Apple's iOS 17: A sneak peek at new features & what to expect in 2023
Explore the upcoming iOS 17 update from Apple, including delayed features and exciting additions in 2023, such as collaborative playlists for Apple Music and enhanced AirDrop functionality.

Highlights
- iOS 17 will initially lacking some announced features, like the Journal app
- Collaborative Playlists for Apple Music will make music sharing more interactive
- Anticipate interactive messaging, Music app improvements, and smarter PDF handling in 2023
Apple enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the release of the iOS 17 update, which is scheduled to hit iPhone models XS and newer on 18 September. While this update promises a host of exciting new features and improvements, it's worth noting that not all the announced features will be available immediately.
Some key components have been slated for release in later versions, such as iOS 17.1 or 17.2. In this article, we'll give you a sneak peek into what's in store with iOS 17 and the exciting features you can look forward to.
Delayed delights: Features coming in iOS 17.1 & beyond
One of the standout features that won't be available in the initial iOS 17 release is the Journal app. This app is designed to provide iPhone users with a comprehensive platform to document their daily experiences and memories.
It goes beyond simple text entries, allowing users to include photos, music, and audio recordings. The Journal app even offers tailored suggestions based on the user's recent activities, making it a powerful tool for preserving moments and memories.
As for downloading the iOS 17 update, follow the instructions: Go to Settings > General > Software Update and choose the iOS 17 update when it becomes available to keep your iPhone up to date with the latest features and improvements. Expect the file download size to be more than 2 GB
Enhanced entertainment: Collaborative playlists for Apple Music
Apple Music enthusiasts will have something to look forward to in future updates. While the Collaborative Playlists feature won't be a part of the September 18 release, it's set to enhance the music-sharing experience. This feature enables multiple users to collaborate on a shared playlist, making it easier than ever to curate the perfect playlist with friends and family.
It's a move towards making Apple Music a more social and interactive platform for music lovers.
Revamped AirDrop: Content transfer over the Internet
AirDrop is set to receive a functional enhancement in an upcoming 2023 update. After this update, content transfer via AirDrop will no longer be limited to physical proximity. As long as both the sender and recipient are logged into their iCloud accounts, transfers can occur over the internet, even if the devices go out of AirDrop range.
This improvement will make sharing files and content more convenient and flexible for Apple users.
More exciting iOS 17 features on the horizon
As we look ahead to 2023, Apple has more exciting features in store for iOS 17 users. These include the ability to react to messages using stickers from the Tapback menu and a catch-up arrow for group conversations in the Messages app, making communication more expressive and efficient.
Additionally, the Music app will introduce a 'Favourite Songs' playlist, and PDFs will benefit from intelligent form detection. For fitness enthusiasts, Apple Fitness+ will introduce an 'Audio Focus' feature, allowing users to prioritize either the music or the trainer's voice during workouts, catering to individual preferences.
Convenient Sign-Ins with Apple ID proximity
In the realm of sign-in convenience, iOS 17 will enable Apple ID proximity sign-in using a trusted iPhone or iPad when setting up a new Apple device, offering added security and ease of use. While iOS 17 is set to bring exciting enhancements and features to the iPhone experience, it's clear that Apple has even more in store for its users in the months ahead.
Stay tuned for these updates, as they promise to make your Apple devices even more versatile and enjoyable.