Apple presents first iOS 17 features – even before WWDC

Apple unveiled the first iOS 17 features ahead of WWDC. It’s about Accessibility features, which give a taste of iOS 17. We’ll tell you which ones!

Apple shows first iOS 17 features

Apple has introduced new features, which in iOS 17 should greatly improve the accessibility of all devices. Accessibility has been an important theme for Apple for years, so all Apple products contain extensive options that make them accessible to people with disabilities. Now there are a few more options.

Read also: WWDC 2023: these products Apple will launch this year

One of those new features in iOS 17 is Assistive Access. With this option, the digital environment in iOS 17 becomes a lot quieter, in order to receive fewer stimuli. For example, the Phone app and FaceTime with Assistive Access are merged into one Calls app. The apps are also displayed (much) larger and can be placed next to each other or in a list. A much quieter environment, in order to prevent cognitive overload.

Live Speech makes (video) calling more accessible

In iOS 17 it will soon be possible to play written messages aloud during a telephone call or a conversation on FaceTime. This way everyone can participate in digital conversations, even if the ability to speak is reduced or absent. Basic phrases can be saved in the new iOS 17 feature for quick use during a conversation.

For people who are at risk of not being able to speak, Apple has introduced Personal Voice. With this function it is possible to record several 15-minute audio messages, so that your iPhone learns your voice. In the future it will then be possible to have written text read with your own voice. This way your voice will never be lost again, even if you can no longer speak.

Detection mode for visually impaired people

In addition, a new Detection Mode is coming to your iPhone in iOS 17. With this function, your iPhone records the text that is on certain devices. For example, it will soon be much easier to use the oven, because your iPhone will then read the text that appears on the screen. Your iPhone also helps you navigate to different buttons on the device.

Read also: iOS 17: new features for lock screen and app library

The new Detection Mode works with other useful features in iOS 17 aimed at people with visual impairments. Think of People Detection, Door Detection and Image Descriptions, which should make it easier to recognize the environment.

Even more accessibility features in iOS 17

Apple introduces more new features in iOS 17 that make the accessibility of Apple devices even better. According to Apple, these are these options:

• The deaf or hard of hearing will soon be able to connect hearing aids made for the iPhone directly to the Mac;
• voice control will soon also provide phonetic suggestions for words that sound the same, so that the correct word is written out;
• Voice Control Guide has more options in iOS 17, allowing you to control your iPhone with your voice instead of the touchscreen;
• Text Size ensures that you will soon also be able to choose a larger font on the Mac, this was already possible on the iPhone;
• People sensitive to fast animations can have these moving images pause automatically;
• With VoiceOver, it is possible to adjust the speed of Siri in iOS 17 between 0.8x and 2x.

iOS 17 will be released in September

So the new Accessibility options are the first iOS 17 features Apple unveiled. The update will most likely be announced on June 5 and will be available to install on all supported iPhones in September. Are you curious if you can install iOS 17 on your iPhone? Check out which iPhones will receive support for iOS 17 here.

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