On Monday, Apple announced iOS 17, its upcoming new version of its iPhone operating system. The update brings a large number of new features to the iPhone. However, not all of those new features will work with all iPhones compatible with iOS 17.
According to Apple, the iOS 17 Compatible handsets are:
- Phone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
However, as I mentioned above, not all iPhone will get every new feature of iOS 17. Below, I’ve listed the new features that are limited to certain iPhone models.
Live Voicemail
Live Voicemail feature displays real-time live voice transcription on your iPhone’s lock screen, allowing you to make an informed decision on whether or not to answer a phone call. While this feature works with any iPhone running iOS 17, it’s only available to users located in the US and Canada.
3D Reactions in FaceTime
In iOS 17, users can leave a video message when someone doesn’t pick up their call. In FaceTime, new 3D reactions are available that can detect your hand movements to show effects such as hearts, confetti, and fireworks. This new feature requires an iPhone 12 or later.
FaceTime on Apple TV
iOS 17 and tvOS 17 can be used to wirelessly connect your iPhone to the Apple TV, allowing you to start a FaceTime call on the big screen. While this feature works with any iPhone model running iOS 17, it requires a second-generation (2021) Apple TV 4K or later.
NameDrop
iOS 17 NameDrop allows users to send their contact info with other iPhone users (and Apple Watch users) by simply holding it close to the other person’s iPhone or Apple Watch. While this feature is available for every iPhone model running iOS 17, Apple Watch users will need to have a Series 6 and later.
Say ‘Siri’ Instead of ‘Hey Siri’ and Siri Back-to-Back Requests
iPhone users have long been able to issue commands to Siri hands-free by simply saying “Hey Siri.” Now, iOS 17 users can simply say “Siri” to summon the virtual assistant. While the new command works with any iPhone running iOS 17, it only works in English for now. And, only second-generation AirPods Pro are compatible with the shortened command.
iOS 17 finally bring back-to-back requests for Siri. This means that once you’ve activated Siri, you can ask for multiple requests without having to reactivate it. So, you can say, “Siri, turn on the front room light,” and then, “Remind me to send an email to Suzy when I get home,” without the need to say “Siri” for a second time. This feature also only works in English for now.
Improved Autocorrect
iOS 17 uses machine learning to better understand how and what you type on your phone, improving autocorrect to make it more accurate and personal. Changed words are temporarily underlined to indicate what’s been changed. You can go back to the original word with just a tap. This feature is only available for the iPhone 12 and later and is limited to the following languages: Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Korean, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish, and Thai.
Keyboard predictions
Another new iOS 17 keyboard-related feature is providing inline predictions as you type autocompleting them for you with just a tap of the space bar. This feature requires an iPhone 12 or later and currently only works in English.
StandBy
iOS 17 brings a new StandBy mode to the iPhone, displaying a new interface displaying full-screen widgets when the iPhone is charging and is positioned horizontally. While StandBy mode works on any iPhone with iOS 17, only the iPhone 14 Pro keeps the information on the screen all the time thanks to its Always-on Display.
Adaptive Audio and Faster Automatic Switching on AirPods
The update brings a new Adaptive Audio feature to the AirPods, combining Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation to dynamically match the conditions of the environment that the listener is in.
Listeners can stay present in their environment while distracting noises are reduced, listening to music without missing what’s going on around the listener. When someone is nearby, a conversation awareness option will lower the sound of the music and focus on voices, while also cutting out background noise.
The Adaptive Audio and Conversation functions also work on phone calls to make it easier for you to hear the person you’re speaking with.
The beta is also designed to improve automatic switching across the Apple ecosystem, allowing users to swap their AirPods between devices more quickly than before.
While there are no limitations on compatible iPhone models, these features only work with the second-generation AirPods Pro.
Press to Mute on AirPods
During a call, you can now press the stem of your AirPods to mute or unmute a call. This feature works with third-generation AirPods and both generations of AirPods Pro. It also works with AirPods Max using the Digital Crown.
Point and Speak
Point and Speak is a new accessibility feature that makes it easier for people with vision disabilities to “read” physical objects that have text labels. Simply point your iPhone camera at the object, and it will read any detected text to you. This feature is limited to iPhones with a LiDAR scanner, which means only iPhone 12 Pro and newer Pro models are compatible with the new feature.
Home Activity History
A new Activity History in the Home app allows you to see recent activity with door locks and when the activity occurred. It also shows recent activity for garage doors, contact sensors, and your security system. This feature works with any iPhone running iOS 17, but your Home app Architecture will need to be updated before turning on this feature.
