Summary of New Features in Apple's iOS 17.5 Beta

Apple is currently testing iOS 17.5, the fifth major update to the iOS 17 operating system released last September. Similar to iOS 17.4, iOS 17.5 primarily addresses regulatory changes in the European Union, but there are also some other noteworthy features.

• This article aims to summarize all discoveries since the release of the iOS 17.5 beta.
• Downloading apps from websites (EU only):
  • iOS 17.5 introduces support for website-based app distribution, allowing developers to offer app downloads directly on their websites. Starting from the second beta, users in the EU can download apps from websites.
  • Similar to the addition of alternative app markets in iOS 17.4, this feature is limited to iPhones and is only available in the EU region. Developers must have been members of the Apple Developer Program for two years or more and have had over one million first-time installs on iOS in the past year to offer app downloads.
  • All apps downloaded to iPhones from websites must go through Apple's notarization process, and while there's no fee to Apple, they will charge a core technology fee of €0.50.
• Podcast widgets:
  • Podcast widgets that can be added to the home screen or lock screen now have the ability to change backgrounds based on the artwork of the podcast being played.
• Mobile Device Management (MDM):
  • MDM solutions can enforce beta testing during automated device enrollment, aimed at simplifying initial device setup.
• Apple News+:
  • Apple News+ has added a daily word game called "Quartiles," where players must combine tiles to form words and earn points. Quartiles is exclusive to subscribers of the paid Apple News+ service.

Code Changes

Numerous changes are noted in the code for iOS 17.5, hinting at potential new features to come in later beta testing or upon official release.

Third-Party Tracker Alerts

iOS 17.5 mentions support for third-party tracker alerts, an ongoing effort by Apple since last year.

Apple and Google have developed a cross-platform solution for unwanted tracking alerts. iOS 17.5 seems poised to inform iPhone users when third-party trackers are nearby. Part of the update's code states: "You can disable this tracker and prevent it from sharing your location with its owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on the manufacturer's website."

Earlier this month, Google launched the Android-based Find My Device network.

FaceTime

FaceTime might introduce a "Block All Participants" option in group FaceTime calls, potentially to block spam messages. However, as of now, this feature seems inactive.

iPad Battery Health

References to the iPad's battery health menu are made but not yet available. In the current beta, this option is absent and may be exclusive to the new iPads expected to launch in May by Apple.

The battery health menu may display maximum remaining capacity and charging cycle count, similar to the iPhone's battery health menu.

New Apple Pencil

The code for iOS 17.5 mentions the "V4" version of the Apple Pencil, along with a "squeeze" feature possibly used to perform actions on the new Apple Pencil.

Release Date

Apple may release iOS 17.5 in early May. With new iPad models planned for May, the update might coincide with the launch of these new iPad models by Apple.