Apple to release iOS 17.1 for iPhones by October 24 with AirDrop, Dynamic Island and Standby improvements

The Agence Française Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR) has seemingly confirmed the launch date of iOS 17.1, the first major software update in iOS 17's release cycle. To recap, Apple has already confirmed that it will use iOS 17.1 to make the iPhone 12 comply with French Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limits. However, the company did not clarify when this update would arrive, having recently released iOS 17.0.3 to resolve overheating issues with iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max units.

In a press release, the ANFR outlined that Apple is committed to fixing the iPhone 12's excessive radiation levels by October 24 via a software update. Thus, it appears that Apple will introduce iOS 17.1 within the next few days, albeit with worse cellular signal for the iPhone 12 in certain conditions. With that said, Apple's support document implies that this will only apply to iPhone 12's in France and not elsewhere.

Based on recent beta builds, iOS 17.1 will also bring various new features to compatible iPhones. For example, it will be possible to transfer files with AirDrop over the internet; previously, two devices had to be close to each other for an AirDrop transfer to complete. Additionally, iOS 17.1 adds favourites within Apple Music to improve the streaming service's artist, album and song suggestions. Elsewhere, Apple has made minor changes like adding official N64 controller support and a pocket mode for its new Action Button, as well as refined StandBy and Dynamic Island functionality.

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