Chapter 1: Introduction to iOS 17.2

Initially, I thought iOS 17 was quite impressive, but iOS 17.2 surprised me with an additional 40 features that I never realized I needed until I tried them out. Previously, I discussed 20 remarkable features, and now I’m here to share 20 more enhancements and changes introduced in the Developer Betas 2 and 3 of iOS 17.2.

1. Capture Spatial Video for Apple Vision Pro

If you possess an iPhone 15 Pro, you can now record Spatial Videos for the upcoming Apple Vision Pro. But what exactly is Spatial Video? It’s a 3D video format that captures not just the action but also the depth of the subjects, allowing you to relive those moments on the Vision Pro headset as if you were there. For optimal viewing, it should be recorded in landscape mode at 30 fps in 1080p, with one minute of video taking approximately 130 MB of storage.

2. Control Inline Predictions

iOS 17 introduced significant upgrades to the keyboard, particularly the Inline predictive text feature, which made typing easier by suggesting complete words and sentences. However, this feature was enabled by default and couldn’t be disabled without turning off predictive text entirely, until now. In iOS 17.2, you can retain word predictions while disabling Inline recommendations through the settings.

3. New Precipitation Totals in Weather

The Weather app now features a new section that displays total rainfall for the past 24 hours and predicts the rainfall for the next 24 hours.

Siri Enhancements 4. Siri's Geographical Knowledge ==============================================

Previously, Siri would respond vaguely when asked for your elevation, but now it provides the exact figure. Additionally, when navigating via Apple Maps, you can simply ask for your Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA).

5. App Confirmation for Calls

Siri now asks which app you’d like to use when placing a call, offering more flexibility than ever before.

Messaging Improvements 6. Force Sync Messages to iCloud ==============================================

You can now force your messages to sync with iCloud, and the messaging settings have been updated to reflect this change.

7. Catch-Up Arrow for Group Chats

A much-anticipated feature, the Catch-Up arrow, has been added to Messages, allowing users to jump directly to the first unread message in lengthy group conversations.

FaceTime Improvements 8. Share Name and Photo =====================================

The ability to share your name and profile picture in FaceTime has been expanded to include options in the Phone app as well.

9. Alert for Blocked Contacts

iOS 17.2 will notify you if a blocked contact attempts to join your FaceTime call, enhancing privacy.

Music App Changes 10. Revoke Photos Access ======================================

Upon updating to iOS 17.2, you’ll be prompted to allow or deny Photos access to your Apple Music library.

11. Favorited Songs Library Option

You can now choose whether to automatically add favorited songs to your library.

TV App Updates 12. Icon Redesigns ================================

The TV app received a visual overhaul with new icons and layout modifications.

13. New Functional Buttons

New buttons at the bottom of the screen provide easy access to content information and resuming previously watched videos.

14. The dynamic bubbles wallpaper returns, responding to your device's motion.
15. The Sensitive Content Warning feature has been expanded to include more messaging formats.
16. The App Store has been redesigned for easier navigation through categories.
17. Safari will now remember your history-clearing preferences.
18. Coverage information for your Apple devices has been repositioned for easier access.
19. Collaborating on Notes via AirDrop is anticipated in future updates.
20. The alarm UI has been revamped to create a more engaging experience.

The second video, "iOS 17.2 Beta 3 - Inevitable! - Features, Apps and Follow Up," dives into the features and changes introduced in the beta phase, providing insights and expectations for the final release.

In conclusion, iOS 17.2 has brought forth a plethora of enhancements that significantly improve user experience. If you enjoy discovering new iOS and Mac applications, consider subscribing to Setapp for access to over 240 curated apps for a monthly fee, and enjoy a 30-day free trial!