iOS 17 Review StandBy Mode and My iPhone
iOS 17 Review StandBy Mode and My iPhone
iOS 17: A Comprehensive Review
The wait for iOS 17 is finally over! Whether you’re an iPhone 15 user or still holding onto your trusty iPhone XS from 5 years ago, you can download iOS 17 on Monday, September 18th. Apple introduced the latest version of its operating system at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June and has since released beta versions to give users a taste of what’s to come.
I’ve had the opportunity to test beta versions of iOS 17 on both a newer iPhone 14 Pro and an older iPhone XR over the past two months. Let me tell you, this new OS brings a host of exciting features that are sure to enhance your iPhone experience, especially in the Messages app. It’s hard to believe that some of these functionalities weren’t available before!
One of the most visually striking changes in iOS 17 is StandBy mode. This feature turns your iPhone into a mini hub filled with widgets, customizable clocks, and photos. While StandBy mode works on both older and newer iPhone models, it truly shines on newer devices like the iPhone 14 Pro. However, even if you have an older iPhone, you’ll still benefit from about 90% of the features iOS 17 offers.
But enough about the technicalities, let’s dive into some of my favorite iOS 17 features.
StandBy Mode: An Unexpected Delight
When I first heard about StandBy mode, I was skeptical. I never felt the need for a supplementary hub in my home, but StandBy mode quickly won me over. It has become my favorite new iPhone feature in years. The interactive widgets make it easy to check the weather, read the latest headlines, control my music, and even preview notifications without unlocking my iPhone.
StandBy mode has even improved my relationship with my phone. Before iOS 17, I’d always keep my iPhone in my pocket, fearing its loss if left unattended. Now, I can confidently leave it behind on its charging stand, feeling more disconnected from my device and enjoying moments of detachment. Disconnecting from our devices can have significant benefits for our mental health, reducing anxiety and depression. Thank you, StandBy mode, for helping me feel more relaxed.
Of course, StandBy mode isn’t perfect. It currently has a limited selection of widgets, and a Mail widget is noticeably missing. Additionally, it works best on iPhones with always-on displays, like the iPhone 14 Pro. However, I’m hopeful that Apple will address these limitations in future updates and make StandBy mode even more versatile for all iPhone users.
Messages: More Than Just Autocorrect
Autocorrect has received a much-needed upgrade in iOS 17. Not only does it now learn from your messages, but it also won’t correct your colorful language, allowing your texts to flow without interruption or confusion. Beyond autocorrect, Messages has received several other improvements that make staying in touch effortless.
One standout feature is the catch-up arrow in group chats. Waking up to 30 new messages in a group chat can be overwhelming, but with the catch-up arrow, I can easily jump to the first unread message, saving me from scrolling through an endless stream.
The app bar has also been replaced with a drawer, making it easier to access iMessage apps like the camera or Memoji. This small change ensures that all the apps you frequently use are conveniently situated, eliminating the need to swipe up or down to find them.
And here’s a fun addition: iOS 17 allows you to create your own stickers using the cutout feature introduced in iOS 16. You can customize these stickers with effects like a white outline or a holographic filter, adding a personal touch to your messages and sparking joy in conversations.
Shortcuts, Camera, and More
Shortcuts, previously a feature I ignored, has been given a fresh look and improved functionality in iOS 17. Apple has introduced premade shortcuts that you can easily add to your homepage with a long press. This revamped interface makes Shortcuts less intimidating and more accessible to users, like me, who shied away from it in the past.
In terms of photography, iOS 17 introduces an onscreen camera level, ensuring that your photos and videos are perfectly straight. This handy tool has brought peace of mind to my content creation process, allowing me to relax knowing that my shots are aligned.
Another welcome addition is the grocery list feature in the Reminders app. You can now create a grocery list with headers like Produce, Breads & Cereals, and Household Items. The app automatically categorizes your items and even recognizes brand names, making your shopping experience more organized and efficient.
While iOS 17 has much to offer, there are a few features that won’t be available at launch. The Journal app, which promises to provide journaling suggestions and keep entries private, will be released later this year. Collaborative Playlists in Apple Music, allowing friends and family to edit playlists together, is another feature that users will have to wait for. Additionally, the AirDrop function that allows the completion of file transfers when devices move out of range is yet to be implemented.
In conclusion, iOS 17 brings a plethora of functional improvements to your iPhone, whether it’s the latest model or an older one. The changes, both big and small, make for a meaningful upgrade. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your device before updating to iOS 17. And if you can resist the temptation to download it immediately, waiting a day or two to ensure a smooth download experience might be wise.
For more Apple news, be sure to check out everything Apple announced at its recent Wonderlust event, including the much-anticipated iPhone 15 lineup.
