iOS 17's Top Features: StandBy Mode and Custom Stickers
November 07, 2023Update (October 2026): iOS 17 was released on 18 September 2023, and the Journal app described below followed in iOS 17.2 on 11 December 2023. Apple has since released iOS 18 (2024), iOS 26 (2025) and iOS 27 (September 2026), so this article describes iOS 17 as it stood at the end of 2023.
Apple's "Wonderlust" event on 12 September 2023 unveiled the iPhone 15, Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, the spotlight wasn't solely on the hardware; iOS 17, which reached iPhones on 18 September, generated its own buzz.
The Evolution of iOS 17
iOS 17 was first introduced in June at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), after months of rumours, and went through developer and public betas over the summer before its public release. This version of iOS brought changes to iOS applications and to the way we communicate, interact with our devices, and consume information. Let's take a closer look at some of the most notable features.
StandBy Mode: Transforming Your Lock Screen
Imagine turning your iPhone's lock screen into a powerhouse of information, akin to the Amazon Echo Show. With StandBy mode, iOS 17 accomplishes just that. This feature, previously hinted at by Mark Gurman, redefines convenience by offering a vibrant, glanceable display filled with time, photos, widgets, and Live Activities. You can even personalise these elements to match your preferences. StandBy turns on when your iPhone is charging and placed on its side. It's like having an interactive information hub at your fingertips, setting a new benchmark for utility and style.
Contact Posters: Revamping Contact Cards
Your iPhone's contact cards get a makeover with Contact Posters. These captivating treatments combine contact photos, emojis, and stylish fonts to create visually appealing contact cards. When you receive calls or use other communication services on your phone, these Contact Posters add a touch of sophistication and personality. You can customise them with your choice of photos, fonts, and colours, just like you personalise your lock screen.
AirDrop's NameDrop
AirDrop gets a user-friendly overhaul in iOS 17 with NameDrop. Sharing contact information, photos, and videos, or initiating SharePlay activities is now as simple as bringing your iPhone close to another device. NameDrop makes sharing a breeze, harking back to the early days of the iPhone when "bumping" was all the rage. What's more, you have control over what contact details are shared, and it works seamlessly between iPhones and Apple Watches.
Journal App: Inspiring Your Creativity
iOS 17.2 added the Journal app, designed to spark your creativity. It curates personalised writing suggestions based on data from your iPhone, such as photos, location, music, and workouts. Whether it's capturing a memorable moment or scheduling notifications to keep you writing, Journal makes it effortless to document your thoughts and experiences.
Live Voicemail: Real-Time Transcriptions
Bid farewell to the days of traditional voicemail as iOS 17 introduces Live Voicemail. Now, when someone leaves you a message, you'll see a real-time transcription as they speak. This feature provides convenience and privacy, empowering you to decide whether to take the call or continue with your tasks.
Messages Check In: Ensuring Safety
iOS 17 introduces Check In, a location-sharing tool that adds an extra layer of safety. Whether you're walking home at night or going for an early morning run, Check In allows you to inform a loved one when you've reached your destination safely. It can also recognise unexpected deviations from your route, automatically updating your contact with your current location, battery level, and cell service status, all while maintaining end-to-end encryption.
Messages Upgrades Galore
The Messages app in iOS 17 received a makeover with several enhancements. You'll experience a visual overhaul of your iMessage apps, improved search functionality with filters, transcriptions for audio messages, a "catch-up arrow" for easier navigation, and quicker inline replies. The prominent IT company also addresses the age-old autocorrect issue, making it more intelligent and flexible.
Sticker Features: Express Yourself
iOS 17 takes sticker usage to the next level. Emojis become stickers that can be easily peeled, rotated, and resized. You can even turn a photo's subject into a sticker within Messages. Plus, the Stickers drawer now houses Live Stickers, allowing you to create animated stickers (GIFs) from Live Photos. Stickers can be used across various apps and contexts, offering endless opportunities for self-expression.
But that's not all! iOS 17 packs even more exciting features, such as hands-free Siri activation, offline map downloads in the Maps app, new profiles for Safari and passwords, auto-retrieval of one-time verification codes from the Mail app, and interactive widgets, as showcased during the iPadOS segment of WWDC.
iOS 17 became available on 18 September 2023 as a free update for the iPhone XS, XR and newer models, including the 2020 iPhone SE.
