Apple has rolled out iOS 17.1, the newest software update for iPhones and it's packed with a variety of software updates and bug fixes. Most notable improvement is that Airdrop can now operate over the internet. So, if two iPhone users initiate a data transfer and happen to move out of Airdrop's range before it's completed, their iPhones will switch to using cellular networks to finish the transfer. In the past, the data transfer would simply come to a halt if users ventured out of range prematurely.
The StandBy mode in iOS 17.1 has received a significant boost in features. You can customise StandBy mode to switch off after a delay of 20 seconds, keep it on indefinitely, or set it to turn off automatically. This option is exclusively available for iPhones with an always-on display, offering more control over your device's power-saving mode.
Apple Music has also undergone an upgrade, there is a new way for finding your favourite music with just a single tap. This feature allows you to effortlessly add your preferred songs to a dedicated list, making it more convenient to discover and listen to your most-loved tracks.
Lastly, Apple has seems to address the radio frequency issue reported with the iPhone 12. France had flagged this concern on September 12, 2023, due to perceived harmful radiation from the phone. The latest software update seems to have resolved this issue.
The iOS 17.1 update is available for a wide range of iPhone models, including iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation), and iPhone SE (3rd generation).
To get your hands on the iOS 17.1 update, open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone, navigate to ‘General’, and select ‘Software Update’. From there, tap on ‘Automatic Updates’, then choose to Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates. Your iPhone will take care of the rest, downloading and installing the update.