Answering machines and voicemail inboxes have been around for decades, with seemingly very few changes or obvious updates.

Apple’s iOS 17 introduces a simple change to a feature many millennials rely on when avoiding answering their ringing devices, and the company is calling it Live Voicemail. 

It accompanies another update to FaceTime and joins the list of many new features and updates in iOS 17, including a new and improved way to AirDrop. 

iOS 17 is compatible with iPhone XS and newer.

The software release comes after the tech company announced its latest line of hardware, including the iPhone 15.

Watch this video to see Apple’s new Live Voicemail and FaceTime voicemail in action.

Apple’s Live Voicemail

Live Voicemail will show a real-time transcription on your screen as the voicemail message is being recorded.

It works if your phone is locked or unlocked, and all it requires is that you don't answer the call! 

If your locked phone requires a passcode, you may have to confirm it’s you before the message appears. Once you do that, it should show up.

If the caller leaves a voicemail while your phone is unlocked, the live transcription will appear when you click on the voicemail icon that appears along the top edge of your screen.  

The feature is turned on by default. If you want to change it:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Phone
3. Toggle Live Voicemail off or on

FaceTime voicemail

FaceTime voicemail allows you to send a video message when someone doesn’t answer your FaceTime call. 

Once the call stops ringing, the screen will show you the option to leave a voicemail. 

It will do a quick countdown before recording your message. 

To find a FaceTime voicemail, check the FaceTime app. It will not appear in the Phone’s voicemail inbox. 

How to download iOS 17?

To download the new software, click on the Settings icon on your phone. 

Tap General, then tap Software Update. This should show you any available updates that your phone has. 

If the update won’t install, it could be due to your phone not having enough space.

Check how much storage your phone has by tapping on iPhone Storage in the General menu.

This will also provide suggestions for places you can clean out to make room, like emptying your recently deleted pictures folder. 

Reviewed-approved iPhone accessories  

Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.  

Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of tech experts test everything from Apple AirPods and screen protectors to iPhone tripods and car mounts so you can shop for the best of the best. 

• The best rugged iPhone case: Spigen Slim Armor 
• A top wireless charger: Yootech Wireless Charger 
• Our favorite screen protector: Ailun Glass Screen Protector 
• The best portable battery pack: Mophie Powerstation Plus 
• Durable phone car holders: Beam Electronics Phone Holder 
• An iPhone tripod we love: Aureday Phone Tripod 
• The best lightning cable: Anker 6 ft Premium Double-Braided Nylon Lightning Cable 

More problems, solved

• Deleted texts:How to recover deleted messages on your phone
• Hide your number:How to hide your number for phone calls
• Breeze through security:6 tips to quickly get through airport security
• Travel apps:How to plan the perfect road trip
• Expand workspace: Transform your iPad into a second monitor
• Pre-travel checklist: 4 things you need to do before your next trip
• Fly easier:4 travel tips to make flying easier
• Get inspired: 3 tips to plan your next trip using social media
• Be prepared: 3 travel apps to download before your next trip
• Carry on: 5 tips to travel safely with your tech like phones and laptops
• Easily get around: 4 tech tips to easily explore a new city
• Stream offline:How to watch TV shows, movies offline
• Speak in any language:5 ways to use Google Translate on your phone