Answering machines and voicemail inboxes have been around for decades, with seemingly very few changes or obvious updates.
Apple’s iOS 17 introduces a simple change to a feature many millennials rely on when they avoid answering their ringing devices, and the company is calling it Live Voicemail.
It comes with a new update for FaceTime and joins the list of many new features and updates in iOS 17, including a new and improved way to use AirDrop.
iOS 17 is compatible with iPhone XS and newer.
The software release comes after the tech company announced its latest hardware line, including the iPhone 15.
Watch this video to see Apple’s new Live Voicemail and FaceTime voicemail in action.
Apple Live Voicemail
Live Voicemail shows a real-time transcription on your screen while the voicemail message is being recorded.
It works when your phone is locked or unlocked, and all it requires is that you don’t answer the call!
If your locked phone requires a passcode, you may need to confirm it’s you before the message appears. Once you do that it should appear.
If the caller leaves a voicemail while your phone is unlocked, the live transcript will appear when you click the voicemail icon that appears along the top edge of your screen.
The feature is enabled by default. If you want to change it:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Phone
- Turn Live Voicemail off or on
FaceTime voicemail
FaceTime voicemail lets you send a video message when someone doesn’t answer your FaceTime call.
Once the call stops ringing, you will see on the screen the option to leave a voicemail.
There will be a rapid countdown before your message is recorded.
Check the FaceTime app to find a FaceTime voicemail. It does not appear in the phone’s voicemail inbox.
How to download iOS 17?
To download the new software, click the Settings icon on your phone.
Tap General and then Software Update. This should show you all available updates that your phone has.
If the update fails to install, your phone may not have enough space.
Check how much storage space your phone has by tapping iPhone Storage in the General menu.
This also suggests places you can clear out to make room, such as emptying your folder of recently deleted images.
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