iOS 17.1 may release today: Check new features, bug fixes
Apple's highly anticipated iOS 17.1 update is set to release today, after about a month-long beta testing period. The update is expected to bring in a slew of important bug fixes, new features, and performance enhancements. The release date was inadvertently disclosed by French regulators while discussing the iPhone 12's radiation levels. To comply with French testing protocols, the update modifies how the iPhone 12 manages off-body states.
New AirDrop and Apple Music features
With iOS 17.1, users can enjoy an improved AirDrop feature that allows file transfers over the internet when devices are out of range. The option to utilize cellular data alongside Wi-Fi for AirDrop will be accessible from the 'Settings' section. Apple Music will also see some upgrades, like the option to "favorite" songs, albums, and playlists, additional filtering options, and a collection of artwork for personalizing playlists. Smart song recommendations will appear at the bottom of users' playlists as well.
Flashlight indicator and action button changes
The new update brings the flashlight indicator in Dynamic Island, initially exclusive to the iPhone 15 models and iPhone 14 Pro users as well. The update also optimizes the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. A new feature employs the proximity sensor to identify when your iPhone is in your pocket, so you do not enable it accidentally. Also, users will now have to press the Action button for slightly longer to activate it.
Photo Shuffle and Standby mode improvements
iOS 17.1 introduces a notable improvement to the Photo Shuffle feature that lets users pick their favorite album to be displayed on the Lock Screen. The Standby mode, which converts the iPhone into a smart display whilst charging and in landscape mode, is also enhanced. Users can now choose to turn the display off automatically, after 20 seconds, or never. This feature will only be available to models that support always-on display, including iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro series.
Bug fixes and performance enhancements
Along with introducing new features, iOS 17.1 tackles numerous bugs and performance problems. Some of the fixes include enhanced Home key support for Matter locks, increased Screen Time settings synchronization across devices, and issues concerning custom ringtones and keyboard responsiveness. It also fixes the glitch where the names of incoming callers may not be displayed when you are on another call, and the crash detection feature has been optimized on the iPhone 14 and 15 series, per 9to5 Google.
