Apple has started rolling out iOS 17.1, the first major update to its latest operating system. This brings certain features promised by Apple which were not available at launch and improves the new features which appeared with the OS. We take stock of what awaits you.
About a month after its launch with great fanfare alongside the iPhone 15, iOS 17 is already entitled to its first major update. This is, however, not the first update for the operating system, which was notably entitled to its version 17.0.3 deployed urgently to resolve the overheating problems of Apple’s recent flagship.
This time, there is no question of bug fixes or security patches – even if the latter are obviously present – but rather new features, some of which were missing when the OS was launched. On the program, an improved AirDrop, new options for StandBy, or even an optimized Action button. Follow the guide, we’ll summarize everything for you.
Here are all the new features brought by iOS 17.1
Apple Music steps up its game
Apple’s music streaming service finally gains an essential feature with iOS 17.1. From now on, users can favorite their songs and albums by attaching a small star to them, before finding them more easily in their library. Besides, it is now possible to choose an illustration for your reading lists from a wide choice made available. Finally, Apple Music welcomes the section Song suggestionswhich offers the user songs corresponding to their musical tastes.
Apple Wallet (almost) replaces your banking app
In its effort to become a true digital wallet, Apple Wallet welcomes the possibility of consulting the balance of your current account without going through its banking application. It is also possible to have access to the various transfers and transfers that have taken place there. For the moment, this feature is only available in the United Kingdom, but we expect it to arrive in France soon.
AirDrop finally gets the functionality promised by Apple
During WWDC 2023, Apple announced a very practical new feature for AirDrop. This would be able to continue file transfers even when the WiFi connection has been lost, by switching to mobile data. This option was not available when iOS 17 launched, which the update corrects. It now appears in the application Settings.
The Action button gets smarter
One of the big new features introduced by the iPhone 15 is the Action button, capable of carrying out various tasks, such as opening an application and changing the sound mode of your smartphone. Very practical, this button can also be very annoying when it is triggered by mistake in the user’s pocket. Apple solves this little problem with iOS 17.1, by relying on the proximity sensor to detect when the iPhone is really being used by its owner.
StandBy can turn off automatically
StandBy, the Sleep mode that activates when your iPhone is charging, is now able to turn off after a specific period of time. By going to the Settings, in the Display section, it is possible to configure a timer at the end of which the screen will automatically turn off.
Personalize your lock screen even further
With iOS 16, Apple introduced the ability to create a slideshow on its lock screen from images stored in the Photo Library. However, this option was really based on chance, and images of any type could therefore appear on the screen. iOS 17.1 corrects this small defect by allowing the user to choose a specific folder from which to draw their wallpapers.
The flashlight appears in the Dynamic Island
On the iPhone 15, the flashlight icon has made its way onto the Dynamic Island. It is therefore logical that iPhone 14 Pro users can also benefit from it by installing iOS 17.1.
On the same subject — iOS 17 hides this very useful flashlight intensity setting, here’s how to access it
All bug fixes
To conclude, here is the list of all the bugs that have been fixed with the iOS 17.1 update:
- Repeatedly entering Cinematic mode or switching from a front-facing to a rear-facing capture in Cinematic mode on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro may cause the preview to freeze for a few seconds.
- An increase in power consumption may occur when an Apple Watch running watchOS10.1 is paired with an iPhone running iOS 17.0.
- Remote widgets may appear blank on versions of iOS and macOS that do not match.
- iPhone DAS now complies with French legislation
- Apple Podcasts had a display issue on full screen chapter artwork
- Incoming call contact names may not appear when you are making another call.
- Custom ringtones do not appear as options in Settings
Finally, around ten security vulnerabilities have been patched with iOS 17.1, one more reason to install the update without further delay. To do this, go to Settings > General > Software Update then start the download.
