Following the excitement around the release of iOS 17, Apple is now focusing on the smaller but critical improvements that will follow. iOS 17.0 was only the beginning, and many of the amazing improvements shown at WWDC23 are still on the way. These additional features will be introduced progressively over the next few months. The Apple Journal app and collaborative playlists in Apple Music are two of the most anticipated additions. iOS 17.1 Beta 3 is now available to developers, and it may bring some of these highly awaited improvements to the forefront.
iOS 17.1 Beta 3: What is new?
Following the release of iOS 17.1 Beta 2, Apple has released iOS 17.1 Beta 3. This most recent version is only accessible to developers who have signed up for Apple’s Developer program and have access to beta updates. The broader iPhone-using audience will have to wait a little longer for the stable version, which is due by the end of the month. Until then, developers will try out the features.
Improved pocket protection
One of the most noticeable changes in this version is an improvement to the Action Button. This patch is intended to prevent accidental activations of your iPhone when it is in your pocket or bag. It’s a sensible update that answers a common user complaint. Many users have complained about the Action Button mistakenly activating the Camera or Flashlight, resulting in unexpected battery waste.
With this update, you can rest easy knowing that services like Camera, Flashlight, Voice Memo, Focus, and Magnifier will not activate when your iPhone is hidden. Although functionality such as mute and shortcuts can still be activated in your pocket, the functionalities indicated above will be dormant. Even when a lengthy push is necessary to activate a function, the Action Button has a propensity to shock users by activating on its own. It is important to note, however, that this feature only inhibits activities initiated using the Action Button; other functions can still be engaged independently when your iPhone is in your pocket.
Wallet App stability
Many iPhone users rely on the Wallet app on a regular basis. In previous iOS 17.1 Beta 1 and Beta 2 releases, several customers reported the Wallet app abruptly crashing, causing annoyance during critical moments. The good news is that this problem has been resolved in iOS 17.1 Beta 3. You may now use the Wallet app’s features without interruption.
Compliance with French regulations
There’s something you should know if you’re using an iPhone 12 in France. To comply with SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) testing requirements in France, iOS 17.1 Beta 3 no longer raises the modem’s allowable power when your iPhone 12 is turned off. While this modification may result in slightly worse reception quality when your smartphone is not in use, it only applies to iPhone 12 models in France. This modification is consistent with France’s distinct regulatory structure.
What’s on the horizon?
Just like all the newly-launched software, iOS 17 has a lot to be fixed, and Apple will slowly but surely get rid of each of them. This might take some time, but the company is working hard to offer a better experience on its devices.
