Apple recently released the third iOS 17.5 beta to public beta testers, which includes new features like improved ways for users in the European Union to download apps. It is recommended to download the beta on a secondary device, as it may still contain bugs and impact battery life. Developers and beta testers can expect features like web distribution of apps in the EU, new anti-stalking tools to detect and disable trackers, a puzzle game for Apple News Plus subscribers, and a new color-changing Podcast widget. Additionally, there is a feature in the Books app that helps users track their reading goals.
The iOS 17.5 beta introduces more ways for EU users to download apps by allowing developers to distribute approved, non-marketplace apps from their websites. Developers need to opt into new App Store business terms for the EU and pay a Core Technology Fee for first-time app installations over 1 million. In addition to this, there are new anti-stalking tools that can detect and disable unknown trackers like AirTags, as well as a puzzle game and leaderboards for Apple News Plus subscribers. The Podcast widget can also change color to match the artwork of the podcast being listened to.
Apple’s iOS 17.5 beta also includes new features like Quartiles, a puzzle game for Apple News Plus subscribers, and leaderboards to compare daily puzzle scores. The Podcast widget changes color based on the artwork of the podcast being played, and the Books app now features a counter tool to track reading goals. Users can set daily reading goals and monitor their reading time, with the option to explore the Book Store for more content. These features are part of the first iOS 17.5 beta, with no official release date announced yet.
Overall, the iOS 17.5 beta offers several new features for developers and beta testers, including improved app distribution methods in the EU, anti-stalking tools for detecting and disabling trackers, puzzle games for Apple News Plus subscribers, and aesthetic changes like color-changing Podcast widgets. The inclusion of a reading goal counter in the Books app also adds a new functionality for users to track their reading habits. While these features are currently available in the beta version, they may be subject to change or additional features before the public release of iOS 17.5.
