While certain prominent software features tend to dominate the spotlight (such as StandBy and NameDrop), there are numerous remarkable yet lesser-known features waiting to be discovered in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. This article explores some of the best-hidden features in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 that can transform you into a power user.
Automated Deletion of Email and Text Verification Codes
Verification emails and texts serve a valuable security purpose, but deleting them can be time-consuming or result in app clutter. In iOS 17, maintaining a clean device becomes simpler with the automatic deletion of email and text verification codes once they have been used. You can find this feature in Settings > Passwords > Password Options > enable Clean Up Automatically.
Autofill Verification Codes from Email
Previously, Apple introduced the ability to autofill verification codes sent via text messages, but email verification codes were left out. However, iOS 17 changes that by extending the intelligence that scans texts to also recognize verification codes in emails. Say goodbye to an additional hassle in maintaining strong security.
Collaborative Playlists in Apple Music
Sharing an Apple Music playlist with friends and family is great, but iOS 17 takes it a step further by enabling collaborative playlist creation. Now, assembling party or road trip playlists becomes effortless as everyone gets a chance to contribute their favorite songs.
Playlists in Apple Music – Play music together Now SharePlay makes it easier for everyone to control music in the car — even passengers in the back seat — so everyone can play their favorite music and contribute to what’s playing
Use FaceTime on Apple TV with iPhone
Transforming your Apple TV from a passive streaming device into a communication hub for FaceTime video calls seems like a logical step. Although Apple hasn’t added a camera to Apple TV, iOS 17 allows your iPhone to function as a FaceTime camera for Apple TV. Simply connect your iPhone to your Apple TV, position it near your TV, and enjoy full-screen FaceTime calls from the comfort of your living room.
FaceTime on Apple TV – Use your iPhone as a camera and start a call directly from the FaceTime app on Apple TV, or hand off the call from your iPhone to your TV – images: Apple
Live Voicemail Transcription on Lock Screen
Call screening receives a significant upgrade in iOS 17. When you send a call to voicemail and the caller starts leaving a message, your iPhone can display a live transcript of the message on your lock screen. If the message isn’t important, you can skip it and return the call later. However, if it turns out to be significant, you can accept the call directly from the lock screen and start conversing with the caller. You can enable or disable this feature in Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail.
Listen to Webpages in Safari
If you come across an article that you’re interested in but don’t have the time to read, iOS 17 provides an alternative. Safari introduces the “Listen to Page” feature, allowing you to have the article read aloud to you. To experience this, open a lengthy article in Safari, tap on “Aa” in the address bar, and select “Listen in Page.”
Secure Private Browsing with Face ID and Touch ID
Private Browsing becomes more secure in iOS 17 with the addition of biometric authentication. Previously, anyone who unlocked your iPhone or iPad could access any Private Browsing windows you had open. With the update, locking your device automatically locks Private Browsing windows, and they can only be unlocked using Face ID or Touch ID (depending on device capabilities). You can toggle this feature in Settings > Safari > Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing.
Offline Maps in Apple Maps
In iOS 17, Apple Maps introduces support for offline maps, catching up to Google Maps which has offered this feature for years. Now, you can download map data provided by Apple or third parties and use it without an internet connection. This is particularly useful in areas with poor network coverage or rural regions. Explore this feature in Apple Maps by tapping on your user profile icon and selecting “Offline Maps.”
Find a Lost Apple Watch with Control Center
If you misplace your Apple Watch, iOS 17 makes it easier to find with Control Center on your iPhone. You can trigger your Apple Watch to play a sound, aiding in its location. While Find My can also perform a similar task, having this feature in Control Center saves a few extra steps when searching for your Watch. To utilize this feature, go to Settings > Control Center > tap the “+” next to “Ping My Watch,” then open Control Center and tap on the watch icon.
Share Passwords and Passkeys with Trusted Contacts
Enhancing account security, iOS 17 offers an improved method for sharing passwords and passkeys with trusted contacts. You can now create multiple contact groups and share passwords within those groups using iCloud Keychain. This is particularly handy for sharing one set of passwords with your partner and children while sharing different passwords with coworkers. To set up and share passwords, navigate to Settings > Passwords > Get Started in the Family Passwords section, and follow the onscreen prompts to create a group and share passwords.
Please note that iOS 17 requires at least an iPhone XR or newer to be downloaded. The list of compatible devices also includes the second-generation iPhone SE and later.
If your device is compatible with the new versions of iOS and iPadOS, you will receive an alert when they become available. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for an available update. If one is available, select “Download and Install.”
