Apple has just released the first developer beta software for the next big iPhone release, iOS 17.5, and it is now available as a public beta as well. Although there are likely to be many changes before its final release, the initial indications suggest that there will be much to look forward to in this update. One of the major changes in this release is the introduction of a mechanism to open up the iPhone to alternative marketplaces, as part of the responses to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act.
With iOS 17.5, users in the EU will have the ability to install apps from a developer’s website, which will not be active for downloadable apps until the software’s general release in May. Apple plans to make a series of APIs available for integration with system functionality for developers, paving the way for more flexibility in app distribution. Additionally, there will be an update to the Find My feature, making it easier to detect unauthorized trackers that may be following users without their knowledge.
Some notable redesign elements in iOS 17.5 include a dynamic color-changing Podcasts widget, tweaks to the Books app and the Passkeys Access icon in the Settings app. There are also changes for Mobile Device Management, allowing MDM solutions to enforce an iOS beta version during Automated Device Enrollment. The iPadOS 17.5 beta, released simultaneously, hints at the inclusion of a Battery Health menu on the iPad in the future, as well as accidentally revealing the existence of a new Apple Pencil.
Overall, iOS 17.5 is shaping up to offer users and developers a range of exciting new features and improvements. The ability to install apps from developer websites in the EU, enhancements to the Find My feature, and various redesign elements all contribute to making this a significant update. As more details are uncovered in the developer and public betas, users can look forward to experiencing the full range of changes and enhancements that iOS 17.5 will bring to their iPhone experience. With Apple continuing to innovate and collaborate with other industry leaders, the future looks bright for iPhone users.
