iOS 17.2 beta 1: All the features and changes

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Following the public release of iOS 17.1, Apple was quick to seed the first beta of iOS 17.2. The upcoming second major point release of iOS 17 packs several new features and enhancements.

Below is a look at everything new we have found in iOS 17.2 beta 1.

iOS 17.2 beta 1: What’s new and changed

iOS 17.2 further builds on the initial iOS 17 release by enhancing existing features or introducing minor changes to deliver a better user experience. Apple will likely roll out iOS 17.2 to the public in late November or early December, making it the year’s last major iOS 17 build. If you can’t wait that long to try out all the changes, consider hopping on the iOS 17 developer beta channel.

Journal App

The biggest highlight of iOS 17.2 beta 1 is that it introduces the Journal app. Apple showcased the app during WWDC23, but it was missing from the initial iOS 17 build released to the public.

iPhone users can document their thoughts, feelings, and daily activities in the Journal app. They can use images, voice recordings, and location tags to enrich their Journal entry further. Apple will provide users with additional prompts on how and what they are feeling so that they can note down everything.

Collaborative Apple Music playlist

Another iOS 17 feature that was announced at WWDC23 but is yet to go live. As the name indicates, you can invite your friends to collaborate on an Apple Music playlist and build it together. You can share the playlist link or show a QR code that anyone can scan to join.

The feature is perfect for making playlists that include songs based on everyone’s taste, which you can play while going on a long road trip with your friends.

Translate option for Action Button

iOS 17.2 beta 1 adds Translate as an option for the Action button. Long press the button, and your iPhone 15 Pro will start listening for audio to translate. You must have the Translate app previously set up on your iPhone for the feature to work properly, though. There’s also a new animation on iPhones with Dynamic Island when you invoke Translate using a Shortcut.

Damn, New Translate animation in the Action Button is so good. ‍
iOS 17.2 Beta 1 pic.twitter.com/vUCsZzYx1D

— Kevin Aubin (@kaubin) October 26, 2023

There’s a lot you can do with the Action button on your iPhone 15 Pro using Shortcuts. Apple adding the Translate option further increases its usefulness.

Favorite songs playlist

iOS 17.2 made it easier to favorite songs in Apple Music. Building on that, iOS 17.2 will introduce a new Favorite playlist containing all the songs and artists you have liked.

Digital Clock and new Weather widgets

Apple has added a new Digital Clock widget in iOS 17.2. There are also new Weather widgets, showing the daily forecast, Sunrise/sunset times, and Details which display the UV index, wind speed, and other details.

Tweaks to the Apple TV app

Apple has tweaked the Apple TV app as a part of iOS 17.2 beta 1. The Movies and TV shows tabs are no longer available in the Store section. Additionally, tvOS 17.2’s first developer beta includes a revamped Apple TV app featuring a new Channels and Apps section.

Live Activities comes to Apple News

Apple has added Live Activities support to the News app in iOS 17.2 beta 1. This will make it easier to follow real-time events, like sports, election results, and other developing news stories.

Listening History Focus filter

A new “Use Listening History” Focus filter is available in iOS 17.2 beta 1. If your kids or significant other frequently use your iPhone or iPad to listen to music, you can use this filter to ensure their song selection does not affect your Apple Music recommendations.

Contact Key Verification in iMessage

iOS 17.2 beta finally introduces Contact Key Verification in iMessage. The feature is turned off by default, so you must dive into iMessage settings to enable it. Contact Key Verification ensures that end-to-end encryption is not compromised and your conversation is not visible to anyone else.

Almost every other messaging service offering E2EE provides a similar option, with iMessage being the only notable exception. Apple first announced this feature in December 2022.

Miscellaneous

Some other minor changes in the first iOS 17.2 beta are as follows:

• Apple has added a new rainbow text option when customizing a Contact Poster.
• A new Body section in Memoji lets you customize the waist, bust, shoulders, and arms.
• The Books app in iOS 17.2 beta has gained a “Fast Fade” animation option.
• You can use a sticker response to an iMessage by long-pressing it instead of a tapback reaction.

Apple will likely release 3-4 more iOS 17.2 beta before rolling out the stable build to the public. We could see iOS 17.2 beta 2 introduce some minor new features, but beta releases after that will only focus on bug fixes and stability improvements.