Apple has released the first beta of the iOS 17.2 update, which includes several new features. One of the major additions is the Journal app, which allows users to record their daily activities and thoughts with optional prompts for inspiration. The app also supports multimedia elements such as images, voice recordings, and location tags. Additionally, the Messages app now includes a sticker response feature, allowing users to quickly add stickers or emojis to chat bubbles as an alternative to tapback reactions.
Another notable feature in iOS 17.2 is the ability to create collaborative Apple Music playlists. Users can now invite friends to add songs to a playlist via a link or QR code, with the option to approve each person’s contribution. The update also introduces a Favorites playlist, which aggregates all the songs that users have favorited in Apple Music. Other features include a Translate option in the Action Button for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users, iMessage Contact Key Verification for enhanced privacy and security, and improved syncing options for Messages in iCloud.
In terms of visual updates, the Apple TV app on the iPhone and iPad no longer has separate tabs for Movies and TV shows. There are also new widgets for weather information, a Digital Clock widget, and the ability to choose a rainbow-colored text for contact posters in the Contacts app. The iOS 17.2 update is currently available only to developers, but it is expected to be released to public beta testers in the near future, with a public release likely in November or December.
