Apple announced another update for the iPhone XS generation. iOS 17 is coming this fall! The preview has shown us updates such as live voicemail, catch-up and swipe arrows, video call voicemails, and many more.

Apple’s latest update was iOS 16.6, which was released on July 24, 2023. iOS 16.6 offers important bug fixes and security updates. iOS 17 is said to offer lots more than that, along with apps and enhancements to AirPods.

What new apps does iOS 17 have to offer?

A new app is said to accompany the update. The “Journal” app is a lot like the old notes app on iPhone devices. The Journal app is expected to be used as an online diary. This new app allows you to add your thoughts about everyday events by adding photos, audio recording, music and more. 

The Journal app uses on-device machine learning to create personalized suggestions of moments you won’t want to forget, such as your trips, family events, and more. The app uses your photos, music, workout routines, and more to create personalized suggestions. You can control the type of data you would like your iPhone to collect and include in the Journal app.

A diary in your pocket? Sign me up! But first, let’s talk about privacy. The iOS 17 preview shows that no one can see your journal entries except you, not even Apple. Does this mean that each entry will have a lock like the notes app? Will the whole app have a lock? I’m excited to find out!

What does the update bring to Safari and security?

Safari has added profiles such as work and personal. This can be used to separate history, extensions, tab groups, cookies, and favorites between profiles. On Apple’s iOS 17 update page it says that it will be quick and easy to switch between profiles while searching, which will be convenient.

Safari has also brought faster and more relevant search results to the table. Searching in Safari will be more responsive and show easy-to-read suggestion pop-ups. It will also give us enhanced private browsing options, such as locking browsing windows when they aren’t being used and blocking trackers from loading onto pages.

Security and passwords have been updated and enhanced! Some of the updates include: autofill verification codes from your mail without ever leaving your Safari app, and password sharing. This allows you to share your passwords and passkeys with trusted contacts by creating a group. Passwords will be updated on all devices in the group and anyone can be removed at any time. 

Music, SharePlay, and AirPods

Bringing Apple along on your next road trip? SharePlay is an addition to your car that allows everyone, even those in the backseat, to contribute to the playlist. It shows the name of the person on the screen and the song they chose. I think this is a creative and brilliant idea. It makes road trips and carpools more fun!

Not only can your friends collaborate during car rides, but they can also contribute to your Apple Music playlists. Making a playlist with your friends is very fun and very possible with the new update! Sadly, that part of the update won’t be released until later this year.

2nd generation AirPod Pro’s due for an update? I think so, and luckily that day is here. The AirPods now have adaptive audio transparency and active noise cancellation to help with noisy environments as you move throughout the day. Additionally, all AirPods now have a new mute and unmute feature on the stem of the earbuds. This will allow you to quickly mute or unmute yourself on calls or meetings.

How is Apple going to protect our privacy?

Communication Safety! This new safety feature includes protection from sensitive videos or photos. If you receive an explicit image from your messages, AirDrop, FaceTime messages, or third-party apps, a pop-up will appear to ask you if you are sure you’d like to view it. It explains what type of attachment is beneath the pop-up and gives you three options, “Not now, “Ways to get help,” and “I’m sure I want to view.” This can be very helpful when trying to protect our younger iPhone or iPad users.

Sensitive content warnings are also a great addition to Apple devices. Similar to the communication safety, it blurs the images and gives you the option to look or not. It blocks sensitive images from messages, AirDrop, and third-party apps. 

My thoughts on the iOS 17 update

I’m excited for the new update! I think it is going to be very helpful for various age groups. I’m most excited for the AirPod updates since I’m an active AirPod user. Hopefully, they release the update soon and it’s everything I expected!