Have you tried simulating the new "NameDrop" feature in iOS 17? The simulator supports it via the "Nearby Interactions" menu—perfect for testing AirDrop-like functionality without a second phone.
Despite the improvements, the simulator is not a replacement for real hardware. In iOS 17, you still cannot accurately test: ios 17 simulator
Test how users interact with buttons and toggles directly on the Home Screen or Lock Screen without launching the full app. Have you tried simulating the new "NameDrop" feature
If you are building an iPad app for the M2 iPad Pro, the simulator supports simulating . Hold the Option key while moving your mouse/trackpad to see the cursor position and hover effects before touching down. In iOS 17, you still cannot accurately test:
The iOS 17 environment introduced several specific developer-facing capabilities that are critical to test in the simulator:
With iOS 17, the Simulator has evolved to handle the complexities of the new operating system architecture. It runs on Apple Silicon (ARM) or Intel-based Macs (via Rosetta translation), providing a highly accurate representation of the runtime environment. This ensures that when an app runs smoothly on the Simulator, there is a high statistical probability it will perform similarly on a physical device.
Since iOS 17 introduces Live Voicemail (transcribing messages in real-time), the simulator includes a new "Calls" menu. You can simulate an incoming call and trigger the voicemail transcription flow to test how your VoIP or call-recording apps react.