Yesterday, Apple unveiled the new versions of operating systems for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and other devices. Alongside the new Apple Vision Pro and the new 15-inch MacBook Air, there are numerous exciting updates showcased during the keynote. However, there are also several hidden gems that went unnoticed. Let’s gather the most interesting ones.
Download online maps, improvements in Messages, more privacy in Safari, better PWAs and much more
The time Apple has to explain the updates to the operating systems is limited, so many of them have gone unnoticed. Now that we have the betas available, we can investigate and compile several features that we shouldn’t miss.
- Offline map downloads: The Maps app now allows us to download entire regions for use when we don’t have an internet connection. These downloads are also regularly updated whenever we have access to the internet, so we’ll always have the most up-to-date version without worrying about mobile data when we don’t have it.
- Possibility to share our AirTag: Now in the Find My app, we can choose other people to share our AirTag with. This way, our friends or family members can take objects that are attached to the AirTag without receiving notifications from an AirTag that doesn’t belong to them.
- Cross-fade comes to Apple Music: The cross-fade feature, which smoothly transitions between songs, arrives on the iPhone with iOS 17 in the Music app. It’s a convenient way to avoid silences between tracks, and now we can enjoy it in playlists, albums, and more.
- Private tabs in Safari now have passwords: Just like the Hidden or Recently Deleted album in Photos, private browsing tabs in Safari now have a password. With this, only we can access them using Face ID or Touch ID.
- Auto-fill verification codes in Mail: If the system previously offered to auto-fill verification codes received through the Messages app, iOS 17 takes it a step further. The system will now automatically fill in the codes we receive in Mail.
- Auto-cleaning of verification codes: In line with the previous feature, iOS 17 can now clean up verification codes received via SMS after they have been auto-filled. This system helps us avoid ending up with dozens of messages cluttering the app, making it easier to maintain order.
- Auto-cropping in the Photos app: Now, when we zoom in on an image, a subtle crop button will appear momentarily. Tapping it will directly take us to the editing tab, ready to tap OK to apply the crop.
- Our iPhone can locate the TV remote: in conjunction with tvOS 17, the system now allows us to use our iPhone to locate a lost Siri Remote. Something that we will do from the remote control function of the Control Center and that will offer us an interface similar to that of the Search app to locate our remote in seconds.
- PWAs can now send notifications with sound: Progressive Web Apps could start sending us notifications in iOS 16. Now, in iOS 17, they can do it with sound, which means that they will be able to attract our attention, also on the Apple Watch and, therefore, function as a complete app, in that sense.
A considerable list, as we can see. More if we take into account that we are only beginning to investigate what the new operating system offers us. As time goes by and the betas also evolve, we will discover more and more details that, together, change the user experience in various aspects that must be taken into account.
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