After careful consideration, Apple has decided to release iOS 17.1 to the general public next week, following an extensive month-long beta testing period. This update will introduce a range of new features, bug fixes, and performance enhancements. Take a deep dive into everything that iOS 17.1 has to offer below.
Release Date
Although Apple has yet to confirm an official release date for iOS 17.1, it is widely anticipated to launch on Tuesday, October 24. This date was leaked by French regulators last week. You may be wondering why French regulators would have insider knowledge about the release date. Well, it turns out that one of the changes in the update directly addresses concerns raised by French authorities regarding the radiation levels emitted by the iPhone 12. These authorities discovered that the iPhone 12 no longer complied with radiation exposure testing limits. In response, Apple has made adjustments to how the iPhone 12 functions in off-body states in iOS 17.1. Previously, the iPhone 12 would increase power allowances when it detected an off-body state, such as when the device was placed on a table. However, iOS 17.1 eliminates this behavior in order to align with the French testing protocol.
New Features in iOS 17.1
Beyond the changes to accommodate French regulations, iOS 17.1 includes numerous other exciting features and enhancements. Let’s delve into some of the highlights.
1. New AirDrop Features
The update introduces an AirDrop capability that enables transfers to continue over the internet even when you move out of range from the other device. This functionality was initially announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, but was not part of the initial iOS 17 release last month. Additionally, a new toggle in Settings allows users to choose whether to utilize cellular data or Wi-Fi for AirDrop transfers.
2. Upgrades to Apple Music
iOS 17.1 brings several changes to Apple Music that enhance the user experience. Now, you can easily “favorite” songs, albums, and playlists. The Music app also provides new filtering options, making it effortless to display your favorites in your library. Apple has even included a selection of artwork that you can utilize to customize your playlists. Simply tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of a playlist and select “Edit” to access these new options. Additionally, at the bottom of your playlists, you’ll find a section called “Song suggestions,” where Apple intelligently presents songs that match the overall vibe of your playlist.
3. StandBy Mode Enhancements
Apple has introduced new options within StandBy mode, which transforms your iPhone into a smart display while charging and in landscape orientation. Within the Settings app, you will discover a “Display” option in the StandBy menu. This menu provides toggles that allow you to automatically turn off the display after 20 seconds or never. This level of control over StandBy was not available in the initial release of iOS 17. Opting for the “Never” option ensures that your StandBy widgets remain visible at all times. However, please note that these changes are only applicable to devices with an always-on display, such as the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
4. New Features for Apple Wallet
For iPhone users based in the United Kingdom, iOS 17.1 introduces a Connected Cards feature that displays your current account balance, as well as a history of deposits and payments, sourced from your bank account. This feature relies on the Open Banking API and is supported by popular banks such as Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, RBS, Monzo, and Starling. Unfortunately, the United States does not currently have an equivalent to the Open Banking API. However, Apple has partnered directly with Discover to show users their card balance and transaction history. While it is unclear when Apple will extend this feature to more U.S. banks, it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
5. New Photo Shuffle Features on the Lock Screen
iOS 17.1 resolves a long-standing complaint regarding the Photo Shuffle option on the iPhone’s Lock Screen. This feature was first introduced with iOS 16 and randomly selects images from your photo library to serve as your wallpaper. Initially, users could only shuffle images of People, Nature, or Pets without the option to specify a particular album. However, iOS 17.1 rectifies this limitation by allowing users to choose a specific album to use for the Photo Shuffle feature on the Lock Screen.
6. Changes to the Action Button
In iOS 17.1, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max owners can benefit from optimizations made to the Action button. The update introduces a new feature that leverages the proximity sensor on the iPhone 15 Pro to detect when the device is in your pocket, thereby preventing accidental activations. Consequently, you will need to press the Action button slightly longer to trigger an action when the phone is in your pocket.
7. Flashlight Indicator in the Dynamic Island
Originally limited to iPhone 15 Pro users, the iOS 17 update introduced a new feature that displayed a flashlight indicator using the Dynamic Island. However, there was no logical reason for this feature’s exclusivity to the iPhone 15 Pro. Thankfully, iOS 17.1 addresses this oversight by extending the flashlight indicator to iPhone 14 Pro users as well. Finally, innovation everyone can appreciate!
Bug Fixes in iOS 17.1
In addition to the exciting new features, iOS 17.1 also addresses several bugs and performance issues experienced by some iPhone users over the past month. Here is a list of the fixes provided by Apple:
– Added Home key support for Matter locks.
– Enhanced reliability of Screen Time settings syncing across devices.
– Resolved an issue that resulted in the Significant Location privacy setting resetting when transferring an Apple Watch or pairing it for the first time.
– Fixed an issue where the names of incoming callers may not appear while on another call.
– Addressed an issue where custom and purchased ringtones may not appear as options for your text tone.
– Resolved an issue that caused the keyboard to be less responsive.
– Optimized crash detection for all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models.
– Fixed an issue that resulted in display image persistence.
We Want to Hear From You!
Now that you’re in the know about iOS 17.1, which new features are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments below! Stay connected with Chance on Threads, Twitter, Instagram, and Mastodon for the latest tech news.
