Apple made a significant move on Wednesday by releasing the first public beta versions of iOS 17, macOS Sonoma, and iPadOS 17.
These updates bring a range of new features and improvements to Apple users.
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Some notable features introduced with the updates are full-page screenshots, bilingual Siri, and enhanced SMS sorting for dual-SIM users.
One of the key additions is the support for bilingual queries in Siri.
Apple now allows users to mix English with select Indic languages such as Hindi, Telegu, Punjabi, Kannada, and Marathi.
Although Apple is arriving late to the multilingual game compared to Google Assistant and Amazon, this feature is particularly valuable for Indian users who often converse in multiple languages.
Another feature that iOS 17 brings is the full-page screenshot capability, a function that Android phones have offered for several years through “Scrolling screenshots.”
Apple users can now save these screenshots as an image or a PDF file, expanding their screenshot options.
Dual-SIM users will benefit from improved support with per-SIM message sorting, separate ringtones for each SIM, and the ability to choose a SIM when returning a call from an unknown number.
These enhancements make managing multiple SIM cards more convenient and customizable.
Apple has also made several India-specific improvements across its platforms:
1. Transliteration support for Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam on iOS.
2. Users can now sign into their Apple ID using their phone number instead of an email ID on iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma.
3. A built-in Punjabi dictionary is now available across platforms, providing definitions of words and phrases.
4. The call history section can now display up to 2,000 calls, including FaceTime and WhatsApp calls.
5. iPad users can filter messages by known and unknown senders, streamlining their message organization.
The stable versions of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma are expected to be released later this fall.
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As with any beta release, these versions may contain some bugs, so users who prefer a more stable experience can wait for the final public release.
Overall, Apple’s latest beta releases showcase the company’s commitment to improving user experiences, expanding language support, and addressing region-specific needs.