Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 17.1 to developers on Wednesday. This signals the start of testing for some iPhone features Apple already announced but didn’t debut in iOS 17, including AirDrop file transfers over the internet.
Cupertino also began beta testing macOS 14.1, iPadOS 17.1, watchOS 10.1 and tvOS 17.1.
iOS 17.1 beta 1 starts the testing cycle all over again
iOS 17 was unveiled at WWDC in June, but Apple announced some features that would take a bit of extra time. As had been intended, the new operating system version reached iPhones around the world on September 18 without these features.
But the wait for at least one of them apparently won’t be much longer. iOS 17.1 beta 1 includes AirDrop file transfers over the internet.
Currently, AirDrop enables two iPhones to wirelessly send files directly to each other, without having to put them in an email or text message. The upcoming version of AirDrop allows that process to continue even if the two devices separate. The transfer switches to the Internet instead.
Other not-yet-available iOS 17.x features include Apple’s new Journal app, Collaborative playlists in Apple Music, AirPlay in hotel room, and more. iOS 17.1 beta 1 s so new it’s not yet clear if any of these are included.
iPadOS 17.1 beta 1, which also went out to developers on Wednesday, includes AirDrop over the internet.
Other new Apple betas ready to test
Apple also seeded watchOS 10.1 beta 1, which gives new Apple Watch users their first taste of the new Double Tap gesture.
macOS 14.1 beta 1 went out as well. The Macs expected to launch in October may well debut running this version.
tvOS 17.1 beta 1 is ready for testing, too.
