iOS 17.5 Rolling Out Now: Third-Party Downloads, Offline Apple News Plus, and More

Highlights

• iOS 17.5 allows app downloads from third-party websites in the EU.
• Apple News Plus gains games and offline mode for US and Canada.
• Enhanced tracker detection includes third-party Bluetooth devices.
• New Repair State feature added to Find My for devices under repair.

iOS 17.5 is now available on compatible iPhones from Apple.

Yes, I know that all are waiting for the coming of iOS 18 later this year.

This most recent software update has several remarkable improvements and capabilities.

So here’s what you should know about this new update.

Third-Party Tracker Devices Detection

The privacy and security of iOS 17.5 are enhanced with its improved features in detecting trackers.

Now, iPhones will not only track Apple’s own AirTags, but they are now able to detect and inform users about the presence of third-party Bluetooth trackers from any manufacturer. 

Your iPhone will alert you if it discovers an unknown tracker that is moving with you and provide you with an option to either shut off the device or play an audible alert.

Downloads of Third-Party Websites (EU Only)

iOS 17.5 increases the freedom to install apps, building on the sideloading features first made available in countries that are members of the European Union in iOS 17.4. 

EU citizens are no longer limited to official app stores to get apps but can now download them straight from websites.

But, of course, there are restrictions attached to this new capability.

Developers must be involved for at least two years in a row in Apple’s Developer Program before providing web-based software downloads.

Introducing Repair State for Find My

iOS 17.5 adds a new Repair State feature to the Find My app for those who are sending their iPhones in for repairs.

Now, users can activate Repair State so their device will remain traceable during the repair process, instead of being asked to turn off Find My while the item is under repair.

Games and Offline Mode Are Added to Apple News Plus

iOS 17.5 comes with some new interesting features for the Apple News Plus subscribers residing in the US and Canada.

The update introduces a new word game called Quartiles.

This game lets players build phrases out of combinations of tiles daily to score points. 

Besides, now users have the option to go offline, where users can access their games, audio reports, and articles without an internet or mobile data connection.

This will provide customization options about the offline content that is available. 

Awaiting iOS 18 Continues

iOS 17.5 might not be considered a major update, but I believe we can all agree on Apple’s commitment to improving life on iPhone.

In the wait for the widely expected release of iOS 18 later this year, iOS 17.5 gives a taste of what is ahead: from more choices in application installation, through enhanced privacy features to quality-of-life changes.

FAQs

What new download options does iOS 17.5 introduce?

iOS 17.5 allows users in the EU to download apps from third-party websites, expanding beyond the official App Store. Developers must be part of Apple’s Developer Program for at least two years to offer this.

What features have been added to Apple News Plus in iOS 17.5?

Apple News Plus subscribers in the US and Canada now have access to a new word game called Quartiles and an offline mode that allows access to games, audio reports, and articles without an internet connection.

How does iOS 17.5 enhance privacy and security?

iOS 17.5 enhances privacy by improving tracker detection capabilities. iPhones can now detect and alert users about third-party Bluetooth trackers, not just Apple’s AirTags.

What is the Repair State feature in Find My with iOS 17.5?

The new Repair State feature in the Find My app allows users to keep their device traceable while it is under repair, avoiding the need to turn off Find My during the repair process.

Is iOS 17.5 a major update?

While iOS 17.5 may not be considered a major update, it includes several useful improvements and new features, paving the way for the anticipated release of iOS 18 later this year.

What are Vocal Shortcuts in iOS 18?

Vocal Shortcuts allow users to issue custom voice commands to initiate system wide actions without invoking Siri, making the device more accessible.

What new accessibility features are available for CarPlay in iOS 18?

iOS 18 introduces Sound Recognition, Colour Filters, and Voice Control for CarPlay, enhancing hands-free operation and accessibility while driving.

How does the Eye Tracking feature work in iOS 18?

Eye Tracking uses the front camera and on-device machine learning to enable users with physical disabilities to control their iPhone or iPad using eye movements.

What is Music Haptics in iOS 18?

Music Haptics uses the Taptic Engine to provide a tactile experience for hard-of-hearing or deaf users, allowing them to feel the music through vibrations.

What are Vehicle Motion Cues in iOS 18?

Vehicle Motion Cues use built-in sensors to represent vehicle motion with moving dots on the screen, helping to reduce sensory conflict for users on the move.

What are the Additional Updates by Apple ?

For users who are blind or have low vision, VoiceOver will include new voices, a flexible Voice Rotor, custom volume control, and the ability to customize VoiceOver keyboard shortcuts on Mac.

Magnifier will offer a new Reader Mode and the option to easily launch Detection Mode with the Action button.

Braille users will get a new way to start and stay in Braille Screen Input for faster control and text editing; Japanese language availability for Braille Screen Input; support for multi-line braille with Dot Pad; and the option to choose different input and output tables.

For users with low vision, Hover Typing shows larger text when typing in a text field, and in a user’s preferred font and color.

For users at risk of losing their ability to speak, Personal Voice will be available in Mandarin Chinese. Users who have difficulty pronouncing or reading full sentences will be able to create a Personal Voice using shortened phrases.

For users who are nonspeaking, Live Speech will include categories and simultaneous compatibility with Live Captions.

For users with physical disabilities, Virtual Trackpad for AssistiveTouch allows users to control their device using a small region of the screen as a resizable trackpad.

Switch Control will include the option to use the cameras in iPhone and iPad to recognize finger-tap gestures as switches.

Voice Control will offer support for custom vocabularies and complex words.

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