Released on March 21, 2024, iOS 17.4.1 is the latest Apple smartphone update, presenting a myriad of standout features and enhanced capabilities. From Live Voicemail to mental and visual health benefits, we review some of the most sought-after iPhone functions and features in 2024.
Live Voicemail
Enabling users to see real-time transcriptions of messages left by contacts, Live Voicemail also enables iPhone owners to pick up a call part-way through the message. Calls identified as spam are instantly declined, filtering out cold callers. Leveraging the power of iPhone’s Neural Engine, Live Voicemail is handled on-device, helping to ensure that the content of messages remains private and secure.
Upgraded Siri
Siri received a considerable upgrade with iOS 17, with two new features added to make it easier to use. To activate the personal voice assistant, users now only need to say “Siri.” In addition, they can also make back-to-back requests, for example asking for directions to the gym followed by a request for their gym playlist.
Read Out Loud
Podcasts have steadily risen in popularity over the least 10 years, and for good reason. Listeners can tune into this easy-to-digest, engaging form of entertainment anywhere, even while driving. iOS 17’s new features take this one step further, enabling users to listen to informational sites, news articles, or anything else, with Siri reading everything out loud. By eliminating the need to stop and read, users can access the information they need in a fast and easily digestible way without interrupting their daily lives.
Periscope Camera Lens
The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduced a new periscope camera incorporating angled mirrors like a periscope to bounce light into the camera’s lens. This enables users to have a much wider range of optical zoom without the handset’s visual and practical appeal being compromised by a huge camera bump on the reverse. Thanks to its advanced camera technology and AI integration, the iPhone 15 Pro Max enables users to capture stunning images effortlessly while on the move.
Offline Access to Apple Maps
iPhone users can now download and use Apple Maps offline thanks to iOS 17, enabling them to navigate roads and highways even if they lose their Internet connection, for example while travelling through long tunnels. Responding to consumer demand for offline maps that has existed for years, iOS 17 enables iPhone users to download portions of maps for use offline, pinpointing local places of interest. Apple Maps also provides an estimated time of arrival, as well as directions for driving, cycling, walking and public transport. The feature is particularly useful in remote regions where coverage can be sketchy, providing backup directions when the signal drops out.
USB-C Charging
In response to new EU legislation, Apple made the leap to USB-C charging for all its new handsets, bringing to an end the era of Lightning cables and ports. Although the move renders existing cables, docks, and hubs obsolete, the iPhone 15 has joined the ranks of other Apple devices like Mac and iPad, the introduction of USB-C creating the potential for a much faster charge.
Journal
Apple’s latest Journal app allows users to creatively document their lives using data already stored on their phone, adding music, images, and even workouts and other exciting details to their journal entries. In addition, the iPhone’s on-device machine learning technology also provides personalized suggestions of memorable moments to write about.
Visual Look Up
Laundry codes on clothing provide vital washing and drying information. Nevertheless, many people struggle to understand these cryptic symbols. iOS 17 introduces a new feature that enables users to quickly decipher laundry codes by simply taking a photo of the tag and using Visual Look Up. In fact, this handy feature can be used to find information on a myriad of everyday objects including plants, words, and monuments. Visual Look Up can even be used to analyze warning lights on a car dashboard, helping motorists to decide whether a trip to the mechanic is in order.
Mental and Vision Health
iOS 17 introduced two promising health features: mental and vision health. The mental health feature enables users to track their mood within the health app, analyzing data gathered over time to provide important insights and recommendations moving forward. Meanwhile, iOS 17’s vision health feature works with the Apple Watch, using its in-built ambient light sensor to measure time spent in daylight. Recognizing the growing body of research to suggest that nearsightedness, or myopia, typically begins in childhood, the tool can be used to help parents assess whether their children are spending a sufficient amount of time outdoors each day. The other vision tool included in iOS 17 utilizes the TrueDepth camera, detecting whether children are sitting too close to the screen. If they are, the Screen Distance feature will alert the child, prompting them to move further away.