iOS 17.2 is finally here: All the new features and changes for your iPhone

It’s that time of the year again, folks! A brand-new iOS update is out. Namely, iOS 17.2. This one was particularly being looked forward to, for it introduces several handy new features that add all the more to the already fluid and intuitive smartphone operating system from Apple. Here’s all you need to know.

7 most exciting features to look out for on iOS 17.2

1. Journal App

iOS 17.2 finally brings the Journal app to users, which was announced way back in June, at Apple’s WWDC event. The mental health and wellness app allows one to reflect on their day-to-day mood, as well as record their memories and reflect on the same in the form of text, music, pictures, and videos, as well as voice recordings.

2. Contact key verification

iOS 17.2 brings with it Contact Key Verification, a security feature for iPhones initially announced in December 2022. What the feature does, is allow users such as journalists and members of the government to verify that they are only messaging those people that they intend to, and not an imposter.

ALSO READ: Here’s why you need an Apple ID along with your Apple device

This also helps ensure people are less vulnerable to cyberattacks. To enable the feature, all one has to do is head to the Settings app on their phone, head to Apple ID, tap on “Verification in iMessage” and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the same

5. New Apple Music Settings

iOS 17.2 now lets you add your favourite songs to your library, a feature Spotify and Prime Music have had for long. In addition to this, the Photos app will now ask you for permission to access your Apple Music library, using which, it can curate songs and create memories for you, something similar to what Google Photos does

4. Change default notification sounds and haptics

The iOS 17.2 update allows you to change your default notification sounds by heading to the “Default Alerts” setting under the “Sound and Haptics menu,” in the Settings app on iPhones. Here, you can select between new or classic iPhone ringtones, and also change the haptic patterns of the phone as and when you receive calls and notifications, by tapping on the “Create New Vibration” option.

5. Catch-up arrows in Messages

This feature helps you understand the context, should you have received a slew of messages on a group. All you have to do is tap on it, and you can jump to the beginning of the thread to understand just what has been going on, should you happen to have been busy with work, or maybe taking a nap.

6. Spatial Video recording for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max

There’s a new feature on iOS 17.2, that allows iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users to record Spatial Videos. This feature will also allow videos to be viewed in 3D on the upcoming Vision Pro headset.

ALSO READ: Everything you need to know about the Apple Vision Pro

Speaking of Vision Pro, though the headset is expected to be launched sometime in early 2024, iOS 17.2 already has a setting that allows it to work as an extra screen for the Vision Pro. The setting is called the AirPlay Receiver and can be found under Airplay and Handoff in the Settings app.

7. iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max action button updated

The action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max replaced the mute switch which is found on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, as well as previous models. It could earlier be customised and used to configure shortcuts like the camera, flashlight, voice memos, and magnifier. Now though, the button allows you to quickly translate phrases or have a conversation with someone else in a different language, in real time.

Other features to look out for include live sticker reactions, Memoji body customisation options, the ability to disable in-line text predictions, more accurate sensitive content warnings, as well as the option for new Siri requests. The update also introduces new home and lock screen widgets, including daily weather forecasts, along with sunrise and sunset timings, and even a new digital clock widget.

How to install the iOS 17.2 update

Before downloading the iOS 17.2 update, charge your iPhone to at least 50 per cent and connect to a Wi-Fi network. From there-

1. Head to the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Tap on “General”

3. Select “Software Update”

4. Select the “Install Now” option, and follow the on-screen prompts to install the update.

If you don’t see an update option though, swipe down on the screen to manually refresh and check for the same. The iOS 17.2 update card should ideally show up, and you can then proceed with on-screen prompts to install the same.

And that’s it, you’re all set! We can’t wait to take a closer look at iOS 17.2 ourselves. Can you?