Must-try iPhone hacks and features for 2024

WEB DESK: Apple’s iOS 17 represents a significant leap forward, far from being a mere incremental update. Packed with features designed to elevate productivity, personalise user experiences, and enhance the iPhone’s capabilities, this update introduces a range of innovations that warrant exploration.

Here are some noteworthy features that you must try in 2024 if you haven’t already:

Image to Text with Live Text

Remember the struggles of copying text from images? Live text transforms this process effortlessly. Simply point your camera at any printed text, and it becomes instantly editable and actionable.

This advanced on-device intelligence feature not only facilitates language translation on the fly but also enables calling phone numbers directly from photos and adding contacts with a single tap.

Lock Screen personalisation

iOS 17 eliminates the era of static lock screens, allowing users to craft dynamic, multi-layered masterpieces.

Choose from a selection of stunning animated wallpapers, incorporate widgets for quick access to information such as weather, calendar, or fitness rings, and set multiple lock screens to match different moods or occasions.

This customisation turns your lock screen into a personal portal to your digital world.

Focus modes for digital well-being

Feeling overwhelmed by notifications? iOS 17 introduces Focus Modes, offering customisable profiles for work, sleep, or personal time. These modes silence irrelevant alerts, dim the screen, and highlight essential apps.

Whether diving into focused work sessions, winding down for peaceful sleep, or enjoying uninterrupted quality time, iOS 17 empowers users to regain control over their digital attention.

Automation with Shortcuts

Automation takes centre stage with iOS 17’s Shortcuts app. Users can build custom workflows automating repetitive tasks, trigger actions with Siri commands, or create one-tap shortcuts for regular activities.

From scaling ingredients in a recipe app to launching a favourite Spotify playlist instantly, Shortcuts amplifies the power of automation, making the iPhone work smarter.

Cinematic Mode for video creation

Cinematic Mode, once reserved for Hollywood, is now accessible to iPhone users. Capture stunning portrait videos with professional-looking blurred backgrounds.

Seamlessly shift focus between subjects, adjust bokeh intensity, and unleash creativity without the need for elaborate equipment. Your iPhone becomes a tool for crafting cinematic masterpieces.

Enhanced Fitness+ experience

iOS 17 elevates Fitness+ with customisable workout and meditation schedules. Tailor activities to specific needs, choosing from a diverse library led by expert trainers.

Share activities with friends and family, turning fitness into a fun, shared experience with added accountability.

Screen Time monitoring for digital well-being

Combat excessive screen time with iOS 17’s Screen Time enhancements. Set app-specific limits, track usage patterns, and utilise the new “Screen Distance” feature to encourage healthier viewing habits.

These mindful tools enable users to take breaks, move their bodies, and regain control over screen time.

Personal voice feature for communication

iOS 17 introduces Personal Voice, a revolutionary feature aiding communication for those with speech loss. Create a custom voice that mimics your own by recording different vocal samples and adjusting pitch, tone, and intonation.

Personalised Safari experience

iOS 17 revamps Safari for a more personalised web experience. Create multiple profiles for different aspects of life, autofill verification codes from Mail directly into Safari, and securely share passwords with trusted contacts.

Organise your browsing experience and make Safari an extension of your unique digital identity.