Apple has just released the first developer beta software for the next big iPhone release, iOS 17.5, as predicted. And, right on cue, it’s available as a public beta, too. While there will be many changes in the coming weeks before its final release, the first indications are that there will a lot to look forward to. Here’s what we know.
App Installation Update
As part of the responses to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, Apple is opening up the iPhone to alternative marketplaces. With iOS 17.5, a mechanism to make this happen looks likely to arrive.
Apple had previously said this: “Web Distribution, available with a software update later this spring, will let authorized developers distribute their iOS apps to EU users directly from a website owned by the developer.” It looks like the foundations are being laid for this in the first developer and public betas.
With this update, users in the EU will be able to install apps from a developer’s website. It won’t be active with downloadable apps until the general release of the software in May.
Apple will also make a series of APIs available for integration with system functionality for developers.
Unauthorized Trackers
It looks like there will be an update to Find My so that trackers which are following you without your knowledge will be more easily found. You can read all about that here. It looks like it’s being synchronized with Google introducing its own Find My Network, with both Apple and Google working together on joint industry specifications.
The new detail is that it looks like the iPhone will be able to recognize trackers that are not certified by Apple, which is not the case at the moment.
Small Redesigns
There are several redesign elements in iOS 17.5, including a Podcasts widget that changes color dynamically. Similarly, the Books app and the icon for Passkeys Access for Web Browsers in the Settings app have had tweaks. As Craig Federighi would say, “Truly, we live in an age of wonders.”
Other Stuff
There’s a change for Mobile Device Management, so that, according to MacRumors, “MDM solutions can enforce an iOS beta version during Automated Device Enrollment starting with the iOS 17.5 beta.”
There seem to be hints in the iPadOS 17.5 beta, released at the same time, that Battery Health will be a menu on the iPad in the coming weeks. And the same beta seems to have accidentally revealed the existence of a new Apple Pencil. Full details here.
I’ll be checking in to see what other nuggets the betas reveal.
