Apple introduced several new safety-focused features in iOS 17 designed to protect users both online and in real-world situations. These additions include tools for safer communication, travel monitoring, offline navigation, and improved health notifications.
This guide highlights the key safety features added in iOS 17 alongside Apple’s broader privacy and security improvements.
Sensitive Content Warnings
iOS 17 introduces Sensitive Content Warnings, a feature that automatically detects and blurs nude images and videos before they are viewed. The system is designed to help prevent exposure to unsolicited explicit content.
Detection is performed entirely on-device to preserve user privacy, and the feature works across multiple Apple services and supported third-party apps, including:
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Messages
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AirDrop
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Contact Posters in the Phone app
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FaceTime video messages
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Third-party applications
When enabled, nude content is blurred automatically, but users can still choose to view the content by tapping “Show.”
To enable Sensitive Content Warnings:
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Open the Settings app.
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Select Privacy & Security.
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Tap Sensitive Content Warning.
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Toggle the feature on.
Users can also choose which apps and services use the protection. Apple additionally provides built-in safety resources for users who may need support.
Messages Check In
The new Check In feature in Messages helps users stay safe while traveling by automatically notifying trusted contacts when they arrive at a destination.
With Check In, users can share their destination and estimated arrival time with a friend or family member. If the user does not arrive as expected or stops making progress, the contact receives an alert and can view helpful information such as location and device status.
To use Check In:
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Open the Messages app.
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Start or open a conversation with a trusted contact.
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Tap the “+” button next to the message field.
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Choose More.
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Select Check In.
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Tap Continue and follow the setup instructions.
Once activated, Check In automatically notifies the selected contact when the destination is reached. If progress toward the destination stops unexpectedly, the iPhone prompts the user to respond within 15 minutes. If there is no response, the trusted contact receives an alert.
Apple offers two levels of information sharing:
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Limited – Shares current location, battery level, and network signal information for the iPhone and Apple Watch.
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Full – Shares all limited data plus the travel route, the last iPhone unlock location, and the location where the Apple Watch was last removed.
Both users must be running iOS 17 to use Check In functionality.
Expanded Communication Safety
Apple has expanded its Communication Safety protections in iOS 17. Originally introduced for children, the feature warns users when nude images are being sent or received and offers guidance and safety resources.
Communication Safety is now available in more countries worldwide and extends beyond Messages to include:
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AirDrop
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FaceTime messages
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The system photo picker
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Third-party apps
The feature is automatically enabled for children under 13 who are part of a Family Sharing group. Parents can also manually enable it for older teenagers through Settings > Screen Time.
Offline Maps
The Maps app in iOS 17 now supports full offline functionality, allowing users to access maps and turn-by-turn navigation even without an internet connection.
Offline Maps are especially useful for travel in remote locations, hiking areas, or regions with poor network coverage.
To download a map:
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Open the Maps app.
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Search for a location.
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Tap the More button.
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Choose Download Map.
Users can customize the download area size and save multiple regions. Downloaded maps can be managed through the profile section under Offline Maps, where they can be updated, resized, renamed, or deleted. Maps can also update automatically in the background.
Medication Follow-Up Reminders
The Health app in iOS 17 improves medication tracking with enhanced reminder features. If a medication is not marked as taken within 30 minutes of the scheduled reminder, the app can send a follow-up notification.
Apple has also introduced Critical Alerts for important medications. These alerts appear on the Lock Screen and play a sound even if the iPhone is muted or a Focus mode is active, helping ensure that essential medication reminders are not missed.
Learn More
Additional details about the new safety features and improvements in iOS 17 can be found in Apple’s complete iOS 17 feature roundup.