Written By 6 Hidden New Messages App Features in iOS 17
In the world of mobile technology, Apple’s iOS 17 has introduced a slew of new features to its Messages app. While some may be easily visible, others are tucked away, waiting to be discovered. Apple has made some quality-of-life changes to the Messages app in iOS 17, alongside a couple of new features. Let’s go over them one by one. This article delves into six hidden features that enhance the messaging experience, making texting more convenient and enjoyable.
1. Automatically Scroll to Where You Left Off
For those who frequently engage in group chats, the new “catch up” button is a remarkable addition that significantly enhances the user experience. Imagine returning to a bustling group conversation after being away for a while—rather than manually scrolling through a barrage of messages, iOS 17 offers a streamlined solution. This feature allows you to seamlessly pick up where you left off by automatically scrolling to your last read message. Moreover, if the conversation has progressed beyond your screen’s view, a conveniently placed arrow at the top-right corner of the chat interface becomes your portal to catch up swiftly.
2. Swipe to Reply
The introduction of the swipe-to-reply function brings a new level of convenience to messaging interactions. Traditionally, crafting a reply involved a series of steps, including pressing and holding a message to initiate a reply thread. However, iOS 17 transforms this process with a simple swipe to the right. By effortlessly swiping on any message, you trigger an automatic reply thread, eliminating the need for multiple taps and ensuring a more seamless messaging experience. It’s worth noting that this intuitive feature is exclusive to iMessage conversations, further enhancing the cohesion of Apple’s ecosystem.
3. Locations Integrated Under Contact Names
The integration of location information within the Messages app represents a subtle yet impactful enhancement that enriches communication with context. Leveraging data from the Find My app, iOS 17 now displays your friends’ locations directly beneath their contact names during conversations. This provides you with a quick snapshot of their whereabouts, denoted by city and state. This contextual addition offers a deeper layer of engagement, enabling you to better understand your friends’ current locations while interacting with them. Furthermore, tapping on a contact’s name yields more comprehensive location details, including a map view and driving directions if needed.
4. Create Your Own Sticker From a Photo
In a creative leap, iOS 17 empowers users with the ability to transform their personal photos into custom stickers. This feature opens the door to a realm of personalization, allowing individuals to infuse their messages with a touch of individuality. Whether it’s a cherished pet, a scenic landscape, or a funny moment captured on camera, users can easily turn their snapshots into stickers that resonate with their own narratives. Additionally, Live Photos gain new life as animated GIF-like stickers, injecting a layer of dynamism and playfulness into conversations.
5. Audio Messages Now Transcribe Automatically
Accessibility takes center stage with the automatic transcription feature introduced in iOS 17. Audio messages, often convenient but challenging in certain scenarios, become more inclusive as they automatically generate text transcriptions. While not flawless, this feature is a welcome addition for instances when listening to audio isn’t feasible. The transcribed text appears alongside the audio message, making it accessible to a broader audience and enhancing communication accessibility in various situations. However, it’s important to note that the transcription will be deleted alongside the audio clip unless you’ve configured your iPhone to retain audio messages.
6. Check In to Notify Friends When You Arrive
iOS 17 introduces a novel feature, “Check In,” designed to enhance location-sharing interactions within the Messages app. This functionality proves especially valuable for those who often forget to inform friends and family about their safe arrivals. With the Check In feature, you can automatically notify selected contacts when you arrive at a destination. Whether it’s your home, a friend’s house, or a specific location, this feature ensures that your loved ones are informed of your safe arrival. Additionally, the option to set up a time-based Check In offers flexibility, allowing you to prompt the app to notify your contacts if you haven’t done so within a designated time frame. Notably, Apple places a strong emphasis on user privacy, enabling you to fine-tune location-sharing settings according to your preferences.
Table: Hidden iOS 17 Messages App Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Automatically Scroll to Where You Left Off | Quickly catch up on group chats by scrolling to your last read message. |
| Swipe to Reply | Simplify replies with a swift swipe, enhancing the messaging flow. |
| Locations Integrated Under Contact Names | Gain location context as friends’ whereabouts appear alongside their names. |
| Create Your Own Sticker From a Photo | Craft personalized stickers from your photo library, adding a creative touch. |
| Audio Messages Now Transcribe Automatically | Enhance accessibility with automatic transcription of audio messages. |
| Check In to Notify Friends When You Arrive | Alert friends of your arrival with automated notifications or timed prompts. |
Conclusion
While the iOS 17 Messages app doesn’t boast attention-grabbing headlines, its hidden features collectively elevate the texting experience. From intuitive swipes to automated transcriptions and creative stickers, these additions enrich interactions. Dive into the Messages app to uncover even more subtle enhancements and make the most of what iOS 17 has to offer.
