Apple has released iOS 17.2, the second major update to its mobile operating system since iOS 17 was launched in September. The update brings a number of new features and improvements, such as the Journal app, spatial video recording, sticker reactions in iMessage, and more. Here are some of the highlights of iOS 17.2 and why you should upgrade your iPhone as soon as possible.
One of the most anticipated features of iOS 17.2 is the Journal app, which allows you to record your daily activities and thoughts in a dedicated space. You can use various digital pen styles, stickers, and photo embedding capabilities to personalize your entries. You can also choose from optional prompts that Apple provides as inspiration for your writing. Journal entries are automatically tagged with a date and can be bookmarked for easy access. iCloud sync ensures seamless access across your Apple devices, making Journal a convenient tool for journaling on the go.
Spatial Video: A New Dimension for Your Recordings
If you have an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, you can now capture spatial videos, a new feature that adds depth and dimension to your recordings. Using the advanced LiDAR scanner on your device, spatial videos capture the scene’s three-dimensional geometry, allowing you to experience them in a whole new way when wearing a compatible headset like the Apple Vision Pro, which is expected to launch in early 2024. Spatial video recording can be enabled in the Settings app, under Camera > Formats. Spatial videos are recorded at 30 frames per second at 1080p, and one minute of video takes up 130MB of storage space. When viewed on your iPhone, they appear as normal videos, but when viewed on the Vision Pro, they become immersive 3D scenes.
Sticker Reactions: A Fun Way to Express Yourself in iMessage
iMessage has always been a fun way to communicate with your friends and family, and iOS 17.2 makes it even more so with sticker reactions. You can now long press on any chat bubble in iMessage and add a sticker response that serves as an alternative to a tapback reaction. You can choose either a sticker or an emoji to apply to the corner of an iMessage, making your conversations more expressive and colorful. You can also drag and drop stickers and emojis onto any message bubble, as before.
Other Improvements and Enhancements
iOS 17.2 also brings a number of other improvements and enhancements to your iPhone, such as:
- A Favorites playlist in Apple Music, which automatically aggregates the songs that you have favorited in the app. You can also choose to add songs to your Music Library when they are favorited, in the Music section of the Settings app.
- Improved telephoto focusing speed on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, which allows you to capture small, faraway objects faster and clearer.
- Contact Key Verification in iMessage, which is an optional feature that allows you to verify the identity of the person you are messaging with, ensuring that your conversations are truly private and secure. Verification can be done through a secure code comparison, adding an extra layer of trust to online communication.
- Weather app widgets, which let you see the current weather conditions and forecast on your Home Screen or Today View. You can choose from different sizes and layouts of widgets, and customize them with your preferred locations.
- A redesigned Clock app, which features a new look and feel, as well as new options for setting alarms, timers, and bedtime schedules. You can also access the World Clock, Stopwatch, and Timer functions from the bottom tabs of the app.
Why You Should Upgrade to iOS 17.2
iOS 17.2 is a major update that adds a lot of value to your iPhone experience. Whether you want to capture your thoughts and experiences in the Journal app, record spatial videos for the Vision Pro, express yourself with sticker reactions in iMessage, or enjoy the other improvements and enhancements, iOS 17.2 has something for everyone. The update also fixes some bugs and improves the performance and stability of your device. To upgrade to iOS 17.2, go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the instructions. Make sure you have enough battery life and storage space before you start the update process.