Apple iOS 17.2 Update: Know How iPhone Owners Can Save Money on Wireless Chargers and Other Updates

Apple has recently released the fourth beta version of iOS 17.2 and iPadOS 17.2 for developers to test, indicating that the final software versions will be available to the public soon. The iOS 17.2 update focuses on increasing Qi2 wireless charging capabilities, specifically for iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series iPhones.

According to Apple's official patch notes, as revealed by 9 to 5 Mac, the iPhone 15 series, including the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, already supports the Qi2 charging standard. The next update will provide Qi2 functionality to the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Pro models.

New features in iOS 17.2

Journal:  In iOS 17.2 Journal is a new app to help users cultivate gratitude and improve well-being via thoughtful writing about tiny and essential life events. Intelligent journaling ideas, group outings, photos, workouts, and other activities into conveniently accessible user journal sections. Filters enable users to quickly identify bookmarked items or those with attachments, encouraging the revisiting and contemplation of significant life events. Scheduled notifications assist users in maintaining a consistent journaling practice by reminding them to write on specific days and times. The program also allows users to secure their journals with Touch ID or Face ID, ensuring their privacy. For further security, iCloud sync protects and encrypts journal entries.

Action Button: The Action button now includes a Translate option on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, allowing users to translate sentences or engage in discussions instantly in another language in iOS 17.2.

Camera: The Camera function on these devices introduces spatial video capturing via Apple Vision Pro for recreating memories in three dimensions. The Telephoto camera's focusing speed has also improved when photographing small, distant objects.

Messages: A new catch-up arrow in the Messages app makes it easier to navigate to the first unread message in a discussion, and the context menu now includes the option to add stickers straight to a message bubble. Memoji upgrades enable users to customise their body shape, and Contact Key Verification delivers automatic alerts and Contact Verification Codes to provide secure communication for people who face digital risks.

Weather: The Weather update provides consumers with detailed precipitation information for the next ten days, keeping them updated on rain and snow conditions. Users may now customise their displays with next-hour precipitation, daily forecasts, sunrise and sunset times, and conditions such as Air Quality, Feels Like, and wind speed. The wind map snapshot function gives you a quick glimpse of wind patterns, and an interactive moon calendar lets you see the moon's phase for any day in the following month.

What exactly is Qi2?

The Qi2 wireless charging standard is the next iteration of the Qi wireless charging standard. It enhances the Qi standard with a MagSafe-like ring of magnets, allowing faster and more convenient charging. Qi2 also boosts the maximum charge rate to 15W, substantially faster than Qi's existing maximum charge rate of 7.5W.

Qi2 means that iPhone customers can obtain MagSafe-speed charging without paying MagSafe pricing. This is because any Qi2-certified charger, even if not MagSafe-certified, can charge an iPhone at 15W. This means iPhone owners can save money on wireless chargers while receiving fast charging speeds.