Apple Released iOS 17.1.1, watchOS 10.1.1 and More: What's New
Introduction
Apple urgently released the iOS 17.1.1 update to tackle a range of issues that have been plaguing iPhone users. This update primarily focuses on resolving severe problems related to wireless charging in specific car models and addressing a bug in the Weather Widget on the Lock Screen. The update comes as a relief to users who had been experiencing significant inconvenience due to these issues. In this article, we will delve into the details of these problems and how Apple's latest update aims to rectify them.
Apple not only released a new iOS version but also seeded updates for other operating systems. More specifically, Apple released the following new software updates:
iOS 17.1.1 (Build Number: 21B91)
iPadOS 17.1.1 (Build Number: 21B91)
watchOS 10.1.1 (Build Number: 21S71)
macOS Sonoma (Builds: 23B81 | 23B2082) - addressing bug fixes and security updates
The Heat Issue with iPhone 15 Devices
One of the most critical issues addressed by the iOS 17.1.1 update involves the extreme overheating of iPhone 15 devices during wireless charging in certain cars. This issue was widely reported by users, particularly those who owned both BMW vehicles and the latest iPhone 15 models. Users complained that their iPhones became scorching hot while placed on the car's wireless charger to the extent that they couldn't even hold them in their hands.
The excessive heat was a major concern, and in some cases, it rendered the NFC (Near Field Communication) chip unusable. The NFC chip is crucial for various features, including Apple Pay and Wallet. With the chip being impaired by the heat, users found themselves unable to use these essential services. This rendered their devices practically useless for contactless payments and other NFC-related activities.
The Remedy: The Release of iOS 17.1.1
With the release of iOS 17.1.1, Apple has prioritized addressing the severe overheating issue that impacted iPhone 15 users in specific cars. This update aims to regulate the temperature during wireless charging, ensuring that iPhones remain within a safe operating range. By doing so, the NFC chip should no longer be compromised, and users can once again enjoy the convenience of Apple Pay and Wallet without worrying about their devices overheating.
Weather Widget Fix
Additionally, the update includes a fix for the Weather Widget on the Lock Screen, which was experiencing a bug causing it not to display snow correctly in certain circumstances. While this issue is not as critical as the overheating problem, it can be annoying and frustrating for users who rely on this feature for up-to-date weather information. iOS 17.1.1 promises to resolve this bug, ensuring that the Weather Widget functions as intended.
Apple does not specify if and which other issues are addressed with iOS 17.1.1
How to Manually Update to iOS 17.1.1
To update your iPhone to iOS 17.1.1, follow these steps:
Ensure your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Go to "Settings."
Scroll down and tap on "General."
Select "Software Update."
If the update is available, tap "Download and Install."
Your device will download the update, install it, and then reboot to complete the process. Make sure to back up your data before proceeding with the update to avoid any data loss.
Apple’s Release Notes
Check below the official release notes posted by Apple for iOS 17.1.1:
“This update provides bug fixes for your iPhone including:
In rare circumstances, Apple Pay and other NFC features may become unavailable on iPhone 15 models after wireless charging in certain cars
Weather Lock Screen widget may not correctly display snow”
No security update information is shared by Apple up until now in Apple’s security release update page.
watchOS 10.1.1: An Important Release
Noteworthy, Apple has recently rolled out watchOS 10.1.1, a significant update that aims to resolve a pressing concern encountered by a substantial number of watchOS 10 users – battery life. With this release, Apple fine-tunes watchOS 10, ensuring that the battery drain aligns with their intended specifications, thus putting an end to the issue of excessive battery consumption that has plagued some users.
