Apple is currently releasing iOS 17.2 to all compatible devices following several weeks of public testing of the most recent version of its iPhone operating system. Moreover, Sonoma, the macOS 14.2 and iPadOS 17.2, which share many of the same features, are available now. Lastly, downloads for watchOS 10.2 are also accessible. The primary update this time is the addition of a new app called Journal.
Apple hopes that by using the app, “iPhone users reflect and practice gratitude through journaling.” Unlike other third-party services like Day One, Apple can suggest journal entries based on what users are doing in other apps. For example, your iPhone may propose that you log a trip with images from your camera roll along with a writing prompt like “what will you remember most about your day out?” Additionally, your device might advise you to record a podcast episode you listened to or even to write a journal entry following a workout.
An API for suggestions can be accessed by outside developers to encourage users to write journal entries based on what they do within their apps. According to Apple, the Journal app stores all of its data locally and is end-to-end encrypted (though you have the option to sync it all to iCloud). Additionally, users will be able to choose which apps are able to recommend journals.
There are other new features in iOS 17.2 besides the Journal app. The Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max can be configured to function as a rapid translation tool for spoken phrases. It could even be used to communicate with non-native speakers of your native tongue.
Support for Qi2 charging, which is already available on iPhone 15 models, is being gradually added to all iPhone 13 and 14 models by Apple. According to reports, Qi2-certified chargers can match MagSafe’s 15W wireless charging speeds. Quickly charging the batteries of iPhones and Android phones should be made simpler for users of Qi2 chargers as they become more widely available.
Users of the iPhone 15 Pro can also record spatial video that can be viewed in three dimensions using the Photos app in Apple Vision Pro—that is, if they can finally test out the headset. A recent update to Siri allows you to log health data and access it with just your voice. While an AutoFill update for PDFs and other forms may come in handy, there are also some new features coming to the Apple Music, Messages, and Weather apps.
Moreover, watchOS 10.2 is being released by Apple. Siri requests for the Health app can now be logged and accessed by the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Both watches process Siri requests locally for increased privacy. You can ask Siri questions about your health, whether you’ve closed your exercise ring for the day, and how much sleep you got the night before. In addition, you have the ability to direct Siri to record information about your body temperature, weight, and medications as well. With support for additional languages to come, these requests are currently available in Mandarin Chinese and English (US).
The ability to automatically see what’s Now Playing from a nearby 2nd-generation HomePod or HomePod mini that’s playing music or podcasts is one of the other new features of the Apple Watch. A setting that allows you to swipe to switch between watch faces can be enabled. In the majority of Fitness+ workouts, you’ll also have the option of prioritizing the trainer’s voice over the music volume.
