So, you updated to iOS 17, played around with the new stickers and widgets, and thought, “Cool, that’s it.”
Not even close.

Apple tucked away a bunch of small but game-changing tricks in this update—features that won’t make flashy keynote slides but will make your day smoother, smarter, and maybe a little cooler.

Think of this as your iPhone’s secret menu. Some of these are productivity boosters, others are “why didn’t they always have this?” features, and a few are just plain fun.

Let’s dive in. You’re about to level-up your iOS game.

1. Live Voicemail – Like Caller ID on Steroids

Screen your calls in real-time. When someone hits your voicemail, iOS 17 transcribes their message right on your lock screen. If it’s your boss, jump in. If it’s a scam call, keep scrolling TikTok in peace.

2. Verification Codes from Email (and Auto-Delete)

No more copy-pasting one-time codes from your inbox. Now, your iPhone grabs them automatically—just like it’s been doing with text messages. Bonus: It can auto-delete them after use so your Messages and Mail stay clean.

3. Share Passwords Like a Pro

Need to share the Netflix login with family? You can now securely share passwords or passkeys through iCloud Keychain. It’s encrypted, easy, and no one can “accidentally” change the password on you.

4. Offline Maps – Because Service Isn’t Forever

Traveling? Hiking? Underground parking garage? Download entire regions in Apple Maps so you can still get turn-by-turn directions with zero signal. Future you will thank present you.

5. Grocery List That Organizes Itself

Mark a Reminders list as “Groceries” and iOS automatically sorts your items by aisle (Produce, Dairy, Bakery…). It’s like having a personal supermarket assistant—minus the awkward small talk.

6. Ping Your Apple Watch from Your iPhone

Lose your watch between couch cushions? Open Control Center on your iPhone, hit the Watch ping button, and follow the chime. Crisis averted.

7. Link Notes Together

If your Notes app is one giant chaos scroll, this is your rescue rope. You can now create clickable links between notes—perfect for research, recipes, or project planning.

8. Safari Will Read to You

Hands full? Eyes tired? Tap the “Aa” menu in Safari and choose Listen. Your iPhone turns into your personal narrator—great for long articles or bedtime reading.

9. iPhone as Your Apple TV FaceTime Camera

Want to FaceTime from the couch but hate holding your phone? Use your iPhone as the camera for Apple TV. Boom—full-screen calls without balancing your phone on a stack of books.

10. FaceTime Video Voicemail

If they don’t pick up, leave a video message instead. It’s like an old-school answering machine, but in HD and way more awkward if you mess up.

Pro Tips to Go Even Deeper

• Drop the “Hey” from Siri — Just say “Siri” and keep the conversation going without repeating the wake word.
• Multiple Timers at Once — Set “Laundry,” “Pizza,” and “Workout” timers all running together. Finally.
• AirPods Pro 2’s Adaptive Audio — Let your AirPods adjust noise control automatically and lower volume when you start talking.
• Link More in Mail — Hidden in the formatting bar, you can now add clickable links to emails—no messy pasted URLs.

Common Gotchas

• Live Voicemail isn’t available in all regions yet—check your carrier support.
• Offline Maps require you to download the area before losing signal.
• Shared passwords only work if everyone’s on iOS 17 or later.

Bottom line: iOS 17 has some sneaky features that make your iPhone feel smarter without you doing much at all. Try one or two today—you’ll wonder how you lived without them.