Apple has just released software updates. iOS 17.1 has arrived, along with updates for iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, and HomePod software. These updates come with various improvements for the devices they operate on, including bug fixes and performance enhancements. Let’s go through all the new features.
iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1: a more personalized experience
Let’s start with the .1 version of iOS 17 and its counterpart, iPadOS 17.1. Both systems receive various new features and improvements:
- AirDrop: One of the key functionalities for AirDrop announced at WWDC is now here. If we go out of AirDrop’s proximity range while transferring content, the transfer will continue seamlessly over the internet without interruptions.
- StandBy: For iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max models, this version adds new options to control when the screen turns off in StandBy mode.
- Music: The Favorites section in the Music app has been expanded to include songs, albums, and playlists. Additionally, a feature has been added that allows filtering and displaying only favorite content in the library. Now, there’s a new collection of cover art that changes colors to reflect the music in the playlist they are in. At the end of each playlist, suggestions for other songs will be provided.
The update also brings a series of usability improvements and bug fixes to ensure a smoother and more stable experience:
- Now, we have the option to select a specific album to use with the random photo background feature on the iPhone and iPad lock screen.
- Support for Home Key has been added to Matter-compatible locks.
- Reliability in syncing “Screen Time” settings between devices has been improved.
- A bug has been fixed that could cause the privacy setting for “Frequent Locations” to reset when transferring or pairing an Apple Watch for the first time.
- Another fixed issue was preventing incoming call names from appearing if you’re on another call.
- An issue where custom and purchased ringtones were not appearing as options for text message tones has been addressed and resolved.
- A bug that could make the keyboard less responsive has been fixed.
- Accident detection features have been optimized, especially for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models.
- An issue causing certain image persistence on the screen has been resolved.
- Lastly, in iPadOS 17.1, support for the new Apple Pencil with USB-C connection has been added.
watchOS 10.1: Introducing NameDrop and the star feature of the Apple Watch Series 9
With this update, the NameDrop feature arrives on the Apple Watch, making it easier to transfer contact information between watches or between a watch and an iPhone. Additionally, the Double Tap function, exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra, now allows us to perform quick actions by tapping the thumb and index finger together.
macOS Sonoma 14.1: A couple of new features and a couple of improvements
The macOS Sonoma 14.1 update brings improvements, including the ability to mark songs, albums, and artists as favorites in the Music app. Additionally, it’s now easier to track the AppleCare+ warranty status for Mac, AirPods, and Beats devices directly from the System Preferences app.
In terms of bug fixes, this Sonoma version addresses an issue that could cause some Location settings in System Preferences to revert to default without notice. It also fixes a problem that could prevent encrypted external drives from mounting in Finder.
HomePod 17.1: A small detail that will be music to our ears
There are few changes coming to HomePod with this update, but for home cinema enthusiasts, Apple has extended the ability to use the Dialogue Enhancement feature to more HomePod models. Now, you can use either the HomePod mini or the original HomePod connected to an Apple TV to enjoy this feature.
Attention to detail and the continuous improvement of the user experience across all devices are evident with these updates. iOS 17.1 and its counterparts on other Apple operating systems offer us a combination of enhanced functionalities, bug fixes, and entirely new features that take our devices a step further.
