With the newest update to iOS, the software that powers iPhones, Apple said they sought to bring more expressive communication, easier sharing, intelligent input and new experiences. 

A large part of the new update consists of changes to Phone, FaceTime and Messages applications.

The Phone app now allows users to create customized contact posters, allowing them to choose exactly what will show up on others’ screens when a call is placed. Users can choose photos, Memojis and fonts.

The process is very similar to customizing a wallpaper, which currently exists in iOS 16.

These new posters will also be available in the Contacts app.

At WWDC23, Apple also announced Live Voicemail, a new feature that transcribes a voicemail live as the caller speaks. Live Voicemail will allow users to read the transcript and determine whether they wish to pick up the call.

FaceTime calls will now give users the opportunity to leave a message if the person they are attempting to contact does not pick up. The message will be recorded so that the user can watch it later.

In Messages, the search feature is now more powerful, allowing users to filter for more specific queries. 

There is a new Catch-up feature, which will place an arrow in the upper right corner of the display. When users click this arrow, they will be brought to the oldest message that they haven’t yet read. This makes it easier to read messages during times where group chats may have numerous unread messages. 

To reply to a message, users can now swipe right on the bubble to quickly type a response.

Audio Messages are now transcribed, meaning users can digest information without having to listen to the message.

Apple also announced a new feature called Check In, which allows users to grant friends and family access to important information including location, estimated arrival times and battery life. Users can share a Check In so that important contacts will be notified once they have reached their destination. If something unexpected happens or if a delay occurs, it will alert the user that it has recognized the delay. If the user does not take action within a given amount of time, it will notify the contact with information such as the user’s location, battery life and cellular service.

Apple assured their audience that all new features related to communication will be completely secured.

Apps integrated within iMessage such as Photos and GamePigeon will no longer be shown above the keyboard. Instead, they will live within a plus button on the left side of the display. 

The stickers experience has now been condensed into one place so users no longer have to search through multiple iMessage apps to locate them.

All emoji are now available as stickers, meaning users can peel and stick them onto any message. 

Users can now create Live Stickers, which allows them to select the subject of an image and turn it into a sticker. This functions very similarly to Snapchat’s sticker function. Live Stickers can also be created from Live Photos to add motion.

Users can now respond to individual messages with any emoji as well.

Stickers are now available system-wide, which means they can be accessed anywhere users can use emoji — including third-party apps.

AirDrop will now make it easier for users to share their contact with others with a new feature called NameDrop. Users simply bring their iPhones close together and a screen will pop up allowing them to choose what information they would like to share. The feature is also available with Apple Watches.

This same gesture is now used for AirDrop as well. Users can bring their phones close together in order to share things like photos.

Users can also bring their devices together to start SharePlay, allowing them to do things like listen to the same song at the same time. This will work with any app that supports SharePlay.

Autocorrect will now be significantly more intelligent and feature a refreshed design. It can now fix sentence-level errors and grammatical mistakes. If an autocorrect suggestion is incorrect, a user can tap the word to return to the word that was originally typed.

Apple also introduced a new app called Journal, which will come to iPhone later this year. iPhone will intelligently suggest information to add to the day’s journal, allowing users to choose what they add.

The Journal app will automatically pull information from pre-installed iOS apps such as Photos, Music, Maps and Health as well as third-party apps.

There is also a new feature called Standby. When users turn their phone sideways while charging, they will get a new fullscreen experience with important and customizable information. For example, on a nightstand, it may show the time and preview any alarms set by the user. On a desk, it may show upcoming meetings, current weather or other desired information.

The Standby display can also show information such as when a food delivery will arrive or the current score of a sports game.

Users can now just say “Siri” rather than “Hey Siri” before speaking a command. They can also speak multiple prompts repeatedly without the need to repeat “Siri.” 

Maps now allows users to download information for a specific area for offline use.

The “people” albums in the Photos app will now be more intelligent and can now recognize cats and dogs.

The developer beta for this software became available on Monday and public betas will be available in July. The update will be available to all users in the fall.