This latest update to the operating system, which has been in beta testing mode for some time, comes loaded with new features, including the useful Journal app.
This app was first announced in June and is designed to make it easier for iPhone owners to write about what’s happening in their lives. In addition to adding daily reflections, Journal can use personalized suggestions to help with entry planning and schedule notifications to remind users to add a post.
Items such as photos, places visited, and workouts completed can also be included, with everything stored solely on the device and protected by Apple’s Face ID security.
Journal isn’t the only new feature in iOS 17.2, as there are 11 other tweaks in this update, including the ability to record movies in a format called Spatial Video.
These 4D-style films are being introduced in preparation for the launch of the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset next year, allowing owners to watch old events and feel like they’re truly back in time. Space Videos are currently only available on iPhone Pro models, but that’s expected to change in the future.
Another update aimed at those Pro devices is the addition of a translation option for the new action button that appears on the side of the latter device. Basically, this means that with one tap, users can instantly launch the app and get a translation if they don’t understand the local language.
iOS 17.2 is rolling out more widgets, like sunrise and sunset calendars, as well as more options for changing the default sounds on your iPhone.
Apple Music users will have a new Favorite Playlist feature, making it easier to find the tracks they really like and want to listen to.
Other additions include new ways to customize Memojis, improvements to iMessage reactions and Contact Key Verification, and the ability to add Rainbow Text when creating new Contact Posters.
To get this update, simply go to Settings > General > Software Update. iOS 17.2 is over 1.3 GB in size, so it’s recommended to download it while connected to Wi-Fi, unless you have unlimited 5G mobile data, of course.
NEW FEATURES IN iOS 17.2
• New Diary app.
• The Action Button now includes the Translation option.
• The camera on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max now includes support for spatial video and improved focus speed for the telephoto camera.
• Messages include a refresh arrow that lets you easily jump to the first unread message in a conversation, plus a sticker option in the context menu that lets you add a sticker directly to a message bubble.
• Memoji updates including the ability to adjust the body shape of any Memoji.
• The weather forecast now displays the amount of precipitation to help you stay informed about rain and snow conditions for any given day or the next 10 days.
• Interactive lunar calendar that allows you to easily view the phase of the moon on any day of the next month.
• AirDrop improvements, including expanded contact-sharing options and the ability to share boarding passes, movie tickets, and other eligible passes by bringing two iPhones together.
• Favorite Songs list in Apple Music that lets you quickly return to songs you’ve marked as favorites.
• A new Digital Clock Widget lets you quickly check the time on your home screen and when your device is in standby mode.
• Sensitive Content Warning for stickers in Messages prevents you from being unexpectedly shown a sticker containing nudity.
• Qi2 charger stands for all iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models.
