On September 18, 2023, Apple released iOS 17 for iPhone and iPad. This new operating system has many changes for some very popular apps and features. This post will cover some of the major changes.
Before upgrading, make sure your device is backed up and ensure it can use iOS 17. You can check compatibility with the list of compatible phones and iPads Apple has prepared. Also be sure to check the AppleVis Accessibility Bug Tracker to be sure any active bugs will not interfere with your usage of your device.
AutoCorrect and Predictive Text
In iOS 17, Apple has improved AutoCorrect and added predictive text. These features are available anywhere text can be entered including Mail and Messages. Apple's new transformer language model learns from how you write and then gives you options based on your writing.
Predictive text uses the transformer language model to suggest what you want to type. If you like the suggestion, double tap and it will be entered into the text field you are using. If you do not like the response, keep typing. This feature is on by default. It can be disabled. Go to Settings\General\Keyboards\Predictive Text and double tap on the button.
More grammar mistakes than in previous versions of iOS will be corrected automatically.
Siri
In the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, it is no longer necessary to say "Hey Siri." You can just say "Siri." In Settings, go to Siri & Search. When the new screen loads, there are two options available. The first is to listen for either "Siri" or "Hey Siri." The second option is to respond only to "Hey Siri."
More Siri voices have been added. For example, Siri U.S. now has five voices instead of four. In addition, Siri's speech rate can be adjusted. Go to Settings\Accessibility\Siri. Go to Speaking Rate and select the rate you want.
You no longer need to say "Siri" or "Hey Siri" when asking another question on the same topic.
2-Factor Authentication Codes
2-Factor Authentication refers to codes sent to your phone or to an email address that must be entered to log in to certain websites and apps. It used to be necessary to delete each code manually when they were received. This can clutter your Inbox and the Messages app-iOS 17 solves this problem. Used codes can be deleted automatically.
On your iPhone, go to Settings\Passwords. The Passwords section is displayed differently than in iOS 16. Select the Edit button in the upper right corner. Slide your finger down until you hear Password Options and select it.
The first option is to turn on AutoFill Passwords and Pass Keys. Make sure this is turned on. Next is an option for where to look for passwords Examples include Apple Key Chain and Chrome. You can check more than one option.
Finally, go to the Verification Codes Section. Locate the Clean Up Automatically button and select it.
Sharing AirTags
iOS 17 lets you share AirTags with up to five people. Share an AirTag by going to Find My and select the Items tab. Select the AirTag you want to share. On the next screen, go to Share this AirTag. Then flick right to Add Person. On the next screen, there will be information about sharing AirTags and buttons to Continue or Not Now. If Continue is selected a new screen will appear with a search box to add someone. Below the box is a list of suggested people. Make your selection and select the Share button at the top right of the screen. The selected person will receive a notification asking them to share the AirTag. Stop sharing the AirTag by using the same procedure. Instead of a Share button, there will be a Remove button.
If you are new to AirTags, Check out our AccessWorld article discussing these devices.
Live Voicemail and Video Messages
iOS 17 has a new Live Voicemail feature which lets you hear a message as it is being spoken. VoiceOver will read what is being said. If you want to speak to the person, just answer the call. If not, just ignore the message.
You can now leave a FaceTime video message. If the FaceTime call is not answered, you will hear information about how to send a video message.
Messages
The Messages app has some new features, the most significant being a "Check In" option. In the app, you can let a trusted person know where you are going and they will be notified if you are late. First, choose a recipient. Then go to the Message field and flick left to the Apps button. After selecting this button, flick right to the More button and select it. Then flick right to the Check In button. Read the information and choose which Check In options you want.
Audio messages are now transcribed automatically. This lets you read the message without having to play it.
Another good option in Messages is the ability to select which apps you want available when the Apps button is selected. Go to Settings/Messages to make selections.
Safari
Safari now offers profiles. For example, you may have a work profile and a personal profile. Go to Safari settings\Safari and then to Profiles to select or create a profile.
In Safari, Siri can read articles to you. Once the article is on the page, say "Siri read this." Siri will start reading. Be aware that some pages are not set up for Siri's capability. Siri will inform you of this when you ask her to read.
Widgets
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of "widget" is "a small software application that is designed to provide a specific piece of information (such as news, weather, or traffic updates) or a specific function (such as taking notes or controlling another application) on demand." There are other definitions of "widget" that are not related to computers and devices.
Widgets can be placed on your home screen. Be aware that they take up room on the screen. For example, the screen is four apps wide by six apps tall. A folder takes up the same amount of space as an app. Therefore, you can have many apps in one folder.
Widgets come in different sizes: small, medium, and large. A small widget is two columns wide by two tall. In other words, it takes the place of four apps. A medium is four wide by two tall and takes the place of eight apps. A large widget is four wide by four tall. Therefore, it takes the place of 16 apps.
Music
You can now cross-fade songs, which means you can decrease the volume on one song while increasing the volume on another so that music is continuous. Go to Settings\Music\Cross Fade to turn on this feature. Also in the Music section, check out the Audio section to customize how your music sounds.
Ringtones and Text Tones
Apple has added many new ringtones in iOS 17. They tend to be longer than previous ringtones and have a more modern sound. Some of the new ringtones are Arpeggio, Kettle, and Sprinkles. Reflection is the default tone.
Old ringtones are listed in the Classic section. These include Apex, Blues, and Chimes.
There are new text tones including Droplet, Milestone, and Rebound. Note is the default. Older tones are in the Classic section. They include Glass, Horn, and Tri-tone.
Conclusion
As always, Apple has included a wide range of updates and improvements in their iOS 17 update. In addition, they have included a number of accessibility specific improvements as well. Read about those in our blog on accessibility features in iOS 17
