iOS 17.1.1 and watchOS 10.1.1: Apple remedies BMW bug on iPhone and battery issues on Apple Watch

Apple has just started rolling out iOS 17.1.1 and watchOS 10.1.1 to all compatible iPhones and Apple Watches around the globe. The latest update for the iPhone fixes a number of issues, such as a bug that caused the NFC chip on the iPhone 15 to become temporarily unavailable after being recharged on the wireless charging pad of a BMW vehicle.

This problem was particularly annoying because it also meant that Apple Pay was no longer available. The patch also fixes a bug that prevented the weather widget on the lock screen from displaying snow correctly. The update for the Apple Watch is even more significant, as watchOS 10.1.1 fixes a widespread problem that was reducing the smartwatch's battery life to a few hours, regardless of whether it was an older model or the new Apple Watch Ultra 2.

It remains to be seen, however, whether these updates will solve all issues with battery life and slow charging. Apple has also just released macOS 14.1.1 and a firmware update for the Beats Fit Pro and Powerbeats Pro, but doesn't specify which bugs these patches fix. At the same time, the HomePod is also being patched to firmware version 17.1.1, which is intended to fix a bug that caused Siri to occasionally delay requests or not answer them at all. The firmware update is automatically loaded onto the HomePod, but can also be manually launched via the Apple Home app.