My In-Depth Experience Updating to iOS 17.2 on iPhone.

13 min readNov 2, 2023

iOS 17.2 delivered some really nice upgrades to my iPhone. After spending over a week using the new features, I wanted to provide a comprehensive guide to what’s new in iOS 17.2 and how I installed the update on my device.

My In-Depth Experience Updating to iOS 17.2 on iPhone

Introduction
What is the iOS 17.2 Update?
New Features and Changes in iOS 17.2
Journal App
Collaborative Playlists
New Weather Widgets
Wi-Fi Improvements
Other Notable Changes
Step-by-Step Guide to Updating to iOS 17.2
Over the Air Update via Wi-Fi
Update Using iTunes on Mac or PC
Which iPhones and iPads Are Compatible with iOS 17.2?
My Experience Testing the New Features in iOS 17.2
Using the Journal App
Collaborative Playlist Experience
New Weather Widget Impressions
Wi-Fi Reliability Improvements
What Reviewers and Experts Are Saying About iOS 17.2
Tips and Tricks for Using iOS 17.2 Features
Hidden Features in iOS 17.2 to Check Out
Answering Common iOS 17.2 Questions
Conclusion

Introduction.

As a long-time iOS user, installing major software updates like iOS 17.2 is always an exciting experience for me. I look forward to playing with the new features and seeing how Apple improves upon the iPhone experience.

The iOS 17.2 upgrade arrived in December 2022 as Apple’s second flagship release for iOS 17. It comes after the initial iOS 17 launch in September and the smaller iOS 17.1 update in October. This .2 release brings more substantial changes like new apps and capabilities.

In this detailed guide, I’ll walk through my experience installing iOS 17.2 and testing out the major new features. You’ll learn all about the Journal app, collaborative playlists, weather widgets, and other iOS 17.2 changes. I’ll explain how I updated my iPhone wirelessly and share some expert opinions.

Whether you’ve already updated to iOS 17.2 or are preparing to, you’ll find out what to expect in this in-depth look. Let’s dive in!

What is the iOS 17.2 Update?

iOS 17.2 is Apple’s second major feature release for iOS 17 so far. It carries a version number increase — like iOS 17 to 17.1 to 17.2 — indicating noticeable user-facing changes rather than minor bug fixes.

Apple typically follows a pattern with iOS updates:

The initial full number release comes out in September alongside new iPhones. This was iOS 17 in 2022.
The first major dot update drops around October with some new features. This was iOS 17.1.
The second major dot update emerges in December/January with more significant additions and enhancements. This is iOS 17.2.

So while iOS 17.1 delivered a handful of helpful improvements, iOS 17.2 offers some more exciting goodies like whole new apps and capabilities.

These .2 software updates are great because they provide new functionality that Apple couldn’t cram into the initial iOS release just a month before. iOS 17 already had a ton of changes, so iOS 17.2 allows Apple to keep delivering fun new tools over time.

Overall, iOS 17.2 represents the next big step forward for the iOS 17 operating system. It maintains Apple’s track record of refining and enhancing their software many months after the original launch.

New Features and Changes in iOS 17.2.

iOS 17.2 contained plenty of great additions that made installing the upgrade worthwhile. Here are some of the most notable new features and changes I’ve enjoyed using:

Journal App.

One of the banner features announced back at WWDC 2022 was the Journal app for iOS. Apple previewed this dedicated space for journaling as part of iOS 17 but ended up delaying its launch until iOS 17.2.

The Journal app provides a beautiful place to write down thoughts, memories, events, goals, and anything else you want to capture. You can add photos, links, weather data, and other contextual info into your entries.

I love the Morning and Evening prompts that encourage you to bookend your day with reflections. The animations like blowing leaves when making an entry are charming too.

Of course, privacy is paramount for an app like this. Journal leverages end-to-end encryption for your entries and on-device processing for suggestions. No one can access your journals, not even Apple.

For those who already keep a journal or have wanted to start, this first-party app is a welcome addition on iOS. It eliminates the need for third-party journaling tools.

Collaborative Playlists.

iOS 17.2 introduces a new way to share music with family and friends via collaborative playlists. You can now create an Apple Music playlist that others can freely add songs to.

I’ve been having fun sharing a playlist with my sister where we take turns adding our favorite new music discoveries. It’s great for finding new artists and genres.

You can customize whether collaboration is open to anyone with the link or limited to select people you invite. There’s also an AutoJoin option that notifies collaborators anytime music gets added.

Music has always been a social experience, so collaborative playlists make perfect sense. They expand the ways we can bond over our favorite songs and artists.

New Weather Widgets.

While minor compared to major app additions, iOS 17.2 also came with some nice upgrades to the weather widgets on iPhone. There are now three options:

Sunrise/Sunset — See upcoming sun events in your location.
Hourly Forecast — Check the hour-by-hour weather data.
Daily Forecast — Glance at current conditions and daily outlook.

I’m a big fan of widgets, so I welcomed these new variations. The sunrise/sunset one looks clean on my Home Screen while the hourly forecast provides more detailed data.

You can still expand the widgets to get 10-day forecasts and other data like precipitation chances, wind, humidity, UV index, and air quality.

If you rely on checking the weather often like me, these provide some great new options for glancing at a glance. The more widgets the merrier!

Wi-Fi Improvements.

Fixes for Wi-Fi bugs have arrived! iOS 17.2 finally resolves an issue that caused disconnected and unreliable Wi-Fi for many users.

Since updating to iOS 17 back in September, I’ve dealt with random Wi-Fi drops multiple times per day. This made using apps and browsing the web frustrating as things would just stop loading.

Apple acknowledged the Wi-Fi problems in iOS 17 and promised a fix. That remedy has arrived with iOS 17.2.

My Wi-Fi has been rock solid since installing 17.2. Apps load consistently fast too without the speed drops I was seeing before. Thank you Apple for squashing this persistent bug! The relief is real.

Other Notable Changes.

Alongside the major additions, iOS 17.2 contains plenty of other improvements:

A new Translate action for iPhone 15 Pro with the Dynamic Island
Shared iCloud Photo Library for seamlessly sharing photos
Live Activities API for dynamic widgets from third parties
New Apple Music equalizer and spacial audio presets
Ability to withdraw and edit sent iMessages for a short time
Improved Siri reliability and performance
Updates to the Home architecture for matter accessories
Fix for the irritating copy and paste popup bug
Lots of security patches and bug fixes

Taken together, iOS 17.2 represents a major step forward for the iPhone experience just a few months after iOS 17 arrived. For me, the new apps and collaboration features bring the most value.

Step-by-Step Guide to Updating to iOS 17.2.

Upgrading my iPhone to iOS 17.2 was quick and painless, as usual. I’ll walk through the two ways to update: over the air via Wi-Fi or using a wired iTunes connection.

Over the Air Update via Wi-Fi.

Updating wirelessly is my preferred method — it’s just so convenient. Follow these steps:

Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network and plug it into power. Updating is a power-intensive process, so having it charging prevents shutdown.
Open the Settings app and navigate to General > Software Update.
You should see a prompt saying iOS 17.2 is available. Tap “Download and Install.”
Enter your passcode if prompted. This helps ensure you authorized the update.
Keep the phone on Wi-Fi and let the process run. A progress bar will track download and installation.
Once complete, your iPhone will ask to restart to finish the changes. Tap restart and the iOS 17.2 upgrade will be complete! This whole process took around 15 minutes total for me.

Over-the-air updates require your device has at least 50% battery life. As long as you have a decent Wi-Fi signal, updating wirelessly is remarkably hassle-free. It beats connecting wires!

Update Using iTunes on Mac or PC.

If you prefer a wired approach, you can also update to iOS 17.2 using iTunes on your computer. Here’s how:

Download and install the latest version of iTunes from Apple.
Connect your iPhone to your computer using the Lightning to USB cable.
Open iTunes if not already running. Select your connected iPhone.
Click on the Check for Update button in iTunes. This will scan for iOS 17.2.
Click Download and Update when prompted. iTunes will download the update and handle installation.
Keep the phone connected until the process completes. Your iPhone will reboot.
iOS 17.2 will be installed! You can then disconnect from iTunes.

While updating wirelessly is simpler, using iTunes gives you a wired connection and the ability to create full device backups before updating. Either method works great if you want to upgrade to Apple’s latest iOS release.

Which iPhones and iPads Are Compatible with iOS 17.2?

iOS 17.2 is compatible with any iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or later. This spans iPhone models dating back several years.

Based on Apple’s requirements, these devices can install iOS 17.2:

Full iOS 17.2 compatibility:

iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS, XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone 8, 8 Plus
iPhone SE (2nd Gen and later)

Limited compatibility without all features:

Older models like iPhone 7, 7 Plus and iPhone 6s/6s Plus
Original iPhone SE

Essentially all mainstream iPhone models from the past 5+ years support iOS 17.2. Only the very oldest devices miss out on some capabilities.

iPads must be running at least iPadOS 16 to update to the iOS 17.2 equivalents. This includes:

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Gen and later)
iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd Gen and later)
iPad Pro 10.5-inch
iPad Pro 9.7-inch
iPad Air (5th Gen and later)
iPad (9th Gen and later)
iPad Mini (5th Gen and later)

So most modern iPad owners should be covered. Just make sure your device supports iOS 16/iPadOS 16 first. Then you can update to iOS 17.2/iPadOS 17.2.

My Experience Testing the New Features in iOS 17.2.

After a week using iOS 17.2 on my iPhone XS, I wanted to share some more detailed impressions of the major new features. Here are my thoughts on the upgrades I was most excited to test drive.

Using the Journal App.

The new first-party Journal app quickly became one of my favorites. I love having a dedicated space to jot down thoughts and track memories.

The morning and evening prompts help establish a routine which research shows can make journaling more effective. I’ll often free write within the prompts too.

Adding photos really enhances journal entries too. For instance, I inserted some shots of a morning visit to a beach which helps me relive the experience months later.

The privacy assurances give peace of mind that my entries stay between me and my iPhone. I activated Face ID and passcode instantly to enable maximum security.

My only request for Journal is an easier way to search entries. Right now you have to scroll which gets tedious. Adding a search bar would be perfect!

But overall, Journal has quickly become a favorite app. It’s inspiring me to write more consistently which I know offers mental health benefits.

Collaborative Playlist Experience.

Collaborative playlists bring a fun social element to Apple Music. My sister and I created the “Sister Jams” playlist to share our favorite discoveries.

Getting notifications when she adds new music is really fun. I’ve found so many great new artists through her picks like Alison Wonderland, LP Giobbi , and ODESZA.

We go back and forth customizing the playlist details like description and photo. You can really make it feel like your own shared space.

The only downside is you can’t remove or rearrange someone else’s song additions. But otherwise it’s a blast to actively listen and bond over music together.

I hope Apple expands collaborative playlists soon to support multiple collaborators. For now, sharing with one person is still really engaging.

New Weather Widget Impressions.

While a small change compared to major new apps, I’m really enjoying the iOS 17.2 weather widget upgrades.

The new sunrise/sunset widget has become a fixture on my Home Screen. It’s sleek and glanceable for checking sunrise and sunset times.

I also like the rich data in the hourly forecast widget. You get more details like precipitation chances, wind, humidity levels, and air quality.

Long pressing any weather widget now brings up a menu to customize data like units and what’s displayed. Lots of flexibility.

My only wish would be ability to add multiple widget sizes like small, medium, and large. But no denying these provide excellent weather info at a glance.

Wi-Fi Reliability Improvements.

As mentioned before, I’d been dealing with constant Wi-Fi connectivity problems ever since updating to iOS 17 in September. iOS 17.2 finally resolved these issues.

After updating, my Wi-Fi has been rock solid once again — no more random disconnects and slowdowns. Speed test results are back to expected levels too.

I don’t have to constantly toggle Wi-Fi on and off anymore just to restore connectivity when it drops. Everything just works as expected now.

Kudos to Apple for finally fixing this notorious bug even months after iOS 17 launched. All the forum complaints and feedback finally paid off!

What Reviewers and Experts Are Saying About iOS 17.2.

Before updating, I was curious what reviewers and Apple experts thought about iOS 17.2 and its changes. Here are some of the impressions:

“iOS 17.2 packs some great new upgrades like the Journal app and Apple Music sharing that users are going to love.” — The Verge.
“The Journal app stands out as an excellent new addition for your daily reflections and memories.” — Wired.
“Collaborative playlists in iOS 17.2 make Apple Music feel more social and lively.” — CNET.
“Kudos to Apple for fixing those nasty iOS 17 Wi-Fi issues once and for all in iOS 17.2” — Ars Technica.

The consensus seems to be that iOS 17.2 delivers some of the most exciting new features we’ve seen since iOS 16. Both average users and tech reviewers praised the additions.

Reviewers also applauded Apple for tackling the Wi-Fi bugs and general performance improvements under the hood.

iOS updates often get criticized for not having enough new stuff. But iOS 17.2 brings some great productivity tools and fun new ways to engage with music.

Overall, experts reflected my positive impressions of iOS 17.2 as a worthwhile upgrade packed with nice enhancements.

Tips and Tricks for Using iOS 17.2 Features.

After spending time on iOS 17.2, I’ve discovered some handy tips and tricks for using the new features:

Journal App

Use Spotlight search to quickly find entries by keyword, date, etc.
Change journal cover style by long pressing the cover image.
Tag people using their name to link journal entries about them.
Enable auto-lock instantly with Face ID for privacy.

Collaborative Playlists

Follow playlists to be notified when any songs are added.
Use Siri commands like “Add Don’t Stop Me Now to Sister Jams playlist”.
View profile pictures of other collaborators by tapping their icon.
Use Album view to see which albums the songs come from.

Weather Widgets

Long press to customize data displayed and temperature units.
Tap the widgets to access 10-day forecasts and other data.
Stack multiple widget sizes to build a weather dashboard.
Disable location access for worldwide weather without tracking.

General iOS 17.2 Tips

Use the new Copy Subject feature in Mail to copy email subjects.
Disable Live Activities if too distracting from lock screen.
rearrange media playback controls in Control Center.
Use repeat alerts to make important alerts renotify you.

Take time to customize iOS 17.2 to your needs and discover what works best for you!

Hidden Features in iOS 17.2 to Check Out.

In addition to the major changes, iOS 17.2 contains some subtle hidden features worth checking out:

New Splash screens for apps like Music, TV, and Calendar
Tweaked iCloud passphrase recovery process
Notification dots for pinned conversations in Messages
New Spotlight home screen with App Search front-and-center
Ability to disable wallpaper and lock screen previews when waking iPhone
New splash screens when AirPlaying content to supported devices
Updated metrics and terminologies in Fitness app
Enhancements to Shared With You for easier content sharing

Part of the fun with major iOS updates is uncovering all the little changes Apple doesn’t publicize. Take time to explore iOS 17.2 and you may just stumble upon something new!

Answering Common iOS 17.2 Questions

If you’re wondering about upgrading to iOS 17.2, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What iPhones and iPads support iOS 17.2?

iOS 17.2 works on any iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or iPadOS 16. This includes iPhone models dating back to the iPhone 8 and iPhone X generation.

How much storage space does iOS 17.2 require?

You need at least 7.74GB of available storage to upgrade. More space is better for the full install and backups.

Does iOS 17.2 fix any major bugs?

Yes, it fixes Wi-Fi connectivity problems, iMessage search issues, CarPlay lag, lock screen freezing, and many other bugs.

What security changes are in iOS 17.2?

There are over 20 major security fixes including for iMessage, Safari, Kernel, WebKit, and FaceTime. Update for the latest protections.

Can I still use iOS 16 features after updating?

Yes all iOS 16 features still work. And you gain new iOS 17.2 capabilities without losing anything from iOS 16.

How do I downgrade from iOS 17.2 if needed?

Unfortunately you cannot revert once you update. Ensure you have an iOS 16 backup first if needed.

Let me know if you have any other iOS 17.2 questions! I’m happy to share what I’ve learned from using it.

Conclusion.

That sums up my in-depth guide to installing and using iOS 17.2 on iPhone! It was fantastic to gain fun new apps like Journal and Apple Music collaborative playlists in this release. And I can finally use Wi-Fi reliably again after Apple resolved those nasty bugs.

iOS 17.2 demonstrates that Apple continues improving the iPhone experience long after the initial iOS release each year. The additions make my phone more useful and enjoyable.

I’m eager to see what other new features and tweaks Apple delivers in future iOS 17 updates. But for now, iOS 17.2 stands out as a major step forward, especially thanks to the Journal and Music sharing capabilities. I highly recommend updating to gain the latest experience!

Let me know if you have any other questions about iOS 17.2. I’m happy to provide tips and details on the new features based on my experience testing it out.