The iOS 17.5 beta cycle has just begun, and this could be Apple’s last iOS 17 update for iPhone users before it unveils iOS 18 during its WWDC 2024 keynote on June 10. However, this overview includes everything new so far that has been added to the iPhone in Apple’s iOS 17.5 beta.
Exclusive EU features
As mentioned earlier, Apple is working to allow users in the EU to download apps directly from the developer’s website. This is part of the Digital Markets Act which added alternative app markets for EU users. Here’s how Apple describes this new feature:
Web Distribution, available with a software update later this spring, will allow authorized developers to distribute their iOS apps to users in the EU directly from a developer-owned website. Apple will give authorized developers access to APIs that make it easy to distribute their apps from the web, integrate with system functions, back up and restore user apps, and more.
Features of Beta 1
In addition to this EU-exclusive feature, iOS 17.5 beta 1 brings the following changes:
To change the podcast widget: The Podcasts widget has a new dynamic color that changes depending on what you’re listening to.
Unwanted tracking system: 9to5Mac found references to a new system that can exclude unwanted tracking plugins, such as AirTags or other third-party item tracking devices. This anti-stalking feature is yet to be made available.
When will Apple release iOS 17.5 for iPhone users?
It is currently unclear when Apple will release iOS 17.5 to all users. Apple usually takes four to eight months to test a major operating system update, which means we could get it in mid- or late May.
iPhone compatibility
iOS 17.5 will be compatible with the following iPhone models:
- iPhone XR, XS and XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
BGR we will continue to update this article as we learn more about this upcoming iPhone operating system update.