Each year, Apple (AAPL) -) releases a new iPhone that promises to be higher-powered, broadly better, and oftentimes bigger, than previous models.
The 2023 iteration of the coveted tech comes as no exception.
Related: Apple addresses iPhone radiation allegations with a swift update (here's what to do)
Cupertino's Sept. 12 Wonderlust event unveiled the latest lineup of iPhones, an upgraded Apple Watch 9, new operating systems, updated software for popular accessories, and more.
The iPhone 15 lineup offers a slick new set of features including an improved camera. And with the top-of-the-line iPhone 15 Pro Max selling for $1,199 in the U.S., many users expect it to be just that: the very best.
While plenty of us continue to fawn over its zoom capabilities and crisp video quality, other users are finding more utilitarian ways to leverage the new iOS 17 and improve their lives markedly.
A particularly useful new iPhone feature
Apple's latest operating system, iOS 17, features a new tool to help users better understand their mental well being. If you've got the latest operating system downloaded onto your phone, you can fill out a preloaded mental-health questionnaire to probe how you're doing.
Here's how to do it:
- Open the health app
- Click browse -> mental wellbeing
- Choose your age range and begin
- Answer all 16 questions to the best of your ability
- Complete questionnaire
- View your results and complete
- (Optional) export as a PDF and share with your doctor or trusted mental health expert.
Sample questions include: "Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?" and lists factors like "feeling nervous, anxious or on edge." Users are prompted to select from a sliding scale of multiple-choice answers ranging from "not at all" to "nearly every day."
Based on your answers, Apple will give you a range of risks and markers to determine things like anxiety and depression levels. The scale ranges from none (little to no risk) to severe.
San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images/Getty Images
This move marks yet another concerted effort by Apple to seamlessly integrate current users in its push toward wellness.
Other features in the Health app include medication reminders and trackers, emotional mood logging, and mindful minute tracking.
Apple has long said it wants to get a strong foothold in the health-and-wellness space. What had initially been met by surprise and skepticism is now largely accepted as the tech giant's next frontier; Chief Executive Tim Cook predicts the company's health strides will be its "greatest contribution to mankind."
Apple notes to TheStreet, "These assessments are not to diagnose anxiety or depression. These assessments can help users determine their risk level, connect to resources available in their region, and create a PDF to share with their doctor."
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