Apple has started rolling out iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1 to the public with AirDrop Over Internet, new Music features, and more. These updates come exactly three weeks after the release of iOS 17.0.3 and iPadOS 17.0.3 which addressed overheating issues on the supported iPhones and fixed two security vulnerabilities. Apple keeps refining the software experience with every 17.x update whilst also fixing security issues.
Here’s what’s new according to the Release Notes:
AirDrop:
- Content continues to transfer over the internet when you step out of AirDrop range
StandBy:
- New options to control when the display turns off (iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max)
Music:
- Favorites expanded to include songs, albums, and playlists, and you can filter to display your favorites in the library
- New cover art collection offers designs that change colors to reflect the music in your playlist
- Song suggestions appear at the bottom of every playlist, making it easy to add music that matches the vibe of your playlist
This update also includes the following improvements and bug fixes:
- Option to choose a specific album to use with Photo Shuffle on the Lock Screen
- Home key support for Matter locks
- Improved reliability of Screen Time settings syncing across devices
- Fixes an issue that may cause the Significant Location privacy setting to reset when transferring an Apple Watch or pairing it for the first time
- Resolves an issue where the names of incoming callers may not appear when you are on another call
- Addresses an issue where custom and purchased ringtones may not appear as options for your text tone
- Fixes an issue that may cause the keyboard to be less responsive
- Crash detection optimizations (all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models)
- Fixes an issue that may cause display image persistence
Along with these new changes, Apple also addressed the iPhone 12 high radiation levels in France. According to Apple,
“iOS 17.1 includes an update for iPhone 12 for users in France to accommodate this specific test protocol that requires reduced power when off-body on a static surface.
iPhone 12 will no longer increase the allowed power when the off-body state is detected, such as while it is sitting on a table. As such, in coverage areas where cellular signal is low, this change in antenna transmit power may result in slightly lower cellular performance in certain off-body use cases. The vast majority of users are not expected to notice any impact.”
In addition to iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1, Apple has also released iOS 16.7.2, iPadOS 16.7.2, iOS 15.8, and iPadOS 15.8 for older devices with bug fixes and security improvements. The oldest supported devices are the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPod touch (7th generation), iPad Air 2, and iPad mini (4th generation). Apple ended support for these devices with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. However, it is simply amazing to see them provide security updates till date for devices that are up to 9 years old, making Apple a clear winner in terms of Security & Software updates.
It is highly recommended to update your iPhone & iPad to the latest software for the best experience and the best security. Did you find any new features in this update? Let us know down in the comments or tweet to us on @appleosophy! Be sure to download the Appleosophy App from the App Store or visit our website to stay updated with the latest Apple news!
Author: Pururaj Dutta
Pururaj is the Vice President of Appleosophy and Silicon Report, in addition to being the Manager of popular Redfruit Media platforms such as TechPod Social and Apple Summit. His seasoned experience plays a pivotal role in the success of Redfruit Media, contributing significantly to shaping the ever-evolving tech landscape. As a tech aficionado, he enjoys exploring & reviewing new products, and sharing his insights with the community. With an unwavering passion for technology, Pururaj is committed to delivering accurate and insightful information to his readers.
