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Apple has just released iOS 17.2 for the iPhone, as well as iPad OS 17.2 today. The significant new feature included this time around is the Journal app, which was first introduced at WWDC this past Summer with iOS 17.
But, that is not all that is new now with iOS 17.2. As per usual, Apple has included some other changes to the iPhone. This includes Spatial Video, which is here for Vision Pro. Basically, you’ll be able to record spatial video with the cameras on your iPhone 15, which you’ll be able to watch in virtual reality on the Vision Pro when it launches in 2024.
Another feature that was announced back in the Summer is the tapback sticker feature. Now, in iMessage, instead of just using emoji tapbacks, you can add a sticker to any message.
There are a few smaller features included with iOS 17.2, which includes better-focusing speed on the iPhone 15 Pro models. The Action Button now has an option for translation. So you can press the Action Button and easily translate what the phone is looking at. This is really useful for those that do a lot of traveling.
Apple’s new Journal app is live
Apple is continuing to do things and includes features that help improve the mental health of its customers. And the Journal app is the next step. There have been loads of studies that show that journaling has been linked with many mental health benefits. This includes managing anxiety, reducing stress, and coping with depression. But it’s not always easy to remember to jot down some thoughts every day. Apple makes that much easier with the Journal app.
The Journal app is included in iOS 17.2 and will be the latest pre-installed app on every iPhone. The app will provide you with some prompts to start writing, as well as other reminders throughout the day. Apple wants to get you in the habit of journaling every day.
The journal is end-to-end encrypted. Apple is using on-device processes to create journaling suggestions that include reflections. This means that the data stays on your device. As Apple has said, “no one but you can access your journal – not even Apple.”
The app will also require that you use Face ID or passcode after it’s been inactive for one, five, or fifteen minutes. So that you can be rest assured no one else is reading your journal. Keeping it private for everyone.