Apple has finally dropped the iOS 17.2 update for iPhone users, and it's bringing some goodies! Remember the much-anticipated Journal app they teased at WWDC back in June? Well, it's finally here. Alongside that, there's a bunch of other features like the new Spatial recording feature, customised Action button, and some updates to the Messages app.
The Journal app first. It is about capturing your daily adventures and memorable moments. It uses your phone's data—like locations, photos, workouts, and more—to identify the special "Moments" in your life. And, it then gives you writing prompts and suggestions based on these moments!
To add entries to your Journal, just tap the ‘+’ button. Once in, you have the option to pick one of the suggested topics to start your writing, or simply select "New Entry" to write about anything on your mind. For neat organisation, entries are automatically tagged with dates. But if you're into bookmarking, that's an option too. You can spice up your entries by including images, audio files, and even location tags.
The best part is the app offers end-to-end encryption, no one — including Apple — can access a user’s entries. You can also lock your journal entries using Touch ID or Face ID. Plus, they're automatically synced with iCloud for extra security and peace of mind.
Apple has also unveiled the Spatial recording feature enabling the iPhone to capture spatial videos. Although the difference might not be immediately noticeable on the device itself, the primary aim is for playback on the upcoming Vision Pro, Apple's anticipated mixed-reality headset scheduled for an early 2024 release.
To activate spatial video recording, you can go to the Settings app, select the Camera section, tap on Formats, and switch on "Spatial Video for Apple Vision Pro." This feature is exclusively available for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. In this update, Apple also introduces a new translate feature accessible through the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro models.
This allows you to translate phrases or engage in conversations with individuals speaking different languages. Furthermore, the Messages app now offers a 'catch up arrow' feature, using this you can navigate to the unread messages in a conversation you might have missed before.
Other notable additions include the Contact Key verification feature. This serves as a tool for those facing heightened digital threats, such as human rights activists, government officials, or journalists. The update is now available for download and is compatible with all iPhone models eligible for the iOS 17 update.