Following several weeks of beta testing, it’s thought that Apple’s iOS 17.1, iPadOS 17.1, macOS Sonoma 14.1, tvOS 17.1, watchOS 10.1, and HomePod Software 17.1 updates will arrive today around 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, which is when Apple typically releases updates.
Last week, Apple seeded release candidates (RCs) for all of the upcoming software refreshes. Apple usually tests RCs for about a week to make sure there are no device-breaking bugs, and this time around, we’re also clued in on a specific launch date because of an update in France.
Expected changes to iOS 17.1 in France include a feature to reduce the radiation level of iPhone 12 models when they are stationary on a table or another surface, and French regulatory group ANFR two weeks ago confirmed that the iOS 17.1 update is expected to come out “by October 24.” While the update isn’t expected to offer the Journal app yet, it includes new features such as the option to continue large AirDrop transfers over the internet once initiated, so if you’re sending someone files, it allows you to walk away while the transfer is in progress.
Other new features in iOS 17.1 include new options for favoriting Apple Music songs, there are new options for leaving the display on in StandBy mode, and Screen Time should work better across devices. There are also several bug fixes, so if you’ve been having issues with search in the Messages app or persistent images on the new iPhone 15 models, you’re going to want to download the update right away.
For Apple Watch users, the watchOS 10.1 update includes support for NameDrop for quickly sharing contact info with another person, and it adds Double Tap on the latest models. Double Tap allows users to their index finger and thumb together to do things like answer phone calls and bring up the Smart Stack.
The macOS Sonoma update offers a few bug fixes, and if you have an original HomePod or HomePod mini, you’ll be pleased to hear that HomePod 17.1 adds the Enhance Dialogue feature to these devices. When a HomePod is used as an Apple TV speaker, Enhance Dialogue cuts down on background noise and music when there’s speaking so you can better hear what’s being said.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via MacRumors