iOS 17 brings Contact Posters, NameDrop, and StandBy in massive software update

Apple has just unveiled iOS 17, which brings a ton of new communications-based features and software additions.

Headlining the software update is what Apple calls ‘Contact Posters.’ It allows users to set customized photos for both their contacts and themselves and will appear whenever a user receives an incoming call.

This includes customizable typography fonts and colors, similar to those found in iOS lock screens. Contact Posters will also be available for third-party calling apps.

iOS 17 is also bringing a new version of AirDrop called NameDrop. NameDrop will allow iPhone users to share contact information by bringing their phones together or bringing an iPhone and Apple Watch together (as seen below).

iPhone users will now also be able to convert their iPhones into full-fledged smart home devices with iOS 17’s new StandBy feature. When docked, an iPhone with iOS 17 will now show glanceable information such as a clock, a music player, or a calendar.

The new update also includes Live Voicemail, which gives users real-time transcriptions when somebody leaves a voicemail; new emoji stickers and Live Stickers; and a new gratitude-focused diary app called Journal app.

The developer beta of iOS 17 is now available for Apple Developer Program members and the full software update will arrive for all users, with an iPhone Xs and later, around September 2023.