Try 5 new iPhone 17 features for better user experience

Here are five new tools worth trying out.

1. Take selfies with Center Stage

All four new iPhones come equipped with a square selfie camera sensor, allowing you to snap landscape photos while holding the phone in portrait mode. This feature, called Center Stage, automatically adjusts the frame when more people join your selfie, according to Popular Science.

You can toggle two settings in the Camera app: Auto Zoom, which expands the frame when faces are detected, and Auto Rotate, which rotates the frame to fit more people. To activate it, tap the Center Stage icon in the Camera selfie mode.

2. Screen calls

Call Screening filters calls from unknown numbers, showing a real-time transcript of what the caller says so you can decide whether to answer, decline, or let it go to voicemail, according to CNET. The feature does not apply to contacts in your address book and can be turned on or off as needed.

To enable it, go to Settings, tap Apps, then Phone, and choose one of three options: Ask Reason for Calling (Call Screening), Never (no Call Screening), or Silence (unknown callers go straight to voicemail).

iPhone 17 Pro (R) and Pro Max. Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Hung

3. Explore Apple Games

The new Apple Games hub helps users track gaming progress across multiple devices. In addition to launching your current games and checking your progress, you can discover new titles through personalized recommendations. The 17 Pro and Pro Max also feature a new vapor cooling system designed to keep your device cooler, allowing for smoother performance during demanding games.

4. Live translations in your AirPods

Live Translation enhances communication across languages in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. The feature is most effective when both participants use compatible AirPods, such as AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Pro 3, with Live Translation enabled, according to MacRumors.

To use it, activate Apple Intelligence and ensure the required languages are downloaded. Open the Apple Translate app, tap the Live button, select your languages, and start the conversation. Your iPhone and AirPods will handle real-time translation.

5. Extend battery life with Adaptive Power

Adaptive Power helps extend battery life during demanding tasks by reducing background activity and dimming the display.

You can access it by going to Settings, tapping Battery, then Power Mode. For additional battery optimization, the standard Low Power Mode is still available, which uses a range of techniques to maximize battery longevity.