How to Fix the Most Annoying iOS 17 Features on Your iPhone
Apple’s iOS 17 has been packed with new and exciting features, but not every update rolls out smoothly. Some users might find themselves frustrated with changes or new implementations that can be seen as annoying or cumbersome. If you’re one among them, worry not! Here’s how to tackle some of the most annoying iOS 17 features and improve your iPhone experience.
1. Disable Widgets on the Lock Screen
One of the most talked-about features of iOS 17 is the new, enriched lock screen with widgets. If you find the widgets too distracting or cluttering, you can easily turn them off. Go to Settings -> Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and scroll down to ‘Today View’ and ‘Notification Center’. From here, you can toggle off the options for ‘On Lock Screen’.
2.Control Background Noise during Calls
Background sounds during calls can get quite annoying if you’re seeking clarity. You can adjust background noise reduction by going to Settings -> Accessibility -> Audio/Visual -> Phone Noise Cancellation and toggling it on.
3. Fine-Tune Focus Modes
Focus modes are a continuation of the Do Not Disturb feature that allows for more customization about who and what notifications can break through your focus wall. If it’s too restrictive or too lenient, modify it under Settings -> Focus. You can adjust each mode to better fit your needs.
4. Reclaim Your Mail App
The Mail app often gets an overhaul with each update and might seem too different than what you’re used to. If specific features bother you, like the new search option or threaded view, go into the Mail settings via Settings -> Mail and adjust the Mail experience according to your preferences.
5. Manage New Message Announcements
With iOS 17, Siri will announce messages when wearing AirPods or compatible Beats headphones by default. If this is more disruptive than helpful, head over to Settings -> Notifications -> Announce Messages with Siri to toggle off this feature.
6. Taming Safari’s Start Page
Safari received updates that may be overwhelming for a start page; fortunately, you can customize it thoroughly by opening Safari and scrolling to the bottom of your start page where it says ‘Edit’. Here you can toggle on or off sections like Favorites, Frequently Visited Sites, Shared With You, Privacy Report, and Siri Suggestions.
7. Adjusting Notifications’ Schedule Summary
A daily summary of your notifications is helpful but if its timing is off it could be annoying. To adjust this feature go to Settings -> Notifications -> Scheduled Summary where you can set times that work best for you.
8. Turning Off Live Text in Photos
If automatic text recognition in photos isn’t your thing – some find it invasive or unnecessary – turn it off by navigating to Settings -> General -> Language & Region and disabling ‘Live Text’.
9. Reduce Home Screen Clutter with App Library
The myriad of icons on the home screen might feel overwhelming post update due to new additions, so why not clean it with the App Library? Just tap and hold an app icon until it jiggles and click on the ‘-‘ icon; select ‘Remove from Home Screen’ instead of deleting the app completely.
10. Stop Apps from Asking to Track You
Go into Settings -> Privacy -> Tracking and toggle off ‘Allow Apps to Request to Track’ if constant requests have become a nuisance.
With these adjustments, you should be able to fix some of those pesky problems introduced with iOS 17 so that you can enjoy your iPhone without any annoyances!