New iPhone update has 7 new features – including Apple Music upgrades & lock screen photo shuffle

THE new iPhone update has finally rolled out – albeit slightly late.

The long-awaited iOS 17.1 brings along seven sparkly new features, as well as bug fixes and performance improvements, too.

Alongside Apple Music upgrades and a new lock screen photo shuffle feature, iPhone owners can welcome an AirDrop update, StandBy changes, fresh Apple Wallet features, changes to the Action button, and a flashlight indicator in the Dynamic Island.

The Sun has broken down each change – and what it’ll mean for you.

Apple Music

People who use the service will now be able to ‘favourite’ songs, albums and playlists so you can easily find the music you love in your library.

You can also now customise your playlists with Apple’s new library of artwork – so you can design how each of them looks.

Plus, music lovers will now be able to click a button that says ‘song suggestions’ at the bottom of their playlists, which will see Apple use AI to “match the vibe of your playlist”.

Lock screen shuffle

The lock screen feature is also a game changer.

It allows iPhone owners to choose a specific photo album they would like to have their device shuffle through.

AirDrop

The new AirDrop update will allow you to keep sending photos, notes, or whatever you’re passing on to the other person or device – even if you step out of range.

It uses the internet to continue the transfer, meaning you no longer have to stay close by to finish off sending the photos to your pal.

Apple Wallet & StandBy

Apple Wallet also now has the connected cards feature – which shows users their current bank balance, as well as their history of payments.

The StandBy mode, which turns your iPhone into a smart display when it’s charging and turned landscape, can now also be adapted.

However, the mode is only available on iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Action button

Also for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, a new feature includes updates to the Action button.

The update adds a new feature that uses the phone’s proximity sensor to detect when your iPhone is in your pocket to prevent accidental activations.

This means that you’ll have to press the Action button slightly longer to trigger an action if the phone is in your pocket.

And – for iPhone 14 Pro users – their Dynamic Island will also now include a new flashlight indicator.

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