Apple’s first iOS 17.5 beta doesn’t have many obvious changes, but there’s a lot going on under the hood. Here’s what we know.
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced anti-tracking capabilities are hinted at in the iOS 17.5 beta, to notify users of unwanted third-party trackers.
- EEA users can download apps directly from a developer's website in iOS 17.5 beta 2, aligning with EU regulations.
- The iOS 17.5 beta hints at a new Apple Pencil squeeze gesture, suggesting Apple Pencil 3 may be on the way.
It's been less than two months since Apple released the iOS 17.4 update to iPhone users, but the tech giant isn't done with iOS 17 just yet. Earlier this month, Apple released the first beta preview of iOS 17.5, and now beta 2 is out in the wild as well.
So far, there aren't any notable standout features that are easy to spot. Instead, it looks like we'll have to rely on references to upcoming features and capabilities that were discovered inside the code.
Expect a couple additional beta releases to land in the interim, with a May or June timeframe likely for a broader release.
What's new in iOS 17.5?
Here's what's hidden and been discovered in the software's underlying code.
Anti-tracking gets smarter
AirTags are a wonderful tool for helping track lost luggage, keys, and wallets. However, they've come under fire for their potential to be abused by bad actors. Thankfully, it looks like Apple is continuing to boost the anti-tracking capabilities within its ecosystem. As spotted by 9to5Mac, new code found in iOS 17.5 references the ability to notify users of unwanted third-party tracking devices.
Apple and Google have been at work on a joint venture to prevent unwanted trackers from unknowingly following users. A previous iOS update brought unwanted tracker alerts for first-party trackers, so it's great to see this continue to be improved upon.
More changes for the EU market
iOS 17.4 unlocked app sideloading on the operating system for the first time — for residents of the European Economic Area (EEA), that is. It looks like this is being further expanded upon in 17.5. Starting with beta 2, EEA users are able to download and install apps directly from a developer's website.
The process of downloading apps via the web browser is about as locked down as you'd expect from Apple. Apps are only eligible if they've been downloaded one million times in the EEA in the previous year, and developers are subject to a €0.50 'Core Technology Fee' for each annual app install of over one million.
The new user interface for getting apps from the web includes a prompt for granting permissions, as well as general information about the app and the developer behind it. If an eligible app taps into Apple's new web-based API, it'll be able to update and back up user data just like any software from the App Store can.
We knew this feature was on its way, with Apple having previously outlined its Web Distribution guidelines and requirements.
Mounting pressure from the European Union and its Digital Markets Act (DMA) have led to an ongoing feud between Apple and Brussels, the results of which are still developing.
New Apple Pencil squeeze gesture
Code from the beta of iOS 17.5, also found by 9to5Mac, makes reference to a new squeeze gesture for the Apple Pencil. The current Apple Pencil 2 supports a double tapping gesture, but doesn't have the pressure sensors to make squeezing possible.
The release of an Apple Pencil 3 seems imminent, having long been rumored to arrive alongside brand-new iPad Pro models sometime this year. While nothing can be said for certain, a squeezable Apple Pencil 3 seems well within the realm of possibility.
When will iOS 17.5 arrive on my device?
Being the second beta release of the new update, it'll probably be a few weeks before a stable version is officially pushed out to devices. Expect a couple of additional beta builds to land in the interim, with a May or June timeframe likely for a broader release.
Apple's WWDC 2024 conference is set to take place on June 10th. Rumor has it that iOS 18 will be a major refresh for the operating system, and so it's likely that 17.5 will be the final major release to build upon the iOS 17.x platform.
How do I sign up for the beta?
If you want to try out the public beta for yourself, you'll need to enroll your Apple ID in the program through the Apple Beta Software Program website. If you're currently on iOS 16.4 or later, you can then go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and choose the iOS beta you’d like to install.
A separate developer beta is also available for those interested in testing it out. It requires downloading the Apple Developer app from the App Store, and signing in with a registered Apple developer account, then following the same update settings, but selecting the developer beta instead. The two updates are usually identical, with the developer beta typically released a day or two before the public beta.
As always when playing around with beta software, it's highly advisable to back up important documents and data in case anything happens to go wrong.
