Hey there! Exciting news from Apple – they’ve just released the first beta of iOS 17.1 to developers, packed with a bunch of cool new features and improvements. One of the highlights is the ability to favorite songs, albums, playlists, and artists on the Music app, making recommendations even better. Plus, you can now customize your playlist artwork with color-matched options. And here’s a nifty feature – AirDrop transfers can now continue even if you’re out of range, thanks to cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. Apple Watch and iPhone users can also share contact information using the handy NameDrop feature. UK users get a special treat with the ability to add their UK bank accounts to the Wallet app for easy balance checking and more. Plenty of good stuff to dive into with this update!
New Features and Improvements
The Music app allows users to favorite songs, albums, playlists, and artists
In iOS 17.1, the Music app has introduced a highly anticipated feature – the ability to favorite songs, albums, playlists, and artists. By favoriting your favorite content, you can now easily access and manage them in one place. Not only does this make it convenient to organize your music, but it also enhances the app’s recommendation system. The Music app can now take into account your favorites and provide you with tailored recommendations based on your preferences.
Favorites improve recommendations and can be done from the Lock Screen’s Now Playing widget
One of the most impressive aspects of the new favorite feature in the Music app is that you can now add favorites directly from the Lock Screen’s Now Playing widget. This means that even when your device is locked, you can quickly mark a song, album, playlist, or artist as a favorite without having to unlock your device and open the app. This level of convenience makes it easier than ever to curate your favorite collection and ensure that the Music app delivers personalized recommendations based on your music taste.
Color-matched playlist artwork options for customization
To enhance the visual experience of using the Music app, iOS 17.1 introduces color-matched playlist artwork options. This allows you to customize the look of your playlists by selecting artwork that complements the color scheme or theme of your playlist. Now, your playlists can not only sound great but also look visually appealing. This level of customization adds a personal touch to your music listening experience and lets you showcase your unique style through your playlists.
AirDrop transfers can now be completed over a cellular connection or Wi-Fi
AirDrop is a convenient feature that allows users to quickly transfer files between Apple devices. With iOS 17.1, AirDrop transfers can now be completed not just over Wi-Fi but also over a cellular connection. This means that even if you are out of the range of the person you are sharing files with, you can still seamlessly transfer files using AirDrop. Whether you are on the go or in an area with limited Wi-Fi coverage, you can rely on AirDrop to facilitate easy and quick file sharing with other Apple device users.
NameDrop feature allows Apple Watch and iPhone users to exchange contact information
The NameDrop feature is an exciting addition to iOS 17.1, as it enables Apple Watch and iPhone users to exchange contact information effortlessly. With just a few taps, you can securely share your contact details with another Apple device user. This eliminates the need to manually exchange business cards or rely on other contact-sharing methods. The NameDrop feature streamlines the process of sharing contact information and makes it more convenient for Apple device users to stay connected.
UK users can add UK bank accounts to the Wallet app
iOS 17.1 brings good news for UK users, as they can now add UK bank accounts to the Wallet app. This means that users in the UK can conveniently view their account balances, payment transactions, purchases, and deposits directly within the Wallet app. With this integration of UK bank accounts, managing your finances becomes even more effortless. You can have a comprehensive view of your financial activities and stay on top of your finances without having to switch between different apps.
Reading Now section in the Apple Books app has been renamed to Read Now
In iOS 17.1, the Apple Books app has undergone a slight renaming change. The “Reading Now” section has now been renamed to “Read Now.” This change aims to simplify and streamline the overall user experience. As you navigate through the app, you can easily locate the section dedicated to your current reading material with the updated name – Read Now. The renamed section still retains all the functionalities and features it previously had, making it convenient for users to access their current books seamlessly.
No Journal app in iOS 17.1, but mentions of Journaling Suggestions in the code
While iOS 17.1 brings a host of exciting features and improvements, the promised Journal app, unfortunately, does not make an appearance in this update. However, keen-eyed developers have noticed mentions of Journaling Suggestions in the code, hinting at a potential future release. While we may have to wait a bit longer for the Journal app to debut, the mention of Journaling Suggestions suggests that Apple has not abandoned the idea of introducing a dedicated journaling feature. Keep an eye out for future updates that may bring this highly anticipated app to iOS.
Dynamic Island on select iPhone models now has a flashlight indicator
iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Plus owners will be delighted to know that iOS 17.1 includes a small yet useful enhancement for the Dynamic Island feature. When the flashlight is activated on these select iPhone models, the Dynamic Island will now display a flashlight indicator. This indicator provides a visual cue that the flashlight is currently turned on, making it easier to identify if the flashlight is active without having to unlock the device or rely solely on the flashlight’s illumination. This simple addition adds to the overall user experience and ensures that you can easily determine the flashlight’s status even in dark or low-light environments.
Added Support and Compatibility
iOS 17.1 includes support for the Nintendo Switch N64 Controller
Nintendo Switch enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that iOS 17.1 introduces support for the Nintendo Switch N64 Controller. This means that if you own the N64 Controller for your Nintendo Switch, you can now connect it to your iOS device and use it to play compatible games. This support enhances the gaming experience for Nintendo Switch users on iOS devices, allowing for more flexible and immersive gameplay.
Compatibility with iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Plus
With the release of iOS 17.1, Apple has expanded device compatibility by adding support for the latest iPhone models. iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Plus are now officially compatible with iOS 17.1. If you own any of these new iPhone models, you can now enjoy the latest features, enhancements, and improvements that iOS 17.1 brings. This ensures that all users, regardless of their device model, can have access to the latest iOS updates and features.
Enhancements and Customization
Extend option when setting up a new wallpaper if the image does not fit the display
Setting up a new wallpaper is an essential aspect of personalizing your device, and iOS 17.1 introduces a useful enhancement in this regard. If an image you select as your wallpaper does not fit the display perfectly, iOS 17.1 provides an “Extend” option. This option allows you to extend the image, ensuring that it covers the entire display without any cropped or empty spaces. With the “Extend” option, you can achieve a seamless and visually pleasing wallpaper look, ensuring that your device’s display showcases your chosen image beautifully.
Users can select a specific album of photos for the Photo Shuffle Lock Screen
In iOS 17.1, users can now take more control over their Lock Screen’s Photo Shuffle feature. Rather than relying on pre-selected options, you can now choose a specific album of photos for the Lock Screen’s Photo Shuffle. This customization feature allows you to curate a collection of photos that holds personal significance or reflects your current interests. As you go about your day, your Lock Screen will display images from your chosen album, keeping your device’s appearance fresh and tailored to your unique preferences.
Reachability on iPhones with a Dynamic Island now shows a black background
For iPhone users with a Dynamic Island, iOS 17.1 introduces an enhancement to the Reachability feature. Previously, the Reachability feature displayed a blurred version of the device’s wallpaper when activated. However, with iOS 17.1, iPhones with a Dynamic Island will now show a black background instead of the blurred wallpaper. This change ensures better contrast and visibility, making it easier for users to interact with the accessible content within Reachability mode. Whether you use Reachability frequently or occasionally, this enhancement contributes to a more user-friendly experience.
With iOS 17.1, Apple continues to deliver new features, improvements, and enhancements that enhance the overall user experience. Whether it’s the ability to favorite content in the Music app, the convenience of exchanging contact information through the NameDrop feature, or the customization options for wallpapers and photo albums, iOS 17.1 caters to the diverse needs and preferences of its users. Additionally, with added support for the Nintendo Switch N64 Controller and compatibility with the latest iPhone models, Apple ensures that everyone can make the most of their Apple devices. Stay up-to-date with the latest iOS updates to enjoy an ever-evolving and personalized experience on your Apple devices.
