Apple has released the second beta version of its upcoming iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 updates today for developers, coming two weeks after unveiling the first betas during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote event.
The new beta releases bring several enhancements, including software update tweaks and various new functionalities, focusing on communication tools such as Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps.
Downloading iOS 17 Beta 2
Developers with an associated Apple ID can download and install the iOS 17 beta by accessing the “Beta Updates” option through the Settings app in the Software Update section. Although limited to developers at this stage, Apple plans to release a public beta later this summer for a wider audience.
Highlighted Features in iOS 17 Beta 2
The second beta of iOS 17 introduces a customized look for each person initiating a call while placing it. Additionally, real-time voice message transcripts are available with live voicemails, allowing users to choose whether to answer incoming calls or not.
Voice messages sent through iMessage now have transcriptions into text. Users can also record audio or video messages when someone misses their FaceTime calls.
StandBy Mode and Interactive Widgets
iOS 17’s innovative StandBy mode enables iPhones placed horizontally as home hubs that display information such as calendar events, time, and other home controls.
It even allows full-screen display of Live Activities. The latest update enhances widget functionality on the Home Screen, making them interactive without opening an app.
Messages App Upgrades
The Messages app now boasts a cleaner look with apps moving to a tucked-away interface for better organization. Amongst many improvements are a newly introduced Check In feature that helps friends keep track of one another while traveling, automatic location-sharing notifications when users arrive at preselected destinations, and easy location sharing directly from the app.
For group chat users, a catch-up arrow is included to quickly access the first unread message in a conversation. Search filters can now be utilized for effortlessly finding desired content within the app. Emoji stickers have also been redesigned, and any image subject can now be transformed into a sticker by using the “remove from background” feature.
Updates to AirDrop, SharePlay, CarPlay, and More
The latest beta release presents enhanced AirDrop capabilities for holding two iPhones together when starting a SharePlay session. SharePlay functionality now extends to CarPlay so passengers can play their tunes in the car. NameDrop allows quick contact sharing between devices. Other notable updates include improvements for Siri performance, search functionality, offline Maps, Adaptive Audio for AirPods Pro 2, and the upcoming journaling app.
Exploring iOS 17 Beta 2
iOS 17 beta 1 was rolled out to developers during WWDC23 as a minor update with more improvements expected in each new build. Developers enrolled in Apple’s Developer Program can explore iOS 17 beta 2 features thoroughly by installing it on compatible iPhones.
The stable public release is slated for Fall 2021; however, early beta builds often contain bugs and stability issues, so users must exercise caution before proceeding with installation on primary devices.