Apple releases iOS 17.2, macOS 14.2, more!
Today Apple released updates across all of their system software. This includes:
- macOS Sonoma 14.2
- iOS 17.2
- iPadOS 17.2
- watchOS 10.2
- tvOS 17.2
- HomePod OS 17.2
- macOS Ventura 13.6.3
- macOS Monterey 12.7.2
- iOS & iPadOS 16.7.3 (only for devices unable to run iOS 17)
At this time I would recommend nearly everyone go ahead and update their devices to the new version unless you have specific reasons not to. In addition to lots of bug fix, performance, and security updates we get quite a few new features:
- iOS 17.2 adds the new Journal app, which automatically suggests journal entries based on locations visited, exercise activity, music, photos, etc. Strangely, this is iPhone-only.
- iOS 17.2 (iPhone 15 Pro only) allows you to set the Action Button to the Translate app. Choose your translating language and press the button. Your iPhone will then translate anything it hears in your native language into the language you selected, and vice versa.
- "Favorites" playlist in Apple Music
- Focus filter for Apple Music listening history means that music played during selected Focus will not affect your music history and recommendations.
- Sticker options for iMessage Tapback, so you can now reply with more than the standard hearth, thumbs up, etc.
- Rainbow text option for Contact Posters
- You can now customize your Memoji's body.
- tvOS gains a new sidebar menu in the TV app to make it easier to find specific content.
- iMessage gets Contact Key Verification, a feature designed to help ensure you are communicating with the person you think you are, designed for journalists, activists, and government officials.
- iOS 17.2 (iPhone 15 Pro only) adds the ability to record "Spatial Video". This allows you to record stereo videos using two of the cameras on your iPhone, which you will later be able to watch on Apple Vision Pro. This uses the standard MV-HEVC, so files created in it can be viewed on other 3D platforms. Enable it in Settings > Camera, and then tap the headset icon before you start recording your video.
- Log and query Health data using Siri ("Siri, record my temperature at 98.3 degrees" or "Siri, how much did I weigh yesterday?"
- Qi2 wireless charging support for iPhone 13 and 14 (was already on iPhone 15)
- MacOS gets Advanced Autofill for PDFs in Preview, allowing easier filling of forms, including scanned paper forms
- macOS finally gets multiple timers
- Lots more details and widget options for Weather