Apple has released the first beta of iOS 17.1, the next version of iOS 17, the operating system released two weeks ago. Enough to see the arrival of the features announced by the brand a few months ago, including the new AirDrop.
Source: Apple
While iOS 17 was released a few weeks ago with the announcement of the iPhone 15, iOS 17.1 is already taking its first steps, at least in beta. Anyone can download it on iPhones compatible with iOS 17 to test out the new features.
AirDrop now works even when iPhones move away
You don’t have to stay next to your friend to whom you are sending photos of the evening using AirDrop. From now on it is possible to make transfers via a mobile connection or WiFi, so you don’t have to be side by side. The feature must be enabled in Settings by activating the Out of Range button. To avoid out-of-package, you need to set a setting to authorize the use of cellular data in addition to Wi-Fi.
Source: Apple
Another new feature, but this time from NameDrop. As a reminder, this is a feature that allows you to share contact cards between iPhones. NameDrop now allows contacts to be exchanged between an Apple Watch and an iPhone: for this to work, the connected watch must be running watchOS 10.1.
Favorites are finally available on Apple Music
Apple’s music streaming application is a bit more comprehensive. Users can now add songs and albums to their favorites on Apple Music. To do this, you need to click on the three dots next to a song and then click on the “Favorites” icon. In the future, Apple Music will allow you to create playlists that combine all songs marked as such. Unfortunately this doesn’t appear to be available in this beta.
The Apple Music application on smartphones // Source: Brett Jordan – Unsplash
Another change: illustrations are available in the application to help you personalize your playlists. Simply click on the three buttons next to one of them and click “Edit”. The image takes the playlist name and places it over an illustration for you to choose from.
Dynamic Island tells you if your flash is activated
A new animation for Dynamic Island appears with this beta of iOS 17.1. It shows whether your iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 15’s flashlight is on. It is a symbol that appears to the left of the stamp.
The Dynamic Island Flash Icon // Source: 9to5Mac
What you should consider if you accidentally activate the flash. All models with Dynamic Island are compatible. By clicking on the icon you can deactivate the lamp.
Other new features of the iOS 17.1 beta
Additionally, Apple has made some more discreet changes to its first beta of iOS 17.1.
The new iOS 17 ringtones are gone
Two weeks ago, Apple added numerous ringtones and notifications to iPhones. Unfortunately they seem to have disappeared from this new version. This is probably an error or a bug. Personalized tones have now arrived in emails and messages.
Wallpapers that adapt even more
The “Expansion” feature is here: it automatically enlarges an image you created if it doesn’t take up the entire screen. Enough to customize any image you create to place as wallpaper.
The N64 controller for the Switch is compatible with iPhones
You can’t officially play Super Smash Bros. on the iPhone, but you can at least connect the Nintendo Switch controller N64. It is the one that extends the famous central joystick, which is the cause of many cramps.
Access your bank accounts via the Wallet app
The wallet application is also being improved. You can now link your bank accounts to the application. This allows you to view your account balance as well as the transactions you have carried out. Enough to have all your accounts in the same place, right next to your bank cards entered in the application. However, the feature is only available in the UK.