iOS 17.1 update: New features, compatible iPhones, how-to install, and more

Apple has started rolling out iOS 17.1 update, which brings new features in the Apple Music app, AirDrop, and StandBy mode. Below are the details:

Apple has started rolling out iOS 17.1 update for supported iPhones. The software update brings new features in the Apple Music app, AirDrop, and StandBy mode, and more. Below are the details:

AirDrop over internet

The update brings a new ‘Out of Range’ option under the AirDrop section in settings which can be selected if the user wishes to transfer files over cellular data. It essentially means AirDrop transfers can now be completed over cellular data or Wi-Fi connection, if users walk out of AirDrop range after initiating the transfer.

Apple Music

iOS 17.1 brings a new lock screen widget for Apple Music, which allows users to add songs, albums, artists and playlists to favourites directly from the “Now Playing” widget on the lock screen. The recommended music also gets an improvement after taking favourite tracks into account.

 

Apple Music playlists get more customisation options, including colour-matched artwork with gradient effect.

Long pressing gesture has been added to show a new ‘Play Favourite Songs’ option if a user long presses the Apple Music icon on the home screen.

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StandBy

A new ‘Display’ section has been added to the StandBy menu in settings that offers more customisation options for the users, including auto screen turn off timer. The Night Mode option has also been relocated in the StandBy section with iOS 17.1 update.

Action Button

Apple has improved the Action Button function, which is available on the iPhone 15 Pro models. With iOS 17.1, the action button would not work for Camera, Flashlight, Voice Memo, Focus and magnifier functions, if the phone is in pocket. This is added to help users avoid accidental triggers. Actions such as Mute function can still be activated while the iPhone is inside a pocket by long pressing the Action Button.

Other features

Other features in iOS 17.1 update includes flashlight indicator for the Dynamic Island, support for Nintendo Switch N64 Controller, renamed ‘Reading Now’ section in the Books App to ‘Read Now’.

iOS 17.1: Compatible iPhones

iPhone 15

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12

iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11

iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone XS

iPhone XS Max

iPhone XR

iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

Also Read: Apple raises prices of media streaming service TV+ to $9.99 per Month

 

iOS 17.1: How-to check, download, and install

Go to Settings.

Tap on General settings and go to the 'Software Update' section.

If the update is available, the iPhone will show the option to 'Download and Install'. Tap on it to begin the process.

Once the download is complete, you will get the option to update immediately, install later or 'Remind Me Later'

You can tap on ‘Install’ to update immediately or choose other options according to your convenience.

If prompted, enter your pass-code to proceed.