Apple Set to Release iOS 17.5 Beta, Gears Up for iOS 18

Apple is on track to finalize the development of iOS 17.5 beta 1 by next week, according to insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This move sets the stage for the subsequent release of the beta version to developers and public beta testers, marking a significant step forward in Apple’s software updates. The anticipation around iOS 17.5 beta 1 aligns with the keen interest in the upcoming launch of the new iPad Pro, now expected in early May, deviating from previous speculations of a late March or early April release.

Gurman’s engagement on social platforms hints at the imminent release of iOS 17.5 beta 1 in the second week of April, following the completion of its development phase. This update is projected to be a notable addition to the iOS 17 series, building on the enhancements introduced with iOS 17.4. The latter update was particularly significant for EU users, aligning with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by facilitating access to alternative app marketplaces. Moreover, iOS 17.4 brought a plethora of updates for global users, including new emoji sets, Apple Podcasts transcripts, and refined Apple Music and Apple Wallet functionalities, alongside updated battery health metrics for iPhone 15 models.

Looking ahead, iOS 17.5 is likely to be the final major iteration before the transition to iOS 18, which Apple plans to unveil at WWDC 2024. The conference, scheduled to commence on June 10th, promises an array of announcements, including the much-anticipated iOS 18, alongside updates across macOS 15, watchOS 11, and visionOS 2. The forthcoming iOS 18 is expected to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) extensively, incorporating features powered by advanced AI models. This strategic move includes potential collaborations with leading tech giants to integrate sophisticated AI capabilities into iOS functionalities, particularly for users in China.

Besides AI integrations, iOS 18 is anticipated to introduce a revamped user interface, marking it as one of the most significant updates to the operating system. Innovations in Apple Maps and the adoption of RCS messaging are among the key features expected to enhance the user experience significantly.