:
The second iOS 17.2 beta introduces spatial video recording for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, with compatibility for viewing in 3D on the upcoming Vision Pro headset.
Disable Inline Predictions:
In iOS 17.2 beta 3, users can disable inline text predictions by navigating to Settings > General > Keyboard, enhancing the typing experience in Messages.
More Sensitive Content Warnings:
Sensitive Content Warnings introduced in iOS 17 now extend to Contact Posters, providing an added layer of privacy.
More Siri Requests:
iOS 17.2 beta 2 expands Siri’s capabilities, allowing users to inquire about altitude and estimated time of arrival during navigation.
Collaborative Playlists in Apple Music:
Apple Music subscribers can collaborate on playlists with other subscribers in iOS 17.2 beta 1, fostering shared music experiences.
Updated Weather Widget:
The Weather widget in iOS 17.2 beta 1 offers six options, including new tiles providing detailed current and forecasted conditions.
New Digital Clock Widget:
The Clock widget in iOS 17.2 beta 1 introduces a digital clock option for easier time reading.
News App Supports Live Activities:
iOS 17.2 beta 1 enables Live Activities in the News app, allowing users to follow live events, such as elections, as they happen.
Apple TV App Update:
The Apple TV app undergoes changes in iOS 17.2 beta 1, with the Movies and TV Shows sections being relocated.
Local Awareness in Emergency Alerts:
A new feature in iOS 17.1 beta 1, Local Awareness in Emergency Alerts uses approximate location to enhance the accuracy of received emergency alerts.
More Contact Poster Customization Options:
In iOS 17.2 beta 1, Contact Posters gain additional customization options, including rainbow-colored text.
While the release date for iOS 17.2 remains unannounced, these features provide a glimpse into the potential enhancements awaiting users. Keep in mind that additional features may still be introduced, and the inclusion of these features in the final release is not guaranteed.
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