Apple announced iOS 17, the new version of the iPhone operating system, at the WWDC 23 event held last week. The main features of iOS 17 include NameDrop, StandBy mode, more Lock Screen customization options, and an improved smart keyboard. However, not all of these features will be available on all iPhone models supported by iOS 17. Here are the iOS 17 features that will be available on older iPhone models:
Which iPhones will receive all iOS 17 features?
First of all, let’s clarify that iOS 17 will not be available on all current devices. iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, which represent the emergence of the notched design and use the same processor, will continue with iOS 16.
However, the iPhone 11 series, which broke sales records, and all subsequent models will receive iOS 17 and many accompanying features. However, due to differences in screen, processor, and design among the devices, some innovations that we will see on the iPhone 15s will not be available. Nevertheless, they will support everything we saw at WWDC. Here are the iOS 17 features that will be available on older iPhone models!
Live Voice Messages
Live Voice Messages change the way users interact by allowing them to access messages without having to call a number, from Visual Voicemail to emails. In iOS 17, voice messages are converted to text in real time on the Lock Screen. However, while this feature will work with any iPhone running iOS 17, it will initially be available only in the United States and Canada.
3D Reactions in FaceTime
FaceTime brings several new features with iOS 17. For example, users can leave a video message similar to a voicemail when someone calls. Additionally, there are new 3D reactions that detect your hand movements and display effects like hearts, confetti, and fireworks. However, this feature requires an iPhone 12 or a newer model.
FaceTime on Apple TV
With iOS 17 and tvOS 17, users can connect their iPhones wirelessly to Apple TV and initiate FaceTime calls on the big screen. This feature will be available on all iPhone models supporting iOS 17. However, you’ll need a second-generation (2021) Apple TV 4K or a newer model.
NameDrop
With the NameDrop feature in iOS 17, users can share their contact information with other iPhone users simply by bringing their phones close together. This feature will be available on all iPhone models running iOS 17 and will also work with Apple Watch. However, it’s worth noting that it will be compatible only with the 6th generation and newer models.
Improved Auto-Correction
iOS 17 makes auto-correction more accurate and personalized by using machine learning (artificial intelligence) to better understand how you type on your phone. Words that are temporarily replaced are shown with an underline, and you can easily revert back to the original word with a single tap.
While this system will eventually be available for all languages on all devices, initially it will only be supported in English, French, and Spanish on iPhone 12 and newer models.
Keyboard Predictions
Another new feature related to the keyboard is predictive typing. The system will predict words or phrases you’re typing and automatically complete them when you tap on the space bar. Keyboard predictions will be available only in English initially for users with iPhone 12 and newer models.
Adaptive Sound and Faster Automatic Switching for AirPods
Apple introduces some nice improvements for AirPods, including Adaptive Sound. This feature dynamically mixes Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation based on the surrounding environment. While these features have no compatibility limitations with any iPhone model, they will work only with the second-generation AirPods Pro.
Mute and Unmute on AirPods
During a call, you’ll be able to mute or unmute the call by pressing on the stem of your AirPods. This feature will work with both the third-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro. It will also work with AirPods Max using the Digital Crown.
New “Siri” Command
Since iPhone 6s, users have been able to use the “Hey Siri” command to interact with Siri hands-free. This command has been added to almost all Apple devices over the years and has become critical for Apple’s smart speaker, HomePod.
However, with iOS 17 and macOS 14, users no longer need to say “Hey Siri” to talk to the virtual assistant. The new “Siri” command will be available on all iPhone models running iOS 17. Initially, it will be available only in English. It will also be compatible with the second-generation AirPods Pro.
Consecutive Requests to Siri
Siri now supports consecutive requests, allowing you to make multiple requests without having to activate Siri again. For example, you can say, “Hey Siri, send a message to Emma that I’m on my way,” and then follow up with “Remind me to water the plants when I get home.” This feature works only in English.
Show and Speak
One of the new accessibility features in iOS 17 is Show and Speak. This feature makes it easier for visually impaired individuals to interact with physical objects that have text labels. When you point your iPhone’s camera at text, the system reads the detected text aloud. However, this feature works only on iPhones with a LiDAR scanner (iPhone 12 Pro and newer Pro models).
Home Activity History
The new Home Activity Log in the Home app shows who locked or unlocked a door and when it was done, as well as the recent activities of garage doors, contact sensors, and security systems. This feature will work with all iPhone models running iOS 17. However, you’ll need to update the Home app before enabling this feature.
StandBy
iOS 17 introduces a new StandBy mode for iPhones. When your iPhone is horizontally connected to a charger (MagSafe), it displays an alternative interface through full-screen widgets. StandBy mode will be available on all iPhones running iOS 17.
However, the always-on display feature will be available only on iPhone 14 Pro, so the screen will remain constantly on only on that model. On other iPhone models, the screen will turn off completely after a while or when you receive a notification or touch the screen, after showing the time or widgets you have set up.
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