After the launch of iOS 17 in mid-September, Apple is now planning the next major system update to iOS 17.1. TECHBOOK took a closer look at the new functions in the beta.
After Apple has already rolled out several small updates for iOS 17, the larger update to iOS 17.1 is now coming to us. While the adjustments previously mainly included bug fixes, iOS 17.1 actually brings new functions. The handling of the new action button installed in the iPhone 15 should also be adjusted again. TECHBOOK was able to test the new features in advance in the beta.
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The new features in iOS 17.1
The new iOS version actually offers some practical innovations. Some are specifically aimed at new iPhone 15 Pro/Max owners whose devices have an action button. But there are also improvements for all other iPhone users.
AirDrop can be used via mobile communications
One of the most important and practical innovations concerns AirDrop. The service has been used by Apple users to transfer data quickly for years. To date, however, it has been necessary for the devices to be in close proximity to one another during the transmission. And that’s exactly where iOS 17.1 comes in.
At the start of the data transfer, the devices must still be in close proximity to one another. After that, however, this is no longer necessary. However, AirDrop then uses the mobile network to do this.
Standby mode with customization options
iOS 17 brought the standby function to the iPhone. An always-on view is activated when the iPhone is placed horizontally. The device can be used as a grandfather clock or to control smart home devices.
With iOS 17.1 you can now automate the deactivation of standby mode. This can be the case, for example, when you are not using your cell phone and it is dark in the area. You can also categorically exclude automatic deactivation.
More customization for Apple Music
Most music streaming services allow you to mark artists as favorites in addition to individual songs. This should also be possible on Apple Music with the update. According to Apple, this is primarily used to make better automatic music suggestions.
You can also visually customize your playlists in the future. There are a total of eight styles available that play with different shapes and colors.
Photo selection for lock screen
You can customize your lock screen on your iPhone. In addition to a direct photo selection, users can activate the “Random photo playback” option and then specify a category if necessary – nature, cities, people or pets. Nevertheless, it can happen that a rather embarrassing image ends up on the lock screen unintentionally.
The iOS 17.1 update now makes it possible to select individual photo albums for the lock screen. For example, you can create your own album for it and display specific pictures from your previous vacation. You can also adjust the size of an image accordingly for the lock screen.
Further innovations in iOS 17.1
In addition to these slightly larger adjustments, the update also brings, among other things, something new for Dynamic Island. The feature is generally only available to users with iPhone 14 Pro or higher. The display will be expanded to include a flashlight icon with iOS 17.1. This allows even quicker access to deactivate the light without further tapping
Another innovation concerns the Action Button introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro. This can be assigned individually and replaces the mute switch on earlier iPhone models. However, Apple would like to further improve the sensitivity here. The device uses various sensors to detect whether it is in a bag or not. If this is the case, the button takes longer to be activated. This is intended to prevent unwanted function triggers.
There is also good news for retro fans. Apple is further expanding its gaming compatibility and with iOS 17.1 enables control via an N64 controller for the Nintendo Switch.
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When is iOS 17.1 coming and should you install it directly?
In recent years, Apple has already made adjustments at the end of October after the big iOS release in September. That will be the case again this year. October 24th is probably the deadline. The background is that the deadline for Apple that the French radio authorities have set for the company will then expire. There is currently a sales ban for the iPhone 12 in France. The reason: radiation levels that are too high. Apple would like to improve the software here and is therefore in a hurry to update to iOS 17.1.
Practical changes
“As of now, there is nothing wrong with installing the update to iOS 17.1 right at the start. However, since it is not about bug fixes, there is no time urgency. However, if you want to use the new functions and adjustments, you should quickly switch to the new version. We will then take a closer look at the final software version. The beta 3 version is currently still available for interested testers.” – Marlene Polywka, editor