The first major update to iOS 17 has just been rolled out by Apple. On the program, some bug fixes and other improvements as well as compliance for the iPhone 12 to meet ANFR requirements.
After rapid fixes deployed shortly after the release of the iPhone 15 in September concerning security flaws and a phenomenon of overheating of its devices, Apple has delivered the first major update of iOS to version 17.1 since October 25. This version does not just fix other bugs encountered by users. It also introduces new functions promised during the presentation of the new OS during WWDC last June. It also allows Apple to bring its iPhone 12 released in 2020 into compliance with French regulations. Last September, in fact, on the very day of the announcement of the iPhone 15, the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) did not fail to point out a problem with the iPhone 12 for exceeding the speed limit values of absorption (DAS). She also threatened a general recall of these devices if Apple ignored the warning (read our article). Bad publicity which the firm would have done well without and which it is therefore drawing a line under with this update to make this iPhone work in the nails. Not without justifying its maneuver by also singling out the ANFR on its testing protocols: “ For over a decade, iPhones have had a body distance sensing feature that allows slightly higher transmission power when you place your phone, for example on a tableindicates the firm in a press release. This mechanism has been thoroughly tested and verified internationally to ensure compliance with Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) requirements. (…) The ANFR used a test protocol which does not take into account this mechanism for detecting distance from the body, and which therefore does not allow a slight increase in power when appropriate. Therefore, for users in France, we have released a software update that disables this functionality to accommodate the testing protocol “. In short, there was no problem but we still complied with the decision by removing a useful function, thank you France.
What are the main new features of iOS 17.1?
AirDrop distances itself
The function was presented during the developers conference (WWDC) last June. It arrives today with iOS 17.1 and will delight everyone who uses AirDrop, the simple wireless sharing function between Apple devices. Until now, sending a file using the AirDrop protocol from an iPhone to an iPad or a Mac, for example, required that the two devices remain close to each other until the transfer was complete. With iOS 17.1, it’s now possible not to wait. When contact is broken, the transfer continues to take place via the Internet. Practical, but this function requires certain conditions. It is of course necessary that both devices are running iOS 17.1 (or the most recent version of the OS on iPad and Mac), have an Internet connection but above all that an iCloud account is defined on both sides. other. If you do not want to use AirDrop this way (and eat into your data plan in the process) it is always possible to deactivate the function from Settings > General > AirDrop > Use cellular data.
New functions for the Music app
No revolution in the Music app but rather the beginnings of the integration of a little more artificial intelligence. The Music app, linked to Apple Music, now allows you to define an illustrative image for your playlists, to pin a song currently playing as a favorite so that the algorithms can then offer you other choices close to the style) but also to discover new titles. Songs are thus suggested when listening to a playlist. It is possible to add them quickly.
A slightly more personalized alarm clock for the Pro models of iPhone 14 and 15
Alarm mode was one of the new features brought by iOS 17. It allows iPhones to be transformed into an alarm clock when they are charging and tilted horizontally. The Pro models of the iPhone 14 and 15 (which benefit from Always On Display) can now simply turn on for around twenty seconds or leave the screen constantly on. It is also possible to choose a photo album to scroll through on the locked screen.
Some bonus bug fixes
In addition to these small improvements, Apple corrects some bugs encountered so far with iOS 17, the list of which is:
- Improved the Action button on iPhones 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max to avoid unwanted triggers.
- Ability to display flashlight usage notification in Dynamic Island for iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. Improved the reliability of syncing Screen Time settings between devices.
- Fixed an issue that may cause the Significant Location privacy setting to be reset when transferring or pairing an Apple Watch for the first time.
- Fixed an issue where incoming caller names may not appear when you are on another call.
- Fixed an issue where custom and purchased ringtones may not appear as options for your text message sound.
- Fixed an issue that may cause the keyboard to be less responsive.
- Crash detection optimizations (all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models).
- Addressed an issue that may cause the screen image to persist.
The update to iOS 17.1 has been available on Apple’s servers since October 25 at 7 p.m. To install it, nothing could be simpler. Go to system settings, choose General Then Software update. iOS 17.1 is then offered. Simply tap Update then enter your unlock PIN. The download will start automatically (if the device is connected to a WiFi network) and the update will be applied immediately afterwards.
Note that the update also concerns iPads (iPadOS 17.1), Macs (macOS 14.1), Apple TVs (tvOS 17.1) as well as Apple Watches (watchOS 10.1). On the latter, the double-tap function which allows you to manipulate the screen by tapping the index finger and thumb, one of the main new features of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, is finally deployed.