Apple has just launched the first iOS 17.5 beta for developers, possibly announcing the last batch of changes to iOS 17 before it is replaced. But the changes that have been observed so far are already quite interesting.
For one, it appears that the ability to download apps from developer websites is now available for iPhone users in Europe. This is one of several measures Apple is taking to comply with the EU’s new DMA law against technology monopolies.
Apple originally said that only approved third-party app stores could sell apps outside of the official Apple App Store. But now successful enough developers who agree to Apple’s terms can offer iPhone users their products directly from their own site.
Tracker detection gets an upgrade
Another big addition is updated anti-stalking measures for non-Find My trackers, found in new code inside the Find My app from 9to5Mac. While the feature appears to be currently disabled even for dev beta users, there are text strings that will pop up to alert the user to the presence of the tracker and ask them to check the manufacturer’s website if they want to disable it.
Since launching its AirTag tracker, Apple has faced a lot of pressure to reduce the potential harm they can cause. Apple has taken steps to limit their use for stalking, but since its changes only apply to Find My-certified trackers, Apple is also working with Google to create a unified system to alert users if they’re being tracked by someone else’s tracker. Hopefully this means we’ll see the equivalent system on Android phones soon, perhaps with the upcoming launch of Android 15.
In the meantime, iOS 17.5 should see a public beta soon, and probably a stable release in the next few weeks. The next generation of iPhone software, iOS 18, is reportedly on the way and is set to launch at WWDC 2024, which begins on June 10.