Why you need to upgrade to iOS 17? All new features!

Apple's iOS 17 is set to bring a host of highly anticipated features to the iPhone operating system, with a preview first showcased in June. Let's delve into what this major update has in store.

Apple has taken a back-to-basics approach with a comprehensive overhaul of the Phone app. A standout feature is the ability to assign individual full-screen photos to your contacts. These contact posters can also be shared with others, supporting full-screen backgrounds or memojis, and allowing font customization for each contact.

Voicemail has undergone changes as well. When someone leaves a voicemail, you'll now receive a full-text transcription of the message on your Lock screen. Unknown callers will be sent directly to voicemail, while spam calls from carrier networks will be automatically declined.

Apple has also tidied up the Messages interface, granting access to apps and tools within the interface through a simple "+" button.

Introducing "Check-In," a new safety feature that enables users to inform trusted contacts of their well-being when they reach a designated destination. If no progress is detected on your route, the app will check in with you, and if there's no response, it will promptly send your location, along with information like battery level and network strength, to your trusted contacts.

Stickers have been revamped, allowing you to view downloaded or self-created stickers, including those made from photos and memojis, all in one place. Additionally, emojis can now be used as stickers.

For missed FaceTime calls, you can now leave audio or video messages for participants. "Reactions" inject 3D augmented reality effects into your video, triggered by hand gestures and available when using the front-facing camera.

Apple intends to introduce a new journal app later in the year, enabling users to jot down quick thoughts and track activities. The app will suggest topics based on your data, and entries can include music, photos, or audio recordings, with important moments highlighted. These journal entries will be securely protected with passcodes and Face ID, with all suggestions calculated on-device and end-to-end encryption for privacy.

Apple's Safari browser now supports profiles, allowing separate settings for different uses, such as one for work and another for home. Each profile includes its own history page, extensions, cookies, and saved bookmarks, while tab groups are saved accordingly.

iCloud Keychain enables secure password sharing among family and friends, with each participant able to edit or add a set of passwords accessible to the entire group. Safari will also automatically remove tracking URLs from messages and emails.

Apple Maps now supports offline downloads, allowing you to select specific areas for turn-by-turn directions without consuming your data.

Other enhancements include improved subject detection in Photos, better pet detection, food support in Visual Look Up, mood tracking in the Health app, auto-filling verification codes in the Mail app, and grocery categorization in the Reminders app. Additionally, the camera app now displays a horizontal line in the viewfinder for better subject alignment, especially useful for landscape shots.