The 3 Best Features of iOS 17

By Kevin Kearney

Last updated 30 November 2023

Multiple iPhones displaying features of iOS 17 — A preview of iOS 17's new features.
Credit: Apple

Contents

In this guide:

3 best features of iOS 17
Best iPhone 15 deals

A lot of the conversation following Apple’s September 12 event focused on the new iPhone 15, but we’re just as intrigued by another release: iOS 17, which was available for download starting September 18.

Apple’s latest operating system offers a number of new and improved features that’ll optimize the user experience and turn your iPhone into an even more impressive device. While there are plenty of intriguing features that come with the software update, we’re especially excited by the following.

Read on to learn the three best features of iOS 17.

3 best features of iOS 17

iOS 17 promises enhanced gestures, brand-new native apps, and interactive widgets, with over a dozen new additions to the well-known Apple operating system. After reading through the fine print, we ranked the most impressive features that'll arrive with the download.

1. Improved FaceTime

In the past few years, FaceTime has become one of the iPhone's most popular apps, but one puzzling shortcoming was its lack of Voicemail. Apple corrected the error, allowing users to leave a short video message when their loved ones aren't there to answer a call.

Apple FaceTime on Apple TV — iOS 17 allows you to use FaceTime with your Apple TV.
Credit: Apple

In addition, iOS 17 will allow you to view FaceTime on your AppleTV. Your iPhone will still act as your camera, but the larger display will allow for higher-definition interactions with your friends and family.

2. StandBy

Screenshot of Jon Batiste song playing in StandBy mode — StandBy mode lets you turn your phone into a Bluetooth control center.
Credit: Apple

Turn your iPhone on its side and you'll turn it into a bedside clock, a Bluetooth control center stereo, or a moving photo album. With new iOS updates, it's often the subtle changes that end up becoming iconic iPhone features. We're guessing the new StandBy feature will be one more example.

3. Advanced AirDrop

AirDrop turned the cumbersome processes of uploading and attaching into relics of the past. With the latest iOS update, AirDrop's frictionless Bluetooth sharing extends to the social realm with two new features: NameDrop and SharePlay.

Two phones using the NameDrop feature to exchange contact information — NameDrop allows users to exchange contact info with one quick gesture.
Credit: Apple

NameDrop allows you to share your contact card with someone by simply holding it next to a new friend's phone. Likewise, SharePlay brings that technology to entertainment, allowing you to play music, watch movies, and play games with the other pop-culture obsessives in your life.

Best iPhone 15 deals

Want to experience the new iOS 17 on the new iPhone 15? The phone is now available everywhere phones are sold. Carriers are beginning to roll out deals for Apple's latest smartphone, including some limited-time offers that allow you to snag the phone at a discount when you activate a new plan.

One of the best iPhone 15 deals we've seen is from Telus, who's offering the phone with their Essential and Unlimited plans. In the process, you'll also grab six free months of Apple Music, allowing you to experience SharePlay with a near-endless music library.

Carrier	Telus
Included Phone	iPhone 15 128GB
Data	Unlimited Data
Type	Lease (24 mths)
Current Deal	Holiday Offer! Receive up to $540 discount and $0 upfront with Bring-it-back and Trade-in + Receive FREE accessory bundle with this phone
Total Price	$93.21 per month
	View Details

If you're looking to avoid the Big Three, regional carriers are also offering hot deals on the iPhone 15. SaskTel is offering a major markdown when you pair the phone with their totalSHARE plans, allowing you to grab the device at a steep discount. Likewise, Videotron is offering a big price drop if you lease it through the carrier's Take-back Credit program.

#1	Videotron	Videotron 55GB All-Inclusive Cell Phone Plan Unlimited data Deal: Holiday Offer! Waive the $50 activation fee when you subscribe to a mobile plan with data + Get $5/mo. off when you bring your own device $60/mth Go	$60/mth	Go
#2	SaskTel	SaskTel totalSHARE Nationwide Unlimited Full speed data Deal: Holiday Offer: Get 25GB/mo. bonus for 24 months with this plan + Get $20/mo. off with BYO or buy phone at full price + Get Student Promo up to $20/mo. off + Waived $60 activation fee $70/mth Go	$70/mth	Go

Want to see your other options for grabbing the iPhone 15? You can find prices from every major carrier in Canada below.

Description	Apple's 2023 model featuring their best camera system yet, new A16 Bionic chip, all-day battery life, Dynamic Island, and a sleek design using recycled materials
Screen Size	6.1"
Available On	592 Plans from 11 carriers
Available From
Priced From	$10 per month + $1,009 upfront
	View Full Details