How to use the new Messages features in iOS 17
iOS 17 is now available for iPhones manufactured within the previous five years, and it includes significant modifications to current apps, notably messaging apps. Whether you have an iPhone 15 or an older iPhone XS, you can now download iOS 17, an upgrade that improves the texting experience by adding new capabilities and tweaking existing ones. You may now download iOS 17 regardless of whether you have an iPhone 15 or an older iPhone XS.
Apple said at the Worldwide Developer Conference in June that the new operating system would bring major improvements to a wide range of applications. Several updates to the messaging app aim to elevate your message interactions and ensure a consistent experience for consumers across numerous iPhone models. Examine these updates to get the most out of your messaging app on iOS 17.
These are the new and improved features in Messages on iOS 17.
1. Audio Messages transcribed.
When you get an audio message, you can answer faster than a text message, but some people may not enjoy it. You can avoid listening to audio messages in iOS 17 and instead look at the screen to see what the message is about.
With iOS 17, voice messages come with a text transcription. In this way, you are not required to play them for the sake of getting an idea of what they are all about. Instead, you can read them directly. And if you’re wondering, this feature is enabled by default.
2. Check In with Contacts
Messages for iOS 17 now feature Check-In, an app that lets you share an estimated arrival time with a friend and send out an alert if you don’t arrive at your destination.
- You can add text to a conversation by tapping the + (+) button.
- Check-in is one of the options available.
- Tap Edit to customize the Check-In: you can choose When I arrive or After a timer.
When you pick When I arrive, the app lets you choose where you want to go, what kind of transportation you want, and an estimated arrival time.
Alternatively, you can choose After a timer, select a duration, and check-in happens when that period is over.
The check-in itself is a simple prompt to make sure you’re okay. If you don’t respond to it within 15 minutes, the contact you’re chatting with gets a message saying that something might be wrong. This message will also be sent if your phone is offline for an extended period.
Check-ins also share some information with your trusty contact, like your last known location, battery level, and cell signal on your phone (and Apple Watch, if you have one). You can customize how much information is shared.
When you opt for the When I Arrive Check-In, and you arrive at your chosen destination by the specified time, there will be an alert on your end. The person at the other end of the conversation will receive a notification that you have arrived safely, and there will be no prompt at your end.
3. Search with Multiple Filters
A search in Messages can now combine several terms and filters to narrow down the results. Click on the main conversation list, select a filter from the drop-down list, and then search for something (like a person or a word). After selecting the first filter, you can choose another from the list.
If you want to find links and photos that mention a specific word or are sent by a particular contact rather than use the criteria separately, then you can look for links that mention this phrase or photos that mention this phrase.
4. Apps in Messages
In Messages, mini-apps like Music and Photos have been reorganized. The apps can be accessed by tapping the plus button next to the text input box. You can also customize your order by tapping and holding on to each app, making it easier to access the ones you use most often.
A plus (+) button (plus) to the left of the text input box now displays all the mini-apps that come with Messages, from Music to Photos. Tap it for a list of your favorite apps, then tap More for the full list.
You can tap and hold on to any of these apps and then drag it into a new position in the list by pressing and holding to it. It can come in handy if you wish to keep certain apps within easy reach at all times.
5. Location Sharing on Messages
Location sharing has also been improved: you can now share your current location in real-time inside the Messages app without jumping out to Apple Maps or the Find My app.
- Tap the + (plus) button to the left of the text input box in a conversation.
- Choose Location from the list of options.
- By default, you’ll share your location in real-time: tap ShareShare and then choose Indefinitely, Until End of Day, or For One Hour to set how long it’s shared.
- Alternatively, tap the pin icon on the left and then Send Pin to Share where you are without any updates.
Whichever location-sharing option you pick, it’ll appear embedded inside a message in the conversation. If you tap on the other person’s name at the top of the conversation, you’ll find options to request their Location and to stop sharing your Location.
6. Navigation and Replies
You may have stopped responding to a group chat at some point. And if you have decided to check into it after some time, you may have found many unread messages. In such cases, it’s a pain to scroll back up and start reading when you have stopped responding to the texts. Well, iOS 17 has a solution.
On iOS 17, you will find a little arrow on the right-hand side, which will take you to the point where you stopped responding. And the great part is that the feature also works for one-to-one chats.
Besides, it’s now easy to reply to text messages on iOS 17. You can swipe to the right on a message to quickly send a reply.
7. Automatically Delete Verification Codes
Using two-factor verification messages can improve security when logging into an account or service. But what do I dislike most about them? All the random emails that clutter my inbox. But that’s no longer an issue.
The new iOS 17 version of Messages and Mail lets you delete your two-factor verification codes once they’re used to fill out their intended fields. It’s great to have clean inboxes. It eliminates unnecessary messages as soon as they’re used, like a Roomba.
8. Create and send your own Live Stickers
The iOS 16 update allowed you to create (mostly) clean-looking cutout pictures, which lifted the subject of a photo from the background. These cutouts can be used to create Live Stickers in iOS 17. You can make your stickers stand out by adding different effects, such as a white outline or a holographic filter. You can also make animated stickers by using Live photos.
9. StandBy mode is a standout
In iOS 17, StandBy mode allows users to access widgets when they are idle, transforming the iPhone into an interactive hub. With quick previews of notifications, users can easily check the weather, read headlines, and manage music without unlocking their iPhones. The feature supports multitasking, so users can stay on top of live scores while engaging in other activities. Users can leave their iPhones on charging stands without constant worry using StandBy mode, which promotes a healthier relationship with devices. However, there are limitations, such as the absence of important widgets like Mail. In addition to supporting always-on iPhones, StandBy mode works on other compatible iPhones until the screen sleeps. It could be further enhanced with broader widget support.
10. Messages upgrades beyond autocorrect
The new version of Messages in iOS 17 features upgrades beyond autocorrect. Autocorrect learns from your messages, so it doesn’t overcorrect acronyms or slang. If you correct something, the word is underlined, so you can go back to the original text if it is corrected. In group chats, you can navigate easily by a catch-up arrow, directing you to the first unread message. The app bar has been replaced with a drawer, making it easier to access iMessage apps like Camera and Memoji. A customizable arrangement lets you quickly access your preferred apps, improving user experience and efficiency.
FAQ
Will iOS 17 have a split screen?
No, iOS 17 does not support a split screen. However, you can use other features to multitask, such as:
Picture-in-picture
Fast app switching
Are there new Emojis on iOS 17?
Yes, iOS 17 will have 118 new emojis. The new emojis include:
Phoenix, Brown mushroom, Broken chain, Head shaking horizontally, Head shaking vertically, Lime
Can I customize iPhone messages?
Super Messaging, which lets you change the text bubble color and font style
The Color Text Bubble app lets you choose from preset styles or create your own
Messages customizer, which lets you change the text color, bubble color, width, and opacity
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