Apple Seeds iOS 17.1 Public Beta 1 to Non-Developers
Thursday September 28, 2023 10:25 am PDT by Juli Clover
Apple has released the first betas of iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1 to public beta testers, allowing non-developers to try out the upcoming software updates before their official release. These public betas come a day after Apple made the betas available to developers.
To access the iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1 betas, public beta testers can open the Settings app on their devices, go to the Software Update section, tap on the “Beta Updates” option, and toggle on the iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 Public Beta. Users are required to sign up on Apple’s beta testing website in order to participate.
In iOS 17.1, Apple has introduced a new feature that allows users to favorite songs, albums, playlists, artists, and more within the Apple Music app and through the Now Playing widget. This feature will make it easier for users to access their favorite content and personalize their music experience.
Another notable addition in the iOS 17.1 beta is the ability to finish AirDrop transfers over the internet. Previously, AirDrop transfers needed to be completed within the same Wi-Fi network, but with this update, users can finalize transfers even when they are not in close proximity to each other. This will enhance convenience and make it easier to share files between devices.
Additionally, the iOS 17.1 beta brings an indicator in the Dynamic Island when the flashlight is activated, even for users who do not have an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max. This indicator will serve as a visual cue to indicate that the flashlight is turned on, regardless of the device model.
Apple has also released a new beta of tvOS 17.1, which includes the same Apple Music changes as the iOS update. Furthermore, a public beta of watchOS 10.1 is now available for public beta testers. This update enables a feature called NameDrop on Apple Watch, allowing users to share contact information with other Apple Watch and iPhone users over AirDrop.
In other news, Apple recently released iOS 17.0.2 and iPadOS 17.0.2 updates to all iPhones and iPads. These updates follow the releases of iOS 17.0.1 and iPadOS 17.0.1, and can be downloaded over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update on eligible devices.
On the macOS front, Apple is set to launch macOS Sonoma this week, with a range of new features and changes for Mac users. This free software update will introduce desktop widgets and various other enhancements that aim to improve the user experience.
Furthermore, there have been reports of overheating issues with the iPhone 15 Pro models. However, well-respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that these issues are not related to the TSMC’s 3-nanometer node used for the A17 Pro chip. Instead, Kuo believes that the overheating is likely due to compromises in the thermal system design, which were made to reduce the weight of the devices.
Looking ahead, the iPhone 16 series is expected to include an additional capacitive button known as the “Capture Button.” Codenamed “Project Nova,” this button is likely to be a key selling point of the iPhone 16 lineup, as it will provide users with enhanced capabilities for capturing photos and videos. Meanwhile, rumors suggest that Apple is preparing to release a seventh-generation iPad mini later this year, which could help boost Apple’s share of the tablet market.
Overall, Apple continues to innovate and improve its software offerings with regular updates and new features. The iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1 betas provide a glimpse into the future of Apple’s mobile operating systems, and public beta testers have the opportunity to experience these updates firsthand before the official release.