At WWDC 2023, Apple unveiled iOS 17, the latest version of its iOS operating system for iPhones. Packed with plenty of exciting new features, iOS 17 aims to enhance the user experience and provide a more seamless and intuitive interface. However, not all of these new features will be available on every iPhone compatible with iOS 17.

iOS 17 compatible devices

• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

iOS 17 features and their device compatibility

Live Voicemail: Real-time transcription at your fingertips

One of the notable additions in iOS 17 is the Live Voicemail feature. This feature enables real-time voice transcription on your iPhone’s lock screen, allowing you to make informed decisions about whether to answer a phone call. It provides a convenient way to screen calls and prioritize your responses. However, Live Voicemail is currently only available to users located in the United States and Canada. While it works with any iPhone running iOS 17, it’s important to note the regional restriction.

Related / How to use and turn on/off Live Voicemail in iOS 17

3D Reactions in FaceTime: Express yourself creatively

iOS 17 introduces 3D reactions in FaceTime, allowing users to leave video messages with captivating effects such as hearts, confetti, and fireworks. To enjoy this feature, you’ll need an iPhone 12 or a more recent model. The advanced 3D capabilities of these devices enable them to detect your hand movements and translate them into expressive visual effects. So, get ready to add a touch of whimsy and creativity to your FaceTime interactions.

FaceTime on Apple TV: Bringing Conversations to the Big Screen

With iOS 17 and tvOS 17, you can now wirelessly connect your iPhone to your Apple TV and initiate a FaceTime call on the big screen. This feature opens up new possibilities for engaging in video conversations with friends, family, or colleagues in a more immersive way. While FaceTime on Apple TV works with any iPhone model running iOS 17, it requires a second-generation Apple TV 4K (2021 model) or a more recent version. So, gather around your television and enjoy larger-than-life conversations with your loved ones.

NameDrop: Seamless sharing of contact information

iOS 17 introduces NameDrop, a convenient feature that allows users to share their contact information with other iPhone and Apple Watch users simply by holding their devices close to one another. This feature promotes effortless sharing and streamlines the process of exchanging contact details. While NameDrop is available on all iPhone models running iOS 17, Apple Watch users will need to have a Series 6 or a more recent model to fully utilize this feature.

Say ‘Siri’ instead of ‘Hey Siri’ and Siri back-to-back requests

iPhone users are familiar with the popular voice command “Hey Siri” to activate the virtual assistant. With iOS 17, you can now simply say “Siri” to summon Siri’s assistance. This new command is designed to offer a more natural and seamless interaction with your iPhone. However, it’s worth noting that this feature currently only works in English.

Additionally, iOS 17 brings the long-awaited back-to-back requests for Siri. Once Siri is activated, you can issue multiple commands without having to repeat the activation phrase. For instance, you can say, “Siri, turn on the front room light,” followed by “Remind me to send an email to Suzy when I get home,” without needing to say “Siri” again. This feature is also currently limited to English.

Improved Autocorrect: Enhanced typing experience

iOS 17 harnesses the power of machine learning to improve autocorrect functionality, making it more accurate and personalized. The update introduces temporary underlining of changed words, indicating what has been modified. If you prefer the original word, you can easily revert to it with a single tap. However, it’s important to note that this enhanced autocorrect feature is available exclusively on the iPhone 12 and later models. Furthermore, it is currently limited to certain languages, including Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Korean, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish, and Thai.

Keyboard Predictions: Streamlining your typing experience

Another noteworthy keyboard-related feature in iOS 17 is the inclusion of inline predictions. As you type, the keyboard provides suggestions that can be autocompleted with a simple tap of the space bar. This feature aims to enhance your typing speed and accuracy. However, similar to the improved autocorrect feature, keyboard predictions require an iPhone 12 or a later model and are currently only available in English.

StandBy: A new interface for charging iPhones

iOS 17 introduces StandBy mode, which displays full-screen widgets when your iPhone is charging and positioned horizontally. This mode offers a visually appealing and informative interface while your device is connected to power. StandBy mode is compatible with any iPhone running iOS 17, but it’s worth noting that only the iPhone 14 Pro retains the displayed information at all times, thanks to its Always-on Display capability.

Adaptive audio and faster automatic switching on AirPods

With iOS 17, Apple brings Adaptive Audio to AirPods. This feature combines Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation, adapting to the listener’s environment for an optimized audio experience. Adaptive Audio allows you to remain aware of your surroundings while reducing distracting noises, ensuring you don’t miss important information while listening to music. Moreover, it enhances conversation awareness by automatically lowering the music volume and prioritizing voices when someone is nearby. This functionality extends to phone calls, making it easier for you to hear the person you’re speaking with. While these features work with any compatible iPhone, they are exclusive to the second-generation AirPods Pro.

Press to Mute on AirPods: Effortless call control

In iOS 17, Apple introduced the Press to Mute feature for AirPods. During a call, you can now simply press the stem of your AirPods to mute or unmute the conversation. This feature works with third-generation AirPods and both generations of AirPods Pro. Additionally, it is compatible with AirPods Max, utilizing the Digital Crown for muting purposes. Enjoy hassle-free call management with the Press to Mute feature.

Point and Speak: Enhanced accessibility for vision disabilities

iOS 17 introduces Point and Speak, an accessibility feature designed to assist individuals with vision disabilities. By using the iPhone’s camera, Point and Speak allows users to “read” physical objects with text labels. Simply point your iPhone camera at the object, and it will read any detected text aloud. It’s important to note that this feature requires an iPhone with a LiDAR scanner, meaning only iPhone 12 Pro and newer Pro models support this capability.

Home Activity History: Stay Informed About Your Home

The Home app in iOS 17 now includes an Activity History feature, enabling you to view recent activities related to door locks, garage doors, contact sensors, and your security system. Stay informed about when specific activities occurred and gain insights into the usage of your home devices. While this feature works with any iPhone running iOS 17, make sure to update your Home app Architecture before turning on this feature.