Discover What’s Fresh in the iOS 17.5 Beta – Key Updates Revealed!

Apple continues to refine its operating systems with the upcoming iOS 17.5, marking it as the fifth key enhancement since the debut of iOS 17 last fall. This update remains focused on complying with new European Union regulations, mirroring efforts seen in iOS 17.4, yet introduces several exciting new features as well.

Direct App Downloads in the EU

In a significant move, iOS 17.5 enables developers within the EU to bypass traditional app stores by allowing direct app downloads from their own websites starting from the second beta release. This opportunity is limited to developers who have been part of the Apple Developer Program for over two years and have achieved over a million initial iOS installs in the past year. Although Apple does not take a commission for these downloads, they do impose a 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee for each download.

Enhanced Podcast Widget

The updated Podcasts widget now sports dynamically changing backgrounds that reflect the artwork of the currently playing episode, whether on your Home Screen or Lock screen.

Streamlined Mobile Device Management

The new beta facilitates mobile device management (MDM) by permitting the enforcement of a beta OS during the automated enrollment process, simplifying the setup for new devices.

Apple News+ and Quartiles Game

Subscribers to Apple News+ can now enjoy Quartiles, a daily word game that challenges players to create words and score points by arranging tiles.

Advanced Code Developments

The latest beta hints at several upcoming capabilities, including enhanced support for third-party item trackers. A collaborative effort with Google has led to a cross-platform solution that alerts users to unwanted tracking, a feature anticipated to improve personal security.

iPad’s New Battery Health Features

References within the update suggest an upcoming Battery Health feature for iPads, showing maximum capacity and charge cycles, a tool previously exclusive to iPhones.

Next-Generation Apple Pencil

Code insights reveal a fourth version of the Apple Pencil, rumored to include a new ‘squeeze’ functionality, enhancing user interaction with the stylus.

Projected Release Timeline

iOS 17.5 is expected to be released in early May, coinciding with the launch of new iPad models, adding extra excitement to Apple’s lineup of innovations.