The latest update to iOS, version 17, brings a host of new and enhanced features to two of the iPhone’s core apps: Messages and FaceTime. Here we delve into the top 19 features and tips to help you make the most of your iOS device.

1. Edit Sent Messages: You now have the ability to edit sent messages shortly after sending them, saving you from those embarrassing typos.

2. Undo Send: Sent a message by mistake? iOS 17 allows you to undo sending a message within a certain time frame.

3. Mark as Unread: Keep important messages on your radar by marking them as unread, even after you’ve glanced at them.

4. Emoji Search in Messages: Easily find the perfect emoji with an integrated search feature directly within the Messages app.

5. SharePlay via Messages: Initiate and enjoy SharePlay sessions right from a conversation thread, allowing for synced content viewing with friends.

6. Enhanced Message Filters: Sort your messages with greater precision thanks to improved filtering options that categorize messages better.

7. Collaboration Invitations: Send invitations to collaborate on documents or projects directly in Messages and start working together instantly.

8. SMS Filtering for Unknown Senders: Further filter spam and marketing SMS by enabling advanced filtering for messages from unknown senders.

9. Scheduled FaceTime Calls: Schedule FaceTime calls with your contacts within the app and receive reminders when it’s time to call.

10. Voice Isolation Mode in FaceTime: Improves voice quality during calls by minimizing background noise, making conversations clearer than ever.

11. FaceTime Handoff: Seamlessly transfer your ongoing FaceTime calls between different Apple devices without interruption.

12. Spatial Audio Enhancement: For group calls, spatial audio makes it feel like your friends or family are right there in the room with you.

13. Screen Sharing Updates: Screen sharing in FaceTime has been updated for better performance – ideal for presentations or co-browsing the web.

14. Link Preview in Messages: Links sent in messages now show richer previews, giving context before you tap them.

15. New Sticker Options in Messages: Fresh sticker packs and Animoji options let you personalize your message bubbles even more creatively.

16. Quick Tap Call Response: Quickly respond to incoming calls with text if you can’t talk by selecting preset messages or customizing your own responses.

17. Portrait Mode on All Calls: Portrait mode isn’t just for photos anymore; blur your background on any video call for a more professional look.

18. Recovery Contact Addition via Message: Add or update your recovery contacts via Messages to ensure you never get locked out of your account.

19. Enhancements to Memojis: New customization options give even more life to memoji, reflecting your style and mood perfectly within Messages and FaceTime conversations.

These features aim to augment both practicality and enjoyment when communicating through an iPhone, showcasing Apple’s continuous efforts to refine user experience across its software ecosystem.