Apple releases iOS 17.2 with Journal app, iPhone 15 Pro perks, and more
Apple has released the iOS 17.2 update, which brings new features and improvements to iPhone users. The update includes the Journal app, enhancements to the Messages app and Weather app, a variety of miscellaneous improvements, and additional features for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users. iPad and Apple Watch owners have also received updates.
New Features for iPhone Users
Apple has released the iOS 17.2 update, bringing a range of new features and improvements to iPhone users. While some of the enhancements are specifically for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, there are plenty of goodies for any compatible iPhone, including the iPhone XR or later.
One of the notable features in this update is the Journal app. Designed to help users capture their thoughts and feelings, the Journal app allows users to reflect on their everyday events and activities through journaling. This can help improve outlook and overall well-being. Users can not only write in their journals but also add photos, videos, audio recordings, and favorite locations.
The Messages app has also received enhancements with the iOS 17.2 update. Users can now jump to the first unread message in a conversation with the catch-up arrow feature. Stickers can be directly added to chat bubbles, and the body shape of any Memoji can be tweaked. In addition, there are new security features to verify the identity of the person on the other end of a message and a warning for stickers containing nudity.
Improvements to Weather App and Miscellaneous Updates
The Weather app has been improved with the iOS 17.2 update. Users can now see precipitation amounts for rain and snow conditions over the next 10 days. A wind map snapshot provides an animated overlay of the windy forecast for the next 24 hours. Additionally, an interactive moon calendar shows the phases of the moon for any day over the next month. Users can also add new weather-related widgets such as air quality, wind speed, daily forecast, and upcoming precipitation.
The iOS 17.2 update also includes a variety of miscellaneous improvements. Users can now log and access Health app data by talking to Siri. Apple Music offers a playlist for favorite songs and allows users to disable the listening history while their phone is in Focus mode. Sharing boarding passes, movie tickets, and other items is made easier with the AirDrop feature, which allows users to share items by bringing two iPhones together. The new update also includes an enhanced AutoFill feature, a Digital Clock widget in StandBy mode, and faster Qi2 charger support for iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models.
Additional Features for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max Users, iPad and Apple Watch Updates
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users will enjoy additional features with the iOS 17.2 update. They can now capture spatial videos that can be watched on Apple's upcoming Vision Pro AR/VR headset. The telephoto camera on these models has been improved for faster focusing on small and distant objects. Additionally, a Translate option is available for the Action button to speedily translate conversations between different languages.
iPad users have also received their share of holiday offerings with the iPadOS 17.2 update. Many of the same features found in iOS 17.2 are available in iPadOS 17.2, including improvements to Messages, Weather, and Apple Music. However, the Journal app is not included in the latest iPad update.
Apple Watch owners can now log and access Health app data via Siri with the new watchOS 10.2 update. They can also view any Now Playing audio when near a HomePod or HomePod mini and easily swipe across the screen to change watch faces without having to press down on the screen.
To install the iOS 17.2 or iPadOS 17.2 update, users can go to Settings, select General, and then tap Software Update. The new watchOS 10.2 update can be installed by opening the Watch app on the iPhone, going to General, and then Software Update.
