AirDrop, introduced in iOS 7, allows iPhone users to easily share content with nearby Apple devices.
In the upcoming iOS 17 update, Apple plans to bring significant changes to AirDrop, enhancing its functionality.
Here are five exciting features expected to revolutionise AirDrop, making it more powerful and versatile for users.
NameDrop
iOS 17 introduces NameDrop, a revolutionary feature in AirDrop that simplifies sharing contact details.
Instead of manually entering contact information, you can effortlessly exchange details by holding your iPhone close to another device.
NameDrop also enhances identification with customisable images called Contact Posters.
New AirDrop Gesture
In iOS 17, a new gesture simplifies content sharing between iPhones.
By bringing two compatible devices close together, users can easily transfer files such as photos and documents using AirDrop.
This gesture eliminates the need to manually select the recipient from the AirDrop device locator through the Share Sheet.
AirDrop Transfer
In previous versions, AirDrop transfers required devices to be close to each other, and moving out of range interrupted the process.
However, iOS 17 overcomes this limitation. Now, even if you move away from the other person's device, the transfer continues securely over the internet.
This improvement is especially useful when sharing large files like videos, ensuring a seamless sharing experience regardless of physical distance.
SharePlay Over AirDrop
AirDrop's proximity-based gesture in iOS 17 introduces exciting possibilities with SharePlay.
By bringing two iPhones close together, users can start a shared activity like listening to music or watching a movie together.
Additionally, the SharePlay API enables third-party developers to incorporate this gesture into their apps, allowing users to participate in shared gaming experiences or synchronised streams while using their own devices.
Explicit Image Blurring
In iOS 17, AirDrop introduces a new opt-in feature called Explicit Image Blurring to address a long-standing concern.
Previously, AirDrop displayed shared content previews on the recipient's device without their consent, occasionally resulting in unsolicited explicit images being shown.
With this feature, images containing sensitive content like nudity will be automatically blurred.
Recipients can decide to view the content by tapping a "Show" button, providing greater control and privacy.