The much-awaited Journal app by Apple is finally out for iPhone users in the iOS 17.2 update, which was released on Tuesday.
The Journal app — very true to its name — allows users to record their daily activities and important moments in the app to help users practise gratitude and improve their well-being, according to the company. It was first announced at WWDC in June.
What makes this app stand out is its ability to recognise “Moments” based on the data in your phone like your locations, photos, workouts and more. It then gives users writing suggestions based on these moments.
Apple also says that all the machine learning and processing behind these suggestions happens on your device and is not stored on Apple’s servers. The iCloud backup for the Journal app is the only thing that is not completely local but is also encrypted.
You can add entries by touching the "+" button. From there, you can select one of the suggestions as a starting point for their writing, or they can choose "New Entry" to write anything at all.
For organising purposes, dates are automatically tagged on entries, but bookmarking options are also available. Images, audio files, and location tags can all be included in journal entries.
Along with this, the iOS 17.2 update also brought spatial video recording to iPhone 15 Pro models. This was also announced at the WWDC as part of iOS 17. The feature allows users to record 3D video using both the main and ultrawide cameras. While this might not make much difference when you view it on the device, its main purpose is to be played back on the
Vision Pro, Apple’s mixed-reality headset, which is expected to be released in early 2024.
To enable spatial video recording, open the Settings app, navigate to the Camera section, choose Formats, and then turn on "Spatial Video for Apple Vision Pro."
The iPhone 15 Pro models also receive an improved telephoto camera focusing speed when capturing small objects that are far away.
In this update, Apple has added a translate option as a function for the Action button on the
iPhone 15 Pro models to translate phrases or have conversations with someone who speaks a different language.
Catch-up arrows that take you to the first unread message quickly, sticker reactions and memoji updates are also part of the iOS 17.2 update. Additionally, Apple has added Contact Key Verification which provides automatic alerts and verification codes to help verify people facing digital threats.
Along with what appears to be quicker 15W wireless charging without the requirement for a MagSafe-branded charger, the update also adds Qi2 support for the iPhone 13 and 14.
