Apple today launched iOS 17.1, bringing a number of new capabilities for iPhones that run the iOS 17 operating system. While Apple revealed some of the significant new enhancements in its release notes, there are still some secret features that were not addressed.
What’s New in iOS 17.1
iOS 17.1, released by Apple, introduces a range of new features and improvements for iPhones running the iOS 17 operating system. Here are some of the key updates:
AirDrop Over Internet: iOS 17.1 introduces the ability to complete AirDrop transfers over a cellular connection or Wi-Fi even if you move out of the range of the person you’re sharing with. This feature is facilitated by a new “Out of Range” toggle in the AirDrop section of the Settings menu.
Apple Music Favorites: In the iOS 17.1 Music app, users can now favorite songs, albums, playlists, and artists. Favorited music is automatically added to the Library, enhancing personalized recommendations. Additionally, a new “Play Favorite Songs” option is available when you long-press the Apple Music icon on the Home Screen.
Double Tap on Apple Watch: The functionality of the Apple Watch’s Action Button has been modified to prevent accidental triggering of certain actions when the iPhone is in a pocket or bag. Specifically, functions like Camera, Flashlight, Voice Memo, Focus, and Magnifier will no longer activate if the Action Button is pressed while the iPhone is tucked away.
UK Bank Balances in Wallet App: iOS 17.1 now allows UK users to integrate their UK bank accounts into the Wallet app. This feature enables users to conveniently check their account balances, view payments, purchases, and deposits directly from the Wallet app.
Screen Time Syncing: iOS 17.1 includes improved syncing of Screen Time settings across devices. This enhancement addresses concerns raised by parents, ensuring that Screen Time settings no longer reset or fail to sync properly across various devices.
Crash Detection Optimizations: Apple has further optimized the Crash Detection feature in iOS 17.1, specifically for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models. These optimizations enhance the device’s ability to detect and respond to potential crashes more efficiently.
Bug Fixes: iOS 17.1 addresses several issues, including problems with the search function in the Messages app, display image persistence, and the occasional absence of incoming caller names when a user is already on another call. These bug fixes contribute to a smoother user experience.
In addition to these additions, iOS 17.1 also provides more than a dozen security upgrades to many applications, including Contacts, Find My, Photos, and Weather, as well as a range of WebKit, Kernel, and CoreAnimation fixes .
To install iOS 17.1, go to Settings > General > Software Update, select Install Now and follow the onscreen prompts .
AirDrop Over Internet in iOS 17.1
AirDrop Over Internet is a new feature in iOS 17.1 that allows users to continue file transfers even when the devices move out of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range. This feature utilizes cellular data or Wi-Fi connections to ensure the transfers continue uninterrupted and in full quality. To use AirDrop Over Internet in iOS 17.1, you need to update your iPhone to iOS 17.1 and follow these steps:
- Initiate the AirDrop transfer as you normally would while both devices are still within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range of each other.
- If the transfer is taking too long to complete, move out of the AirDrop range. AirDrop Over Internet will take over on its own and continue the transfer seamlessly using either Wi-Fi or a cellular data connection.
- You will see “Using Mobile Data” or “Using Wi-Fi” on the AirDrop notification when you switch from AirDrop to AirDrop over the Internet.
It is important to note that you can turn off the “Out of Range” toggle in the AirDrop section of the Settings menu if you want to save mobile data. AirDrop Over Internet is available for both iPhones and iPads that are compatible with the new update. However, it is unknown if and when it will be coming to macOS Sonoma.
Enhanced visual results in iOS 17.1

iOS 17.1 offers increased visual results for search queries, making it simpler to locate what you are searching for quicker with search results that pop with recognizable colors and iconography. The updated search results in iOS 17.1 feature new colors and app icons, making it simpler to discern between various sorts of results. For instance, while looking for anything, if one of the results links to a Safari web search, you’ll now see the Safari symbol instead of the old magnifying glass icon.
Moreover, while looking for particular applications, Spotlight presents App Shortcuts in the top hits column. This means that if you often utilize a specific feature inside an app, such as the Favorites album in Photos, Spotlight will give a direct connection to that feature straight from the search interface. These modifications simplify the search experience, making it more simple and user-friendly.
Crash Detection Optimizations in iOS 17.1
In iOS 17.1, Apple has refined the Crash Detection feature specifically for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models. These enhancements come after several adjustments aimed at preventing accidental activations, especially in locations like ski resorts and amusement parks. These optimizations in iOS 17.1 are designed to significantly enhance the accuracy and reliability of the feature.
Crash Detection, a feature capable of recognizing when a user has been in a car crash and automatically initiating emergency services, benefits from these improvements. However, it’s crucial to note that this feature is limited to specific regions and requires an iPhone 14 or a newer model. To utilize Crash Detection, users must enable it within the Emergency SOS section of the Settings app.
If a car crash occurs, the iPhone will promptly detect the impact and display an alert to inquire about the user’s well-being. In the event of no response within a specified timeframe, the iPhone will automatically call emergency services and share the user’s location with them.
how to update to ios 17.1?
To update to iOS 17.1, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on Software Update.
- If the update is available, tap on Download and Install.
- If prompted, enter your passcode.
- Tap on Agree to accept the terms and conditions.
- Wait for the update to download and then tap on Install Now.
It is important to note that it can take some time for the update to show up on all iPhones globally, so if you don’t see it right away, be patient and check back later. Also, make sure to back up your iPhone before updating to iOS 17.1 to avoid losing any important data.
what are the new features in ios 17.1
iOS 17.1 also includes more than a dozen security updates to several apps, including Contacts, Find My, Photos, and Weather, as well as a variety of WebKit, Kernel, and CoreAnimation fixes.
how to use airdrop over the internet in ios 17.1?
The new AirDrop Over Internet feature in iOS 17.1 enables uninterrupted file transfers even when devices move beyond Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range. This innovative functionality utilizes cellular data or Wi-Fi connections to ensure seamless and high-quality transfers.
To utilize AirDrop Over Internet in iOS 17.1, follow these steps:
- Ensure both the sender and recipient are running iOS 17.1 or later and are signed into iCloud.
- Initiate the AirDrop transfer as usual while both devices are within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range.
- If the transfer takes too long, move out of the AirDrop range. AirDrop Over Internet will automatically take over, continuing the transfer seamlessly using Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- You’ll see notifications like “Using Mobile Data” or “Using Wi-Fi” indicating the switch from AirDrop to AirDrop over the Internet.
- Note that you can conserve mobile data by toggling off the “Out of Range” option in the AirDrop section of the Settings menu.
what are the system requirements for ios 17.1?
Here are the minimum system requirements for iOS 17.1:
iOS 17.1 is compatible with the following iPhone models: 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 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max.
Support has been discontinued for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.
It’s important to note that while iOS 17.1 offers a range of features, not all functionalities may be available on every iPhone model. Some features specifically require an iPhone 12 or newer, while others necessitate an iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro, or one of the latest iPhone 15 models.
how to update to ios 17.1?
To update to iOS 17.1, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on Software Update.
- If the update is available, tap on Download and Install.
- If prompted, enter your passcode.
- Tap on Agree to accept the terms and conditions.
- Wait for the update to download and then tap on Install Now.
It is important to note that it can take some time for the update to show up on all iPhones globally, so if you don’t see it right away, be patient and check back later. Also, make sure to back up your iPhone before updating to iOS 17.1 to avoid losing any important data.iOS 17.1 includes several new features and improvements, such as AirDrop Over Internet, Apple Music Favorites, Double Tap on Apple Watch, UK Bank Balances in the Wallet App, Screen Time Syncing, Crash Detection Optimizations, and Bug Fixes. To learn more about these features, you can refer to the previous answers in this conversation.
how to check the current version of ios on my iphone?
To check the current version of iOS on your iPhone, you can follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on General.
- Tap on About.
- Look for the “Version” field. The number next to it indicates the current version of iOS installed on your iPhone.
Alternatively, you can ask Siri “What iOS version do I have?” and Siri will tell you the current version of iOS installed on your iPhone.It is important to keep your iPhone up to date with the latest version of iOS to ensure that you have access to the latest features and security updates. To update to the latest version of iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the onscreen prompts.