When Apple announced iOS 17 Standby Mode as one of the biggest iOS 17 features coming to the iPhone later this year, I thought of the beloved iPad mini in my backpack and realized that StandBy's arrival will also be a huge missed opportunity for Apple.
StandBy Mode turns an iPhone into a smart display with widget-sized clock styles, weather reports and photo slideshows. It also acts as a hands-free Siri hub, so you could theoretically ask Apple's voice assistant queries or control your HomeKit-enabled smart home devices with your voice.
