5 iOS 17 features that iPhone 12 and above can use

Every year, some features in major iOS software updates require specific chipsets to ensure smooth operation. So it's no surprise that some of iOS 17's features are based on the latest Machine Learning algorithms that require a new chip to run well.

Additionally, certain features are designed around a specific hardware, such as a LiDAR sensor. So, if you're planning to install iOS 17 when it launches in the fall of 2023, you should keep in mind the following new features that require an iPhone 12 minimum.

1. StandBy adjusted for Always-On Displays

With StandBy, your iPhone becomes a smart dashboard with information that can be quickly viewed while charging on the MagSafe stand in landscape orientation.

You can create your own StandBy by adding widgets and Smart Stacks, choosing clock styles, adding photos, etc. Large notifications, prominent buttons and Always-On Displays make the information on the screen viewable from a distance.

StandBy works on all iOS 17-capable iPhones, but only the low-power display on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max provides an uninterrupted experience. On devices without Always-On Displays, you need to touch the screen to display StandBy.

2. Point and Speak requires Apple's LiDAR scanning engine

The Point and Speak accessibility feature in Magnifier's Detection Mode allows visually impaired users to point their finger toward buttons or labels on everyday objects viewed through the camera, such as household appliances, to describe or read them aloud.

Because this feature requires a LiDAR scan tool, it only works on iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

3. React Gestures in FaceTime

iOS 17 brings familiar iMessage effects like hearts, balloons, fireworks, confetti, lasers, and more to FaceTime calls. These augmented reality effects fill the camera frame and work in compatible third-party online meeting applications, including Zoom and WebEx Meetings.

You can invoke a real-time response manually or with a simple hand gesture, such as a thumbs up. However, gesture feedback is limited to iPhone 12 and later when using the front camera. On older devices capable of running iOS 17, such as the iPhone 11, iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and iPhone SE (2020), you'll need to activate them manually via the iOS Control Center.

4. Inline typing prediction is not available on older iPhones

Machine Learning in iOS 17 analyzes every keystroke to predict what you might type next, allowing you to complete words or entire sentences. Press the spacebar when entering text in apps like Messages or Notes to use predictive text suggestions printed in gray.

This feature can speed up text input significantly, but only works on iPhone 12 and later when using an English keyboard. Getting inline suggestions for word and sentence completion is not supported on iPhone 11 and earlier models. Furthermore, this feature doesn't work in third-party keyboard apps like Google's Gboard and Microsoft's SwiftKey.

5. Advanced autocorrect is language and device limited

According to Apple's Newsroom post, iOS 17's autocorrect feature has been rebuilt based on "advanced Machine Learning language models on the device for word prediction".

In addition to greater precision, temporary revisions are underlined to visualize changes - tap any corrected word to quickly undo the change. The new language model also helps to correct more types of grammatical errors in whole sentences than before.

iOS 17's advanced autocorrect feature is language limited to Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Korean, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish, and Thai. More importantly, advanced autocorrect in English, French, and Spanish is limited to iPhone 12 and later models.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 24 July 2023