INTRODUCTION
The latest iOS 17 update is packed with new features and enhancements that have made waves among iPhone users. While many of these updates are highlighted during Apple’s keynote presentations, there are several hidden features that might fly under the radar. These lesser-known gems can significantly enhance your iPhone experience, providing added convenience, customization, and security. In this article, we’ll explore five hidden features of iOS 17 that you probably didn’t know about, and how you can start using them today.
1. Interactive Widgets: More Than Just a Glance
With iOS 17, widgets have become more interactive, allowing you to do more without even opening an app. Previously, widgets were mainly used for quick glances at information like weather, calendar events, or news. Now, with the added interactivity, you can perform actions directly from the widget itself. For example, you can control music playback, check off reminders, or even manage smart home devices without leaving the home screen.
How to Use:
- Long press on your home screen and tap the “+” icon in the top-left corner.
- Choose a widget from the available options.
- Add the widget to your home screen, and start interacting directly.
This new level of interactivity is perfect for users who want to streamline their daily tasks and stay on top of their activities without diving into each individual app.
2. Contact Posters: Personalize Your Caller ID
iOS 17 introduces a fun and personalized way to manage how your contact information appears on other people’s iPhones. With the new Contact Posters feature, you can create a customized caller ID that includes a photo, font, and color scheme of your choice. This feature allows you to express your personality or brand identity every time you make a call.
How to Use:
- Open the Contacts app and select your contact card.
- Tap “Edit” and then “Edit Contact Poster.”
- Choose a photo, customize the text font, and adjust the colors.
Now, whenever you call someone, your Contact Poster will be displayed on their screen, making it a unique and memorable way to stand out.
3. Safari Profiles: Separate Your Work and Personal Life
Safari in iOS 17 introduces Profiles, a feature designed to help you keep your browsing history, cookies, extensions, and tabs organized based on different needs. Whether you want to separate your work browsing from personal or create a dedicated profile for research, Safari Profiles can help you maintain a clutter-free browsing experience.
How to Use:
- Open Safari and tap the Tabs button.
- Tap “New Tab” and then “New Profile.”
- Name your profile, choose an icon, and configure settings like extensions and homepage.
Switching between profiles is seamless, allowing you to maintain focus and privacy depending on what you’re doing online.
4. StandBy Mode: Turn Your iPhone into a Smart Display
StandBy Mode is a new feature in iOS 17 that transforms your iPhone into a smart display when it’s charging and placed in landscape mode. StandBy Mode displays useful information such as the time, widgets, and notifications on a customizable screen. It’s perfect for placing your phone on a bedside table or desk, where it can serve as a clock, calendar, or even a mini control center for your smart home devices.
How to Use:
- Place your iPhone on a MagSafe charger or any charger in landscape mode.
- StandBy Mode will activate automatically.
- Customize the display by swiping left or right to choose different layouts, and tap on widgets to interact with them.
This feature makes your iPhone more versatile, turning it into a functional display when you’re not actively using it.
5. Enhanced Privacy Features: Keep Your Data Safe
iOS 17 continues Apple’s focus on privacy with several enhanced features designed to protect your data. One of the standout features is the ability to securely share your location with friends or family using iMessage, but with a twist. You can now set a timer on location sharing, ensuring it automatically stops after a set period.
How to Use:
- Open the Messages app and start a conversation with a contact.
- Tap the “+” button next to the text input field and select “Share My Location.”
- Choose the duration for location sharing (e.g., one hour, until the end of the day).
This feature is ideal for maintaining your privacy while ensuring that loved ones know where you are when necessary.
Conclusion
iOS 17 is full of both well-publicized and hidden features that make it a powerful and customizable operating system. By exploring these hidden gems, you can enhance your iPhone experience, making your device more personalized, secure, and functional. Whether you’re a long-time Apple user or new to the ecosystem, these tips will help you get the most out of your iPhone in ways you might not have expected. So go ahead, dive into iOS 17, and start exploring all that it has to offer!
