If it seems like it’s only been a couple of weeks since an iOS update dropped, that’s because it is. Apple iOS 17.1 arrived on October 24, and now there’s iOS 17.1.1. Here’s what’s in it and how you can get it straight away.
Which iPhones Can Run iOS 17.1.1?
This new update is compatible with all iPhones released in 2018 or later. That means iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max and iPhone Xr from 2018, then iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, plus the iPhone 13, iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series. It also includes iPhone SE second- and third-generation models.
How To Get It
To install the new software couldn’t be simpler. On the iPhone, open the Settings app, click General, then Software Update. Then choose Download and Install, and your iPhone will be ready in no time. Seriously, it was quicker to download and install on an iPhone 15 Pro Max than to take my dog for her late-night walk. It’s a small update, in other words
What’s In The Release
This is a useful update and it’s mostly here because of an issue with wireless charging in some cars. Apple’s notes spell it out: “In rare circumstances, Apple Pay and other NFC features may become unavailable on iPhone 15 models after wireless charging in certain cars.”
Apple, ever discreet, doesn’t mention which brands or models of cars are affected, but I’d say this is the main reason Apple has rushed the update out ahead of the iOS 17.2 update expected in coming weeks.
After all, Apple Pay is one of its most highly prized features, so for something to go wrong with it would need an urgent fix. To be clear, there’s no suggestion by Apple that it might have left Apple Pay vulnerable to abuse, rather that it was suddenly unavailable after being wirelessly charged. And, remember, it’s only the very latest iPhones which are affected by this: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
There’s a second aspect alluded to in Apple’s notes. It says, “Weather Lock Screen widget may not correctly display snow.” This seems a more minor element to me, though it’s true there had been reports of a file icon appearing where a splendid animation or still of softly falling snow had been expected. Perhaps the fact that we’re now sliding slowly into winter in the northern hemisphere nudged Apple into action, to sort it before a White Christmas, or even a snowy Thanksgiving, arrives.
Also today came new HomePod software, version 17.1.1, and this fix is all about Siri in HomePod where Siri responded slowly to requests or failed to complete them. You can manually install it by opening HomePod int eh Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
Apple also released macOS Sonoma 14.1.1 which is available for some Macs, including the new iMac and MacBook Pro with M3.
Finally, and perhaps just as importantly, Apple Watch sees the release of watchOS 10.1.1, and Apple describes it like this: “This update provides important bug fixes and addresses an issue that could cause the battery to drain more quickly for some users.” I never had this issue, but if you did, oh boy, you’ll be glad it’s now fixed.
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