New voicemail features to learn about
Here are some new ways to leave voicemail with iOS 17.
Problem solved, USA Today
Answering machines and voicemail inboxes have been around for decades, with very few changes or obvious updates.
Apple’s iOS 17 introduces a simple change to a feature many millennials rely on when avoiding answering their ringing devices, and the company is calling it Live Voicemail.
It accompanies another update to FaceTime and joins a list of many new features and updates in iOS 17, including a new and improved way to AirDrop.
iOS 17 is compatible with iPhone XS and newer.
The software release comes after the tech company announced its latest line of hardware with the iPhone 15.
Watch this video to see Apple’s new Live Voicemail and FaceTime Voicemail in action.
Apple’s direct voicemail
Live Voicemail will display a real-time transcription on your screen while the voicemail message is being recorded.
It works if 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’ll need to confirm it’s you before the message appears. Once you do that, it should show up.
If a caller leaves a voicemail while your phone is unlocked, a live transcription will appear when you click the voicemail icon at the top edge of your screen.
The feature is turned on by default. If you want to change it:
- Go to settings
- Tap on the phone
- Toggle live voicemail off or on
FaceTime Voicemail
FaceTime Voicemail allows you to send video messages when someone doesn’t answer your FaceTime call.
Once the call stops ringing, the screen will show you the option to leave voicemail.
It will do a quick countdown before recording your message.
To find FaceTime voicemail, check the FaceTime app. It will 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, then tap Software Update. This will show you any updates available in your phone.
If the update doesn’t install, it might be because your phone doesn’t have enough space.
Check how much storage your phone has by tapping on iPhone Storage in the General menu.
It will also provide suggestions for places you can clean up to make room, such as emptying your Recently Deleted Photos folder.
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