The 3 Best Features of iOS 17

Kevin Kearney Sr. Staff Writer

Updated 12 December 2023

Multiple iPhones displaying features of iOS 17 — A preview of iOS 17's new features.
Credit: Apple

Contents

In this guide:

3 best features of iOS 17
Best iPhone 15 deals
Frequently asked questions

A lot of the conversation following Apple’s September 12 event focused on the new iPhone 15, but we’re just as intrigued by another announcement the company made: the release of iOS 17 will be available for download starting September 18.

Apple’s latest operating system offers a number of new and improved features that’ll optimize the user experience and turn your iPhone into an even more impressive device. While there are plenty of intriguing features that come with the software update, we’re especially excited by the following.

Read on to learn the three best features of iOS 17.

Editor's note: iOS 17 is no longer the most recent version of iOS. Check out our iOS updating guide to get the latest version of the software for your iPhone.

3 best features of iOS 17

iOS 17 promises enhanced gestures, brand-new native apps, and interactive widgets, with over a dozen new additions to the well-known Apple operating system. After reading through the fine print, we ranked the most impressive features that'll arrive with the September 18 download.

1. Improved FaceTime

In the past few years, FaceTime has become one of the iPhone's most popular apps, but one puzzling shortcoming was its lack of Voicemail. Apple corrected the error, allowing users to leave a short video message when their loved ones aren't there to answer a call.

Apple FaceTime on Apple TV — iOS 17 allows you to use FaceTime with your Apple TV.
Credit: Apple

In addition, iOS 17 will allow you to view FaceTime on your AppleTV. Your iPhone will still act as your camera, but the larger display will allow for higher-definition interactions with your friends and family.

2. StandBy

Screenshot of Jon Batiste song playing in StandBy mode — StandBy mode lets you turn your phone into a Bluetooth control center.
Credit: Apple

Turn your iPhone on its side and you'll turn it into a bedside clock, a Bluetooth control center stereo, or a moving photo album. With new iOS updates, it's often the subtle changes that end up becoming iconic iPhone features. We're guessing the new StandBy feature will be one more example.

3. Advanced AirDrop

AirDrop turned the cumbersome processes of uploading and attaching into relics of the past. With the latest iOS update, AirDrop's frictionless Bluetooth sharing extends to the social realm with two new features: NameDrop and SharePlay.

Two phones using the NameDrop feature to exchange contact information — NameDrop allows users to exchange contact info with one quick gesture.
Credit: Apple

NameDrop allows you to share your contact card with someone by simply holding it next to a new friend's phone. Likewise, SharePlay brings that technology to entertainment, allowing you to play music, watch movies, and play games with the other pop-culture obsessives in your life.

Best iPhone deals

Want to experience the new iOS 17 on the new iPhone? Check out the best iPhone deals below:

Apple

iPhone 17e 256GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Camera: 48MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

35 Plans from $16.66/mo

Choose

35 Plans from $16.66/mo

Apple

iPhone 16 128GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

57 Plans from $20.27/mo

Choose

57 Plans from $20.27/mo

Apple

iPhone 17e 512GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Camera: 48MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

35 Plans from $22.22/mo

Choose

35 Plans from $22.22/mo

Apple

iPhone 17 256GB

6.3 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

43 Plans from $23.05/mo

Choose

43 Plans from $23.05/mo

Apple

iPhone Air 256GB

6.5 inch display
Rear Camera: 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

58 Plans from $27.77/mo

Choose

58 Plans from $27.77/mo

3 best iOS 17 features: FAQs

When was iOS 17 released?

iOS 17 was released on September 18, 2023 for free download.

How do you download iOS 17?

If you have a compatible iPhone, you'll receive a notification on September 18, 2023 asking if you'd like to download iOS 17. If you miss that notification or don't have Automatic Updates on, you can go to Settings > General > Software Update and find the iOS 17 on and after September 18.

Which devices get iOS 17?

iOS 17 is compatible with the following devices:

Kevin Kearney

Sr. Staff Writer

Kevin is an experienced journalist and writer whose musings on tech, education, and culture have appeared in Stereogum, InsideHook, The Millions, and elsewhere. As a Senior Staff Writer for WhistleOut, he offers unique expertise on the inner workings of the mobile industry, and has a particular passion for emerging efficiencies within smartphone apps.

Read full bio