iOS 17.2 update may let iPhone users finally change notification alerts

Apple’s upcoming version of its smartphone software – iOS 17.2 is just around the corner and ahead of the release, one major expected feature is set to be something that could change iPhone notifications forever.

iOS 17.2 is expected to give users the ability to change default notification sounds and haptics patterns. This will let iOS users set their own sounds for notifications as well as set unique haptic patterns instead of the usual one.

The addition is not the only new change expected with iOS 17.2. Here’s what else you can expect with the update.

Other features to look out for in iOS 17.2

Here are the features to look out for with the latest version of Apple’s smartphone operating system.

Apple Music

1. Favourite songs playlist

Up until iOS 17.1, one could mark certain songs as favourites, by tapping on the star icon to receive improved, more personalised recommendations. Starting with iOS 17.2 however, these songs will also be added to a new ‘Favourite Songs’ playlist.

2. Collaborative playlists

Apple has also introduced a new Collaborative Playlist feature for users, which allows multiple Apple Music users to share a playlist, add, remove, or reorder songs in them, and access the same in real-time.

3. Listening history focus filter

Say you have multiple people who access your Apple Music account, which often ends up messing up your song recommendations. Well, Apple Music on iOS 17.2 will come with a filter which ensures your song recommendations are not affected by the searches they may run or the music they listen to on the app. The filter is referred to as the Listening History Focus Filter.

iMessage

1. Contact key verification

iMessage is getting a cool feature with iOS 17.2. Referred to as Contact Key Verification, what it does, is allow users such as journalists, government officials and activists to verify that they are having conversations only with those that they intend to. They can do this using a contact verification code in person, on a voice call, or even via FaceTime. Additionally, if one has it enabled, users are also alerted as and when an attacker, if ever, succeeds in breaching servers and eavesdrops on their conversations.

2. Sticker reactions

On a lighter note, iMessage also now allows one to react to messages quicker via stickers, by long tapping on a message and selecting the “Add Sticker” option.

Translate option for the Action button

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, have dropped Apple’s classic mute switch in favour of a customisable action button. Sure, this button by default, is set to toggle one’s device between ring and silent mode. However, it can also be customised and assigned different actions, including launching the camera, turning on the flashlight, and more.

Starting with iOS 17.2 though, Apple is further adding to its functionality. The action button can now be assigned to launch the Translate app and translate text within the Dynamic Island.

Journal app

Users have looked forward to the much-talked-about Journal app for a long time now. However, it was missing from the iOS 17.1 update. Well, it appears Apple will be finally launching it with iOS 17.2. In case you missed it, the Journal app allows one to reflect on their everyday memories, with text, as well as pictures, music, voice recordings and more.

New widgets

The iOS 17.2 update will also include new home screen and lock screen widget options for the Weather and Clock apps. These include daily weather forecasts, sunrise and sunset timings, as well as a digital clock widget.

ALSO READ: iOS 17.1 update released: What’s new with the latest software update for your iPhone

In addition to the above features, Apple is also introducing several nifty features with the update, including rainbow text for contact posters, a customisable “body” section for Memoji, and more.

iOS 17.2, currently available to developers and public beta testers, is expected to be rolled out for the general user base sometime in December.