The iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1 updates are now available. As previously announced by Apple, iOS 17.1 allows you to complete an AirDrop file transfer after losing your Wi-Fi connection or walking outside of AirDrop's typical range. Several bug fixes and small changes are also included in the iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1 updates. Note that these updates initially rolled out to beta testers on September 27th.
iOS 17.1 Arrives with Improvements to AirDrop, Music, and StandBy
The iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1 updates were previously available in beta.