Apple's Vision Pro headset may have stolen the show at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), but that didn't stop the tech giant from packing a whole lot more into the upcoming iOS 17 update. Despite time constraints limiting the features Apple could spotlight onstage, the company has a host of exciting additions slated for release.
One such feature is an extension of Apple's computer vision capabilities: recipe search. With this new tool, users can tap on a food item in an image and search for similar recipes. Additionally, the image cutout feature will be enhanced, allowing users to 'Look up' objects lifted from pictures and videos for additional information. Animal lovers will also be pleased to note that the Photos app will now recognize pets like cats and dogs.
Art enthusiasts can expect the Freeform update to introduce new drawing tools, including a watercolor brush, calligraphy pen, highlighter, variable-width pen, and ruler. The more controversial nudity filter will blur explicit photos and videos, offering users the choice to view or hide sensitive material.
The Mail app will also see enhancements with the ability to auto-fill one-time verification codes, and iOS 17 will introduce a new pronouns field for contacts.
Apple Music lovers can anticipate shared playlists and a crossfade option. For Apple News+ subscribers, crossword puzzles and mini crossword puzzles will be available, with audio stories accessible through Apple's Podcasts app.
More practical updates include new Memoji stickers, enhancements to the Reminders app, and the option to share an AirTag with five people. Not to forget, interactive widgets and multiple timers will also become available with the new update.
From being able to sign into your iPhone using a nearby device, phone number, or email ID listed under your account, to AirPods pop-ups being available in dark mode, iOS 17 is full of user-friendly surprises. A public beta of iOS 17 is expected to be released in the coming weeks, with the final version launching in the fall.
