by Joe Lonergan

We will take a look at some of the more useful updates to iOS 17 that can be of some use to blind iPhone users and users who have low vision, starting with a feature called Check In.

Check In
Check In is one of those features that can give your friends or family reassurance that you are on the right track and making it to your destination safely. It may be a good feature to use if you are recently losing your vision and are building up your confidence to start out doing independent journeys again. It is also good for anyone who might be feeling vulnerable or just needs to give their loved ones that extra bit of reassurance that they’re okay. It is a bit like when your friend tells you to text me when you get there, but the difference here is, that it sends the notification automatically when you arrive at the selected location. Check In is time-based, so if you do not arrive within 15 mins of the designated time, it will send information to your friend or selected contact such as your battery level, network service status, and location.

The Check In feature can be set up in Messages. The first thing to note is that both users need to be on iOS 17 for this to work. You will notice if you try to send a Check In to someone that is not on iOS 17, you will be notified that Check In is not available to send to this recipient.

Once we establish that both iPhone users are on iOS 17, open the Messages app and compose a message to your friend. Navigate to the right until you get to the apps button and then navigate to More and tap on it. A list of apps will pop up, one of them is called Check In, tap on this.

Now the Check In app is attached to the message. At this stage, you can tap on the Check In app that is attached and select your preferences such as Send Check In when I arrive, tap on this to select a destination! A map will appear, if you are a VoiceOver user it is best to type in your destination address into the search box that appears and select the correct location from the list. You can select the time you expect to arrive or just leave the estimated time. When you are happy tap the done button.

Now that you are satisfied you have selected the correct location and set a predicted time, you have the option to add a comment. Then you can just tap send and head off on your journey with the peace of mind that your friend will receive a text message when you arrive safely at your destination.

Note if you are delayed on your journey by 15 minutes you will get a prompt to add more time or send your friend a message to let them know you’re ok. It will say “Looks like you are delayed, David will be notified in 15 mins”. If you get into the habit of using this app feature of Messages, it will give you and your chosen Check In contact extra peace of mind.

NameDrop
Use NameDrop on your iPhone to share your contact info.

Another cool and convenient feature that came to iOS 17 is NameDrop, an easy way to share contact info with another iPhone user. Again, this feature depends on both users having their iPhones updated to the latest software, iOS 17. All you have to do is hold your phone close to the top of someone else’s iPhone and you will notice a prompt near the top of both iPhones that a connection is being made. Keep holding until NameDrop pops up on both screens.

You and the recipient can then select the following:
Receive Only: Receive the other iPhone’s contact card.
Share: Receive the other iPhone’s contact card and share your own as well.
To cancel, move the two devices away from each other before Namedrop completes.

We are all aware how much of a chore it is to type in contact details such as first name, last name, email address, etc. so, if you’re connecting with new friends or networking at a business event this is a quick way of sharing contact information with other iPhone users.