Get ready to discover the latest updates in iOS 17.5! Apple has just released this newest version of iOS, bringing some exciting changes to the iPhone for those in the European Union. From web-based app distribution to third-party item tracker alerts, iOS 17.5 introduces several new features and improvements that are sure to enhance your iPhone experience. In this article, we will take a closer look at everything new in iOS 17.5, so you can stay up-to-date with the latest developments and make the most of your iPhone.
App Downloads From Websites (EU Only)
In the European Union, iOS 17.5 introduces a new feature that allows app downloads directly from websites. This means that developers can offer their apps for download without the need for the App Store. This functionality is currently only available on iPhones and limited to the EU region. To be eligible for offering app downloads from websites, developers must be a member of the Apple Developer Program for at least two continuous years and have had more than one million first installs on iOS in the prior year.
Apps downloaded from websites onto iPhones are still required to go through Apple’s notarization process. This ensures that the apps meet Apple’s security standards and protects users from potentially harmful software. While there is no commission fee to be paid to Apple for these downloads, developers are charged a 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee for each download.
It is important to note that this feature is currently only available on iPhones. However, Apple has announced plans to bring the same functionality to iPads later this year.
Apple News+
In iOS 17.5, Apple News+ introduces a new offline mode. This allows users to access the Today feed and the News+ tab even without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Now, you can stay updated on the latest news articles and magazine issues, even when you’re offline.
Additionally, iOS 17.5 includes a new word game called Quartiles, exclusively for Apple News+ subscribers. In Quartiles, players combine tiles to form words and earn points. It adds a fun and interactive element to the Apple News+ experience.
The scoreboard feature for Apple News+ Puzzles has also been enhanced in iOS 17.5. It now provides new player data for games like Crossword, Mini Crossword, and Quartiles. Players can track their stats and streaks over time, similar to how The New York Times gaming app works.
Third-Party Item Tracker Alerts
iOS 17.5 introduces support for third-party item trackers. This feature has been in development by Apple since last year. With this update, iPhone users will receive alerts when a third-party tracker is nearby. These alerts are part of Apple and Google’s efforts to provide users with cross-platform tracking detection.
If a compatible Bluetooth tracker that is not owned by the user is detected, iOS 17.5 will provide a notification. Users will have the option to disable the tracker and prevent it from sharing its location. The manufacturer’s website will provide instructions on how to disable the item.
This feature is designed to protect user privacy and prevent unwanted tracking. It ensures that users are aware when a third-party tracker is in proximity and gives them control over their location data.
Google has also launched its own Android-based Find My Device network, which aligns with Apple’s efforts to enhance cross-platform tracking detection.
Repair State
In iOS 17.5, Apple introduces a new repair state option for iPhones. This option allows users to send their iPhones in for repair without deactivating the Find My and Activation Lock features.
Traditionally, sending a device for repair required turning off Find My, which was a security measure to ensure that the person requesting the repair is the rightful owner of the device. However, with the repair state option, users can now keep Find My turned on while their iPhone is being repaired.
By selecting the “Remove This Device” option in Find My, the iPhone enters repair state mode. In this mode, the iPhone remains functional and trackable with the Find My app. It is listed as “Ready for Repair” in the Find My device section.
This new option streamlines the repair process, providing convenience and peace of mind for iPhone users who need to send their devices in for service.
Podcast Widget
iOS 17.5 introduces a new feature for the Podcasts app, specifically for the Home Screen and the Lock screen. The Podcasts widget now includes a dynamic background that changes based on the artwork of the podcast that is currently being played.
This visually appealing feature adds a touch of personalization to the Podcasts widget, enhancing the overall user experience.
Mobile Device Management
Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions have been enhanced in iOS 17.5. MDM can now enforce a beta version during automated device enrollment. Automated device enrollment simplifies the initial setup process for devices.
By enforcing a beta version during enrollment, organizations can ensure that their devices are running the latest software updates and have access to new features and improvements. This feature is particularly useful for businesses and educational institutions that rely on MDM solutions to manage their device deployments.
Code Changes
In the iOS 17.5 beta, several code changes were discovered that hint at potential new features. One notable change references a battery health feature for iPads. While battery health is not listed as a specific feature in iPadOS 17.5, it suggests that Apple may introduce a similar battery health monitoring system for iPads, similar to what is already available on iPhones.
Another code change found in the beta suggests the possibility of a “Block All Participants” option for group FaceTime calls. This feature could potentially help users block unwanted participants and prevent spam calls during group FaceTime sessions.
More on iOS 17
For a comprehensive overview of all the features available in iOS 17, you can check out our iOS 17 roundup. It provides detailed information on the various improvements, enhancements, and new features introduced in iOS 17.
iOS 17 brings a range of exciting updates to Apple devices, helping users stay connected, informed, and productive. From app downloads from websites to podcast widgets, iOS 17 offers a wealth of features to enhance the user experience.
