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 features announced by the brand a few months ago, including the new AirDrop.
While iOS 17 was released a few weeks ago when the iPhone 15 was announced, 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 the new features.
AirDrop now works even if iPhones move away
No need to stay next to your friend to whom you send photos of the evening with AirDrop. From now on, it is possible to make transfers via a cellular connection or Wi-Fi. This avoids having to be side by side. The feature requires to be activated in the settings by activating the button “ Out of reach “. To avoid the out-of-package, you must go through a setting to authorize the use of cellular data in addition to Wi-Fi.
Another new feature, but this time from NameDrop. As a reminder, this is a function allowing you to share contact cards between iPhones. NameDrop now allows the exchange of contacts between an Apple Watch and an iPhone: the connected watch must be running watchOS 10.1 for this to work.
THE “favorites» finally arrive in Apple Music
Apple’s music streaming application is a little more complete. Users can now favorite songs and albums on Apple Music. To do this, you must click on the three dots next to a piece then on the “Favorites“. In the future, Apple Music will allow you to have playlists bringing together all the songs marked as such. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be available in this beta.
Another change: illustrations are available in the application to personalize your playlists. Simply click on the three buttons next to one of them and click on “To modify“. The image takes the name of the playlist and places it above an illustration 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 the flashlight on your iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 15 is turned on. It’s an icon that appears to the left of the punch.
What you should be warned about if you accidentally activated 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
On top of all that, Apple 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 lots of ringtones and alerts to iPhones. Unfortunately, it seems that they have disappeared from this new version. This is probably an error or a bug. In the meantime, personalized tones have arrived in Mail and Messages.
Wallpapers that adapt even more
Functionality “Extension» arrives: it automatically enlarges an image that you have created if it does not occupy the entire screen. Enough to adapt any image that you compose in order to place it as a wallpaper.
The N64 controller for the Switch compatible with iPhones
We cannot officially play aSuper Smash Bros.on the iPhone, but you can at least connect the Nintendo Switch controller, N64. It’s the one that extends the famous central joystick, the source of many cramps.
Access your bank accounts from the Wallet app
As for the Wallet application, it is also improving. You can now link your bank accounts to the application. This allows you to view your balance, but also the transactions 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.
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