In an exciting development, Apple is ramping up the iOS 17.2 beta cycle by releasing beta 2, packed with a host of new features and improvements. This update promises significant enhancements for iPhone users, offering a sneak peek into what’s to come with the upcoming operating system update. Let’s explore the key features introduced in this version:
1. The Journal App: Apple introduces the much-anticipated Journal app, leveraging on-device machine learning to provide personalized suggestions for inspiring journal entries. Curated intelligently from recent activities, including photos, people, places, and workouts, the Journal app makes it effortless to start an entry. Scheduled notifications aim to cultivate a consistent journaling habit.
2. Apple Fitness+ Audio Focus: Users now have the flexibility to prioritize either the volume of music or the trainers’ voices during an Apple Fitness+ workout. This feature adds a new dimension to the fitness experience, allowing users to tailor the audio environment to their preferences.
3. Apple Music Collaborative Playlist: iOS 17.2 brings a social aspect to Apple Music, enabling users to invite friends to collaborate on playlists. Friends can add, reorder, and remove songs, fostering a shared music curation experience.
4. Turn off Listening History on Apple Music: Introducing the Focus Filter, iOS 17.2 allows users to turn off the Listening History feature on Apple Music, providing greater control over their music experience.
5. Favorite Apple Music Playlist: Building on the ability to favorite songs introduced in iOS 17.1, Apple now introduces a Favorite Playlist, compiling all the user’s favorite songs into a curated list.
6. Action Button Tweaks: For iPhone 15 Pro users, Apple adds a Translate button as a new option to the Action Button, enhancing language accessibility.
7. iMessage Contact Key Verification: Contact key verification offers a manual verification process, allowing users to confirm the identity of the person they are messaging. This feature adds an extra layer of security, preventing impersonation in conversations.
8. React to Messages with Stickers: With iOS 17.2, users can express reactions to messages using any sticker or memoji. By long-pressing a text, selecting “Add Sticker,” and choosing from the options, users can add a personalized touch to their conversations.
9. Catch-Up Arrow in Messages: The Messages app now includes a catch-up arrow, facilitating easy navigation to the last message seen.
As iOS 17.2 beta 2 unfolds, additional features may be revealed. Stay tuned for updates on this operating system update, and keep an eye out for further enhancements across iPadOS 17.2, macOS 14.2, watchOS 10.1, and tvOS 17.2.
