Apple has released its latest operating system, iOS 17, which introduces a new feature called live voicemail. This feature allows iPhone users to read real-time transcripts of voicemails as they are being left. However, it is currently only available in English for Apple users in the US and Canada who have upgraded to iOS 17.
To check if your iPhone is running iOS 17, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is needed, you will be prompted to download iOS 17.
Once you have iOS 17 installed, you can enable or disable the live voicemail feature by going to Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail. From there, you will be able to see the voicemail transcripts as your phone rings.
This new feature works similarly to an answering machine, but with text instead of audio. As you read the voicemail transcript in real-time, you have the option to pick up and connect with the caller before the call ends.
CNET’s Patrick Holland, in his review of the iOS 17 features, mentioned that live voicemails are powered by the iPhone’s neural engine to ensure privacy. He compared this feature to Google’s Call Screen on its Pixel phones.
Live voicemail is just one of the many updates included in iOS 17. Other notable features include StandBy mode, custom iMessage stickers, contact posters, and offline maps.
For more information on iOS 17, you can refer to CNET’s iOS 17 cheat sheet, find solutions for annoying iOS 17 features, or learn what to do if you don’t see the update for iOS 17.