iOS 17: updated Siri, NameDrop, improved security and a personalised contact book. When and who should expect the update?

Apple unveiled a new version of its smartphone operating system, iOS 17, at today's WWDC 2023 conference.

Here's What's New About It

• Contact Book features personalised posters with photos, notes and an attractive font that appear during calls and in the updated address book.

• Voice mail transcription allows you to transcribe an incoming message in real time.

• Messages now offer improved search functionality, an arrow to jump to the first unread message in the conversation, easier inline replies with a swipe gesture, built-in location sharing and a new sticker interface.
• The Siri update involves shortening the phrase for calling the voice assistant: you no longer have to say the familiar phrase "Hey Siri" - just say "Siri".
• Data transfer via AirDrop now takes place in the background. And the NameDrop feature allows you to exchange numbers when the phones are close together.
• Check In is a new feature that updates your location and allows you to share it with family and friends. If you're running late, the system will contact you. And if you don't answer, it will send an alert to your favourite contacts, giving them location, battery and cellular status information.

• The new Journal app creates new memories using people, places, activities, music and photos that users can add to their daily journal entries. The feature will arrive on the iPhone later this year.

• A new mode called Standby displays the time, widgets and other useful information when the smartphone is in a horizontal position.

• The updated keyboard includes improved auto-replacement with a new 'Transformer' language model.

iOS 17 is compatible with the iPhone XS and newer models. The first beta will be available to members of Apple's developer program for testing on June 5, and the public beta will be released in July.

Source: Apple