The Hidden Features of iOS 17 Unveiled at Apple Wonderlust Event 2023

Apple's much-anticipated Wonderlust event not only unveiled the latest iPhone 15 series but also gave us a sneak peek into the future of iPhone software with iOS 17. This upcoming software update promises to bring significant changes to your iPhone experience, including enhancements to the phone, messages, FaceTime, and health apps, along with a newly introduced feature known as StandBy.
Here are some hidden features of iOS 17 announced at the event.
Phone, Messages, and FaceTime
iOS 17 focuses on improving calling, messaging, and video chat. In addition, Apple introduces contact posters, full-screen, and customizable contact cards that add a personal touch to interactions. These posters displayed on the contacts on iOS 17 devices during calls, messages, or FaceTime calls, can be customized with photos, or text, providing room for more creativity.
However, the real game-changer is Live Voicemail. While voicemail transcription already exists, Live Voicemail takes it a step further by transcribing messages in real-time as the caller is leaving them. It's like call screening in the digital age, with a touch of sophistication, and it won't translate calls flagged as spam by your carrier.
The Check-In feature in Messages is another significant upgrade which lets the user inform friends and family about their whereabouts. If the location appears unusual or the user hasn’t reached the destination within an expected timeframe, Check-In sends a notification to ensure everything is okay. Failing to respond triggers an automated message to any of the users’ contacts, providing an extra layer of safety.
FaceTime now allows users to leave video messages if the recipient doesn't pick up, enhancing the communication experience and making it even more engaging.
StandBy: A New Era for Charging
iOS 17 introduces StandBy, a revolutionary feature that transforms the iPhone into a smart display when charging, specifically when placed on its side. This mode allows you to interact with widgets, notifications and calls conveniently. What sets StandBy apart is its night mode, which adjusts brightness and colors automatically.
Mental Health: Prioritizing Well-Being
iOS 17 introduces a new feature called Mental Health. This tool empowers users to monitor their mental well-being by recording their emotional state on a scale from very unpleasant to very pleasant. Visual aids, such as a star-shaped graphic, offer a clear representation of the mood's trajectory. The users can also identify factors influencing their emotional state, like work, relationships, or personal events.
More to Explore in iOS 17
Aside from these major additions, iOS 17 comes with a plethora of other improvements. Keyboard capabilities receive enhancements, finally eliminating those unintentional "duck" autocorrects.
iOS 17 is surely set to provide a more personalized, connected, and mindful smartphone experience.