Even if you don't own one of Apple's latest iPhones (iPhone 15 and 15 Pro), in a few days you will be able to update your iPhone and get new features. Apple confirmed in its iPhone press release that its latest operating system iOS 17 will be released as a free software update on Monday 18 September 2023.

The new app allows iPhone users to access Apple's first-party apps, including the following:

• The Phone app will offer more new features, such as Messages, FaceTime
• Live Voicemail, FaceTime voice and video messaging
• Contact Posters that allow you to customise how you appear to others during incoming calls
• It will bring new features like an updated Messages app and Name Drop, a new way to share contacts by bringing phones closer together.

iMessage improvements:

• Apple has redesigned the experience with a new drawer on the keyboard for easier access to common features like Camera, Photo, Stickers, Apple Cash, Voice, Location Sharing. Also one of the fun additions is what Apple calls "Live Stickers" which users create by drawing objects on their photos and adding additional effects.

A new safety feature called Check In also allows users to notify family or friends when they arrive safely at their destination.

iOS 17 also introduces StandBy, a full-screen experience with information and widgets, clocks, photos, and even notifications that can be seen when the phone is on its side.

The update will also bring Journal, a new first-party app that allows users to track their day and health. This feature has not yet been tested during public beta, so users will definitely want to try it out.

In Safari:

• Private Browsing
• Toggle switches support

New mental health features in the Health app include:

• Offline Maps
• Apple Music
• AirPlay
• AirTag
• Home app
• Reminders
• Siri

And many more updates to come.