Apple has released the third developer beta of iOS 17, introducing several small refinements, interface adjustments, and feature improvements across the system. While the update does not include major new additions, it continues to polish many of the features announced for iOS 17.
Recently Deleted Photos Updates
Apple has redesigned parts of the Recently Deleted album in the Photos app. Instead of separate Delete and Recover buttons, actions are now grouped under a new three-dot menu located at the bottom of the screen.
When no photos are selected, the menu provides options for:
-
Delete All
-
Recover All
If specific photos are selected, users can recover or permanently delete only the chosen items.
For Live Photos, Apple has added a new “Save as Video” option, allowing selected Live Photos to be converted into video files directly from the management menu.
In addition, when deleting or recovering images containing a specific person, users can now select “Feature This Person Less” to reduce how often that individual appears in photo memories and featured sections.
Mental Wellbeing Refinements
The Mental Wellbeing section in the Health app has received visual improvements with a cleaner design and updated color palette.
Apple adjusted the colors associated with mood tracking categories:
-
Very unpleasant now appears as a lighter blue-purple tone.
-
Neutral has shifted toward a blue-green shade.
-
Slightly pleasant is now a brighter yellow-green.
-
Pleasant appears yellow instead of green.
-
Very pleasant is represented with orange tones.
Buttons and background colors now dynamically match selected mood states for a more consistent interface.
Apple has also added scheduled mood logging reminders, allowing users to receive prompts:
-
In the middle of the day
-
At the end of the day
-
On a custom schedule
Apple Music Song Credits
The Apple Music app now includes expanded song credit information. By tapping the three-dot menu next to a song, users can access detailed credits for:
-
Performing artists
-
Songwriters and composers
-
Producers
-
Engineers and other contributors
This section also includes:
-
Full lyrics access
-
Audio quality information such as Lossless and Dolby Atmos support
The full lyrics option has been relocated from the standard menu into this new credits section.
Home App Improvements
Apple has added a new introductory splash screen in the Home app highlighting recently added features.
For smart lights that support multiple colors and tones, iOS 17 beta 3 introduces preset color shortcuts at the bottom of the lighting controls, making it easier to quickly switch between colors. These color controls are also accessible directly from Control Center.
The Home app now fully supports the new Activity History feature, which records activity from:
-
Smart locks
-
Garage doors
-
Home security systems
Users can enable or disable Activity History for the past month directly within the app.
iOS 17 Public Beta Expectations
The third developer beta is widely expected to match the version that will be released as the first public beta of iOS 17.
Apple previously confirmed that the public beta would launch in July, and with the month already underway at the time of the beta release, the public testing version was expected to arrive shortly afterward.