Apple just released iOS 17.1. This major iPhone update brings quite a few innovations: this is new.
iOS 17.1 is out
We had to wait a while, but now the time has come: the first major update for iOS 17 has been released. With iOS 17.1, your iPhone gets all kinds of new features, and of course the necessary bug fixes. The iPad also has an update, iPadOS 17.1, with largely the same functions. This is new.
1. AirDrop via the Internet
AirDrop has been around since 2011, and is by far the easiest way to transfer files between iPhone, iPad, and Mac. But there was always one limitation: it only works when the devices are near each other. That changes with iOS 17.1. If you walk away from each other while you AirDrop something, the file exchange will continue via the internet. So easy.
2. Music Upgrades
The Music app (Apple Music) also gets some useful new features with iOS 17.1. This makes it possible to label songs as favorites. You can then easily filter them. It is also possible to create cool images for your playlists, and the Music app now recommends new songs for your playlists based on the songs already in them.
3. More options for Standby
On the iPhone 14 Pro (Max) and iPhone 15 Pro (Max), iOS 17 Standby mode always remains visible. This is in contrast to other models, where this mode disappears from the screen after 20 seconds. Now you also have that option on the above models (in ‘Settings>Standby’), if you prefer not to be stared at by a clock all night.
4. Photos on your lock screen
Since iOS 16, your lockscreen has already had the option to alternate your featured photos. Nice, but what if you want photos from a specific album? With iOS 17.1 this is finally possible! For example, you can create an album with backgrounds from our Wallpaper Weekly – then you will always have something beautiful on your lock screen.
iOS 17.1: more small improvements
iOS 17.1 contains even more small improvements. This is a selection:
- The Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro (Max) now shows an indicator when you have your flashlight on.
- The action button on the iPhone 15 Pro (Max) is no longer simply activated in your pocket.
- If a photo doesn’t quite fit on your screen when you set it as your wallpaper, you can now have the wallpaper automatically expand.
- NameDrop, which lets you share contact information by holding two iPhones together, now also works with the Apple Watch.
Download iOS 17.1
iOS 17.1 can now be downloaded to your iPhone via ‘Settings > General > Software update’. You do need an iPhone XS, iPhone XR or a newer model for this. Then don’t forget to update your Watch to watchOS 10.1! iPadOS 17.1 is also available on the iPad. Download!
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