After several weeks of beta testing, Apple is now ready to deep-drive with iOS 17.1 along with its eight new features.
After weeks of beta testing, Apple is set to launch iOS 17.1 on Tuesday, October 24. This software update promises a plethora of exciting features and improvements tailored for iPhone users.
Here's a glimpse of the eight outstanding additions you can expect with iOS 17.1.
Dynamic Island Tweaks
MacRumors wrote some changes about Dynamic Island. The Dynamic Island, featured on iPhones like the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, now shines a light on the flashlight. When you activate the flashlight, this dynamic feature responds, making sure you're never left in the dark.
The flashlight indicator extends its reach. It illuminates your way on all iPhones equipped with the Dynamic Island, including iPhone 14 Pro models. Previously, this handy feature was limited to the iPhone 15 Pro variants.
Furthermore, the iPhone 14 Pro and later models now enjoy a sleek, black backdrop within the Reachability feature. This refined visual enhancement eliminates any redundancy on your screen, resulting in a cleaner and more immersive experience.
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Nintendo Switch N64 Controller Support
For gamers and enthusiasts, iOS 17.1 welcomes the Nintendo Switch N64 controller with open arms. Enjoy your gaming sessions with this Bluetooth-enabled controller and relish a seamless experience.
Album Selection for Lock Screen Photo Shuffle
Personalize your Lock Screen experience with iOS 17.1. When configuring the Photo Shuffle feature, you now have the power to select a specific photo album to display on your Lock Screen. Say goodbye to Apple's preset choices and embrace your own customizations.
Stay in the Loop with Connected Cards
If you're in the U.K., iOS 17.1 brings good news for managing your finances. You can now integrate debit and credit cards from select banks in the Wallet app.
Keep tabs on your account balances and recent transactions directly from your iPhone. Discover credit card users in the U.S. also have access to this functionality, and we can anticipate further expansions to include more banks and cards.
AirDrop Extends to Cellular Connections
AirDrop just got more versatile in iOS 17.1. File transfers can now seamlessly continue over a cellular connection when outside the typical AirDrop range.
As long as both your iPhone and the recipient's iPhone are logged in to iCloud, you can share files effortlessly. A new "Use Cellular Data" toggle under General → AirDrop in the Settings app empowers you to keep your connections strong.
Customize StandBy Display
Experience greater flexibility with iOS 17.1's StandBy settings. Within the Settings app, under StandBy → Display, you can personalize your display settings. Choose to let your screen turn off automatically after 20 seconds or simply keep it on indefinitely.
Elevate Your Music with Apple Music Favorites
The Music app now lets you mark the songs, albums, playlists, and artists as "favorites." with a simple tap on the star icon. Your favorite tunes are automatically added to your Library, enhancing your music recommendations.
Soon, you'll even have access to a dedicated "Favorite Songs" playlist. This feature takes music customization to the next level.
In line with the iOS 17.1 RC update, the Cupertino giant also brought a fix for the screen burn-in issue happening on some iPhone 15 models, per Livemint.
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