Apple is currently in the beta testing phase for iOS 17.2, the second significant update to the iOS 17 operating system that was released in September. Expected to be publicly launched in December, there are still several betas to go through before the software makes its official debut.
iOS 17.2 Beta Highlights: What’s New?
Journal App
One of the key additions is the Journal app, announced as part of iOS 17. Users can document their daily activities and thoughts with optional prompts provided by Apple for inspiration. Entries can include images, voice recordings, and location tags, providing a comprehensive record of experiences.
Messages App Sticker Reactions
In the Messages app, a long press on any chat bubble now allows users to add a sticker response, serving as an expressive alternative to tapback reactions. This feature provides a quick and dynamic way to respond to incoming messages.
Spatial Video Recording
Exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 17.2 introduces spatial video recording. This feature enables users to capture videos that are viewable in 3D on the Vision Pro headset. The recording process involves holding the iPhone steadily in landscape orientation for optimal results.
Collaborative Apple Music Playlists
Users can now create Apple Music playlists that multiple people can contribute to. The collaborative playlist feature enhances the social aspect of music sharing, allowing friends to add their favorite tracks.
Favorites Apple Music Playlist
iOS 17.2 aggregates songs favorited in the Apple Music app into a dedicated Favorites playlist, providing a convenient way to access preferred tracks.
Apple Music Listening History Focus Filter
A Focus Filter is introduced for Apple Music Listening History, allowing users to control what is shared when someone else uses their device to listen to music. This ensures personalized recommendations remain unaffected by others’ song choices.
Action Button Translate
iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users now have a Translate option for the Action button. This feature enables quick translation of spoken text from one language to another.
iMessage Contact Key Verification
Designed for individuals facing extraordinary digital threats, iMessage Contact Key Verification adds an extra layer of security. Users can display a Contact Verification Code during in-person meetings or FaceTime calls to ensure the authenticity of their conversations.
Messages in iCloud Syncing
The “Messages” section in iCloud is now renamed to “Messages in iCloud,” offering a comprehensive view of storage usage, synced messages, and the last sync time. A “Sync Now” option is available for manual updates.
Apple TV App
Apple has streamlined the Store section in the Apple TV app by removing separate tabs for Movies and TV shows. This change aligns with a reported plan to eliminate the option to purchase TV shows and movies from the iTunes app in a future TV app redesign.
Emergency Alerts Local Awareness
A new “Local Awareness” option under Notifications & Emergency Alerts utilizes approximate location data to enhance the timeliness and accuracy of emergency alerts.
Weather Widgets
The Weather app receives new widgets, including Details, Daily Forecast, and Sunrise/Sunset. These widgets provide comprehensive weather information, including precipitation chance, UV index, wind speed, and air quality.
Digital Clock Widget
A new Digital Clock widget is introduced, offering users an additional customization option for the Home Screen or Lock Screen.
Contact Posters
When setting up a Contact Poster in the Contacts app, users can now select rainbow-colored text for their names, adding a touch of personalization.
Books Page-Turning Animation
A new “Fast Fade” option for the page-turning animation in the Books app provides users with a different visual experience.
AirPlay
The addition of an “AirPlay Receiver” setting allows the upcoming Apple Vision Pro headset to stream or share content to an iPhone. Additionally, the AirPlay feature for hotels is expected to go live soon, enabling content sharing from iPhone or iPad to AirPlay-equipped smart TVs.
Memoji
A “Body” section is introduced for Memoji customization, allowing users to personalize waist, bust, shoulders, and arms.
News App
The News app now supports Live Activities, allowing users to follow news-related events such as elections in real-time.
Expanded Sensitive Content Warnings
Sensitive Content Warnings, which blur photos or videos with detected nudity, now extend to Contact Posters in the Contacts and Phone apps, as well as stickers in the Messages app.
App Store Categories
The “Apps” and “Games” sections of the App Store feature new top bar navigation, enabling users to explore various app categories with a tap.
AppleCare+ Coverage Menu
The AppleCare+ “Coverage” menu is relocated to Settings > General for improved visibility. This menu lists AppleCare+ details for the device and any paired AirPods.
Siri Enhancements
Siri in iOS 17.2 provides estimated time of arrival details during active turn-by-turn directions in the Maps app, and now includes altitude data for a more comprehensive experience.
Beta version iOS iOs 17.2 Features
Last modified: November 14, 2023
