What are the features of iOS 17? Which phones have them?

Meet the 17th version of iOS, the operating system that makes your daily life easier and more enjoyable with your iPhone! As with every new release, Apple aims to take the user experience to the next level with iOS 17. Let’s take a closer look at the exciting new features that have come with this update.

Key Features of iOS 17

iOS 17 brings a wide range of features, especially focused on communication and personalization. Here are the highlights:

• Contact Posters: Now, when you call someone, they'll be greeted with a visual that you’ve designed! Whether it’s your own photo or a Memoji, you can personalize your call screen with different fonts and backgrounds. Incoming calls have never looked this stylish!
• Live Voicemail: As someone leaves you a voicemail, it gets transcribed in real time. You can see what the message is about without listening to the whole thing—and even decide to answer the call while they’re still recording it. Very convenient!
• NameDrop: Sharing contact info has never been easier. Simply bring your iPhones close together to instantly share your chosen details. Think of it like exchanging business cards—only cooler!
• StandBy Mode: When your iPhone is charging and in landscape orientation, it transforms into a whole new kind of display! View the clock, calendar, weather, widgets, and even photo slideshows—just like a bedside clock or desktop screen. It’s especially impressive on iPhone 14 Pro and later models with the Always-On Display.
• Interactive Widgets: Widgets on your Home and Lock Screens are now interactive. Mark tasks as complete, control your music, or turn on smart home devices—all directly from the widget without opening any apps. It’s a huge time saver!
• Messages App Enhancements - Live Stickers: Create your own animated stickers by selecting subjects from your photos—or even from Live Photos. It’s a fun, personalized way to spice up your conversations!
• Quick Replies: Just like on WhatsApp, you can swipe right on a message to reply quickly.
• Location Sharing and Check-In: With the new “Check-In” feature, let loved ones know when you’ve safely arrived at your destination. If something goes wrong, your location, battery level, and other info will be shared automatically.
• Safari and Privacy Updates: Private Browsing now offers even more protection from trackers, and stronger security has been added for passwords and passkeys.
• Offline Maps in Apple Maps: You can now download maps of specific areas to use without an internet connection. Search for places and get directions even when offline—super handy while traveling!
• "Hey Siri" Is Now Just “Siri”: No more need to say “Hey Siri.” Just say “Siri” to activate the assistant—simpler and faster.
• Health App Updates: Track your mood and use the new Journal app to focus more on your mental well-being.

Which iPhones Support iOS 17?

One of the most asked questions: “Does my phone support iOS 17?” As usual, Apple has dropped support for some older models. iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X will no longer receive updates.

Supported Models Include:

• iPhone SE (2nd Gen and later)
• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS and XS Max
• iPhone 11 Series
• iPhone 12 Series
• iPhone 13 Series
• iPhone 14 Series
• iPhone 15 Series

If you have one of these models, you can enjoy all the new features of iOS 17. iPhone 15 models come with iOS 17 pre-installed out of the box.

Revolutionizing Communication: Contact Posters and NameDrop

Two of the most impactful new features in iOS 17 dramatically enhance how we communicate. Contact Posters let you express yourself by customizing how you appear on others' call screens. Whether it’s a professional photo or a fun Memoji, that screen is now uniquely yours.

And then there's NameDrop—a game-changer for sharing contact details. No more repeating numbers or risking typos. Just bring your iPhones close together, and with a few taps, your contact card is shared instantly. It’s fast, futuristic, and way cooler than a paper business card.

StandBy Mode: Redefining Your iPhone’s Idle Time

Normally, when your iPhone is charging, it's not doing much. StandBy Mode changes that. When your phone is charging in landscape mode, it becomes a full-screen display with useful info—like the time, weather, calendar, and even slideshows of your favorite photos.

Perfect for your nightstand, kitchen counter, or office desk. Whether you're checking the time when you wake up, glancing at a recipe while cooking, or tracking your schedule during meetings, this feature turns your idle iPhone into a smart screen. It looks especially beautiful on models with Always-On Display like the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.

Interactive Widgets and Messaging Experience

Since widgets were introduced, they’ve made accessing information quicker. But now with Interactive Widgets, functionality is at the forefront. Check off reminders, change tracks in your music app, or control smart home devices—all without leaving your Home Screen. Small touches like these significantly boost productivity and ease of use.

In Messages, features like Live Stickers let you bring your conversations to life. Plus, the new Check-In feature adds a layer of safety—especially helpful if you're traveling alone or out late. If you don’t arrive at your destination as expected, your iPhone will share your location, battery level, and other critical info with your selected contacts.

A More Personal, Safer, and Smoother iPhone Experience

Overall, iOS 17 offers major enhancements that make the iPhone experience more personal, more secure, and more seamless. If you have a compatible iPhone, don’t miss the chance to explore these new features. For more tech updates, don’t forget to follow the Techcareer.net blog!