Enhanced AirDrop, Music, and StandBy Features Await in iOS 171

The iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1 updates have been released, including the previously announced improved AirDrop functionality. Now, AirDrop file transfers can continue over a cellular connection when there is no Wi-Fi available. This enhancement ensures a more reliable transfer experience, especially for handling large files. Additionally, it offers convenient time savings, allowing you to initiate an AirDrop transfer and proceed with other tasks, such as leaving a gathering, instead of waiting for the transfer to complete. To deactivate this feature, simply access your AirDrop settings and toggle off the "use cellular connection" option.

Corbin Davenport

With the latest updates to iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1, Apple Music users are in for a treat with an array of exciting new features. Now, you have the ability to conveniently add songs, albums, and playlists to your Favorites, while new filtering options allow for easy display of your Favorites in Apple Music library. Adding a touch of visual appeal, a captivating collection of color-changing cover arts can now adorn your playlists. Furthermore, following in the footsteps of Spotify, Apple Music now offers song suggestions at the bottom of playlists.

The iOS 17.1 update introduces additional display controls for Apple's StandBy mode. Users who are bothered by the screen dimming on Always-On Display-enabled iPhones (specifically the Pro and Pro Max versions of iPhone 14 and 15) after 20 seconds now have the option to choose when the display turns off. However, this feature is only available for the aforementioned iPhone models.

Furthermore, there are several small changes and bug fixes. It is now possible to link the Photo Shuffle lock screen widget to a specific photo album, a much-requested feature that has finally been implemented. A patch has been developed to address a bug that previously caused custom ringtones to malfunction. In addition, the iOS 17 call screen redesign oversight, where the names of incoming callers didn't appear onscreen during another call, has been rectified. Apple has also made improvements to ensure that Screen Time settings sync more reliably across devices.

To update your iPhone or iPad, simply access the Settings menu, navigate to "General," and tap on "Software Update." Look out for the iOS 17.1 or iPadOS 17.1 update, which will be displayed on your screen along with release notes. In case the update is not immediately available, please allow a day to pass and try again, as the rollout process can sometimes take a little time.