Apple has rolled out the public versions of iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, macOS Sonoma 14.2, watchOS 10.2, and tvOS 17.2.
Apple introduces iOS 17.2, featuring the innovative Journal app leveraging Siri for personalized journaling suggestions, while also enhancing iPhone 15 Pro camera capabilities and bringing exciting updates to iMessage, weather app, and more. Read further to know more on the cutting-edge advancements shaping the Apple ecosystem.
Apple has rolled out the public versions of iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, macOS Sonoma 14.2, watchOS 10.2, and tvOS 17.2.
The standout feature of iOS 17.2 and iPadOS 17.2 is the introduction of the Journal app, a highlight that Apple previewed during the initial unveiling of iOS 17.
Initially revealed in June, the Journal app employs Apple's Siri to smartly recommend subjects for journaling. For instance, it may suggest documenting the music you listened to or recording details about appointments and workouts from your day.
This app emulates various well-known journaling applications available on the App Store, created by third-party developers. However, it stands out by utilizing data from your Photos, workouts, and other Apple applications to offer personalized journaling suggestions.
The Journal app exemplifies Apple's AI strategy, which notably involves on-device processing rather than relying on cloud servers, providing privacy advantages compared to the internet-based approaches of Google and Microsoft. This distinction is particularly significant when handling sensitive information like health data or travel plans. Apple also opts for the term "machine learning" over the more commonly used "AI," taking a more academic approach in its marketing.
The latest update also included enhancements to the camera of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, enabling the capture of three-dimensional footage in anticipation of the launch of the Apple Vision Pro spatial computer.
According to The Verge, the iOS update enables users to capture spatial video by utilizing both the main and wide cameras on Apple's latest phone models. Additionally, the upgrade enhances the telephoto zoom speed for the high-end iPhone 15 models.
In iOS 17.2, users can now express reactions directly within iMessage conversations using the complete array of emojis and stickers from the library. Additionally, a new catch-up arrow has been introduced, enabling users to navigate to the first unread message in a thread.
In the iOS 17.2 weather app update, users now have the capability to view precipitation forecasts for up to 10 days in advance and wind maps for up to 24 hours ahead.
With the latest operating system, users now have the ability to share boarding passes, cinema tickets, and various other tickets or passes seamlessly through AirDrop. Additionally, a translate option has been incorporated into the action button on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models.
Furthermore, the update extends Qi2 support to the iPhone 13 and 14 while seemingly providing faster 15W wireless charging, eliminating the necessity for a MagSafe-branded charger.
In watchOS 10.2, Series 9 or Ultra 2 owners can now use Siri on the Watch to log Health app data, made possible by the on-device Siri capability of the S9 chip. The update also reinstates the ability to swipe on the watch screen to change watch faces, a feature removed with the debut of watchOS 10. Additionally, the tvOS 17.2 update for Apple TV introduces a new sidebar feature for swift profile switching and a redesigned TV app.
As is frequently the case nowadays, the recent macOS update (14.2) brings relatively minor changes. macOS receives similar adjustments to Messages and Weather. Furthermore, "Enhanced AutoFill identifies fields in PDFs and other forms, allowing you to fill them with details like names and addresses from your contacts."
There are still a couple of iOS features that were initially expected during the iOS 17 cycle but have not been introduced yet: AirPlay for hotel room TVs and collaborative playlists in Apple Music. These features are slated to be rolled out at some point in 2024, as officially stated on the iOS 17 webpage.
iOS 17.2 is compatible with the same range of iPhone models as iOS 17. This includes flagship iPhones dating back to the 2018 iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, as well as the second- and third-generation iPhone SE. To download the update, navigate to the Settings app, select General, then go to Software Update, and follow the provided instructions for installation. Keep in mind that updates may be rolled out gradually, so you might need to wait for a notification icon to appear on the Settings app to confirm its availability for your device.