Everything New in iOS 17 Beta 2

Apple today released the second beta of upcoming iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 updates to developers for testing purposes, and like all new betas for a major point update, the software includes a number of small tweaks and changes as Apple refines the operating systems ahead of launch. We've aggregated everything new that we've found in the second beta so far.

General iOS 17 Feature Blue Green

Update Screen

This is technically a feature from the first beta, but the update screen now shows more information about beta software. It includes details about joining a beta program and backing up before you install beta software.

ios 17 beta 2 updates

App Tips

Various Apple-designed apps are utilizing a tips feature that provides details on available functionality. In the Messages app, for example, there's a tip about sending a message by talking instead of typing with Siri.

ios 17 tips in apps
When AirDropping, there's a suggestion to hold the phone near another phone if you don't see people nearby.

Location Settings

In the Systems Settings section of the Location privacy options, there is a new "MicroLocation" option. Apple does not explain what this is. App Clips Location Confirmation has disappeared as an option, as has Standby Clock Faces.

ios 17 microlocation

Messages Check In

In the Messages section of the Settings app, Apple has changed the wording of the data options for the Check-In feature. Options are now "Full" and "Limited," rather than "Current location only" and "All locations visited.

messages check in changes
Limited data is described as current location and details about battery and network signal, while Full includes all limited data plus route traveled and location of last iPhone unlock and Apple Watch removal.

Music App

Activating Crossfade for Apple Music in the Settings app no longer crashes the Settings app, plus there is a customizable length for the Crossfade feature.

apple music crossfade length

StandBy

There's now an option to toggle off notifications when in StandBy mode. Notifications classified as "Critical" will be delivered even when the feature is off.

standby ios 17 show notifications

Apple Music Widgets

Some of the ‌Apple Music‌ widgets are now available in different size options.

apple music widgets

Other New Features

Find something that we didn't mention here? Let us know in the comments below.

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Top Rated Comments

imnotthewalrus Avatar
27 months ago

iOS 17 is so boring I don’t even know why I am on MacRumors!

God help us for a very boring year ahead as these changes could easily qualify for an iOS 17.6 release when innovation is reserved for next version.
Then go away, Please. You are offering nothing but whining and no suggestion how to change/improve it. Sorry to single you out but I get annoyed that kind of post.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
211 Avatar
27 months ago
Is it just me, or the calculator button colors have changed?

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Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
blodyholy Avatar
27 months ago

Is it just me, or the calculator button colors have changed?
Odd, they look the same as usual on my end:



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Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Justins567 Avatar
27 months ago
looks like safari got a new default "Personal" Profile.

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Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
27 months ago
The earth detail wallpaper now goes over the time again. Earth-shattering! ?



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Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Populus Avatar
27 months ago

iOS 17 is so boring I don’t even know why I am on MacRumors!

God help us for a very boring year ahead as these changes could easily qualify for an iOS 17.6 release when innovation is reserved for next version.
I think you meant 16.6 ?

And, well, I guess we’re approaching a point where mobile operating systems are maturing just like what happened to desktop operating systems, so I guess all that remains is add some quality of life features, maybe some new app -like the journal app- and focus on refining the system. I’m happy with it, as long as it works well.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)