iOS 17.1 is here and it's bringing some cool new features to light! This latest iOS update builds on version 17 with improvements to things like AirDrop, StandBy Mode, Apple Music and more. Let's break down what's new so you can make the most of it. 1. Seamless AirDrop The update adds a new AirDrop feature that lets file transfers continue over cellular data when you move out of range from the other device. With the previous iOS 17 update, Apple introduced NameDrop, allowing devices to exchange contact information with a simple tap. Now, iOS 17.1 takes it a step further by allowing you to use cellular data for AirDrop when two iPhones are out of range. This feature is auto-enabled when you install the 17.1 update.
2. Enhanced StandBy Mode Customization With the debut of StandBy mode in iOS 17.0, users can transform their iPhone into a smart display while it charges in landscape orientation, complete with customizable widgets. In the latest update, Apple has introduced a new 'Display' section within the StandBy settings. This section now offers new customization modes, including the option to turn off StandBy mode after 20 seconds, keep it on indefinitely, or select the "Automatically" option. According to Apple, when you choose the "Automatically" option, the display will turn off when your iPhone is not in use and the room is dark, such as during nighttime when you're sleeping. It's important to note that this feature is only available for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 Pro models.
3. Apple Music Favorites iOS 17.1 adds favoriting to Apple Music, letting you easily mark preferred artists, songs, albums and playlists. Long press or use the three dot menu to favorite. You can then access all favorites by navigating to the Library tab, clicking Artists/Songs/Albums/Playlists, and filtering via the top right icon. This replaces the old "Love" system for better music library organization.
4. Dynamic Playlist Cover Art The next Apple Music feature update brings a visually captivating enhancement to the playlist cover art. The new cover art collection features designs that dynamically change colors to reflect the music within the playlist. Apple offers eight different artwork styles, showcasing geometric shapes and gradients. The colors used in the artwork are derived from the album artwork of the first song in the playlist. The default artwork continues to display the tiled album artwork of the first four songs, and you can still choose a custom image from your Photos or Files. To change the playlist cover, enter the playlist, tap the three-dot icon on the top right, and select Edit.
5. Personalized Song Suggestions The final Apple Music update is the introduction of song suggestions for playlists. Scroll to the bottom of any of your playlists to find a section called Song Suggestions. These suggestions are based on your musical tastes, giving you the opportunity to explore new songs that align with your preferences.
6. Photo Shuffle
The Photo Shuffle lock screen now lets you pick a specific album to display, rather than Apple's categories like Pets or Nature. When customizing, choose your Favorites or any album for complete control over your lock screen photos. There was previously a tool for manually selecting photos, but being able to choose an entire album is quicker.
7. Dynamic Island Flashlight Indicator
iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 Pro models now display a flashlight icon on the Dynamic Island when activated. No more mystery flashlights accidentally left on. The icon provides a handy visual indicator of your flashlight status. The flashlight icon for the Dynamic Island was previously limited to theIphone 15 P and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
8. Home Key Support
iOS 17.1 introduces support for Home Key compatibility with Matter smart home devices, allowing you to unlock doors or perform actions by simply tapping your iPhone. If you have a Matter-enabled lock added to HomeKit, it can now be incorporated into the Wallet app if it supports the Home Key feature.
9. In addition to these exciting features, iOS 17.1 brings several other enhancements and bug fixes:
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
iOS 17.1 brings a variety of improvements both big and small to enhance your iPhone experience. Whether you're enjoying dynamic playlist covers, easily accessing favorites across libraries, or keeping track of accidental flashlights, iOS 17.1 delivers useful changes to make the most out of your iPhone. Be sure to update your device today to experience all the latest improvements and bug fixes from Apple.