A Journal & ‘StandBy’ mode: These are the coolest features coming to iPhone this year

Another year, and another Apple iOS update. And this year we’re getting some major iPhone features, including a new Journal app, and a StandBy feature. Let’s check out these new upgrades!

The tech giant announced the new iOs 17 at this year’s WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference). Besides sharing information on their latest MacBook Air, Apple also announced its new upgrades across the iPhone, FaceTime, and iMessage.

“With iOS 17, we’ve made iPhone more personal and intuitive by deeply considering the features we all rely on every day,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “Phone, FaceTime, and Messages are central to how we communicate, and this release is packed with updates we think our users are going to love. We’ve also reimagined AirDrop with new ways to share, autocorrect gets even better, and we’re introducing all-new experiences with Journal and StandBy, plus so much more. We can’t wait for everyone to try it.”

According to Apple, the phone app will be getting a “personalized Contact Posters”, which will provide a new way for users to express themselves. You can choose how you appear, that including changing photos or Memoji, as well as typography and font colours. Contact Posters will also be available for third-party calling apps.

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As well, Apple introduced “Live Voicemail” which gives users the ability to read a real-time transcript when someone is leaving a voicemail. This new feature will also allow you to pick up while the caller is leaving their message.

Speaking of leaving messages, you can soon leave a message using FaceTime. FaceTime will allow users to leave audio and video messages when someone is not available to pick up the call! Reactions are also going to be available on FaceTime, should you feel the need to add fireworks or heart emojis to get more expressive. This year, FaceTime will also be available directly on Apple TV – talk about being on the big screen.

Like most years, iMessage will be getting new emojis, along with all-new sticker experiences and the ability to make “Live Stickers” by lifting subjects from photos.

For those who generally say “text me when you’re home” to friends or family, Messages will soon have a “Check In” feature, which will let people know when you have made it home safely. “After a user initiates a Check In, their friend or family member will automatically be notified as soon as the user arrives. If they are not making progress toward their destination, useful information will be temporarily shared with the selected contact, such as the device’s location, battery level, and cell service status,” said Apple.

AirDrop is also getting a new upgrade with NameDrop, which lets users share contact info just by allowing their iPhones to touch.

Two other brand new features are the new Journal app, and StandBy display.

The Journal app is what it sounds like, it allows users to reflect and practice gratitude on their mobile devices.

And finally, there is the StandBy Displays, which gives you information while the phone is charging. StandBy uses the full-screen to give information you can see even at a distance when iPhone is on its side and charging. Think of it as a clock and calendar on a nightstand or a desk, and the visuals can be personalized.

While these are some of the coolest new features you’ll see on iPhone, keep in mind that the software features are not available yet, but will be available this fall!