Apple’s iOS 17 Introduces Live Voicemails, Reviving a Classic Feature from Traditional Technology

Apple’s iOS 17 Introduces Live Voicemails, Reviving a Classic Feature from Traditional Technology

Apple has released iOS 17, featuring a new live voicemail feature that allows iPhone users to read transcripts of voicemails in real time. Similar to an answering machine, users can see what the caller is saying as they leave the voicemail, and can even pick up and be connected with the caller while reading along. Currently, this feature is only available in English for US and Canada-based Apple users with iOS 17. To check your iPhone’s operating system, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is needed, you will be prompted to download iOS 17. This feature can be turned on or off in Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail. CNET’s Patrick Holland noted that live voicemails are powered by the iPhone’s neural engine for privacy preservation, comparing it to Google’s Call Screen feature on Pixel phones. iOS 17 also includes other updates such as StandBy mode, custom iMessage stickers, contact posters, and offline maps. For more information, refer to CNET’s iOS 17 cheat sheet and guides on fixing annoying features and troubleshooting update issues.