What's new in iOS 17.5: The changes and improvements of the latest update for iPhone and iPad

iOS 17.5 is a new iOS 17 update that does not include any major new features, but there are a few crucial ones for users in the European Union.

Ios 17.5 logo

In this post, we'll discuss the new features and news that have come with this release. We based our report on the list of improvements Apple has included in the update, but due to limited information, we will also share some unstated yet included new features.

Below is a list of enhancements and new features that have arrived for iPhones and iPads with iOS 17.5, summarised in a list format so that you can evaluate the news and read a brief description of each one:

  1. Download applications over the web in the EU

    One of iOS 17.4's primary new features was the ability to install programmes from stores other than the App Store. In iOS 17.5, it goes a step further and allows for the web-based download of specific programmes, eliminating the need to install the entire alternative store.

  2. Cross-platform tracking notifications

    The iPhone now alerts you when a non-owned Bluetooth tracking device moves with you, irrespective of its operating system.

    For example, if someone uses their AirTag or anything similar to snoop on your whereabouts, the iPhone will alert you.

  3. Mass blocking in FaceTime

    A new option to block all participants in a FaceTime conversation combats a type of mass call fraud that is becoming more prevalent in countries like the United States.

  4. New wallpapers

    June is LGTBIQ+ Pride month, and Apple is celebrating with new event-specific wallpapers and watch faces for the Apple Watch.

  5. Battery health on iPads

    Although it has not yet been verified, the update code indicates that the next iPads will have a battery health indicator, a feature that does not appear in the current models.

  6. New Apple Podcast widget

    The widget for this native application has been slightly updated so that the colour of the backdrop changes to the app that is playing.

  7. Apple News Minigame

    This is a first for Apple News, which is currently only accessible in Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Similar to Wordle, a minigame has been introduced for forming words with syllables.

  8. Enhancements, fixes, and security patches

    As with all operating system upgrades, there are changes to fix faults, increase security, and optimise device performance.

  9. Cross-platform tracking notifications

    The iPhone now alerts you when a non-owned Bluetooth tracking device moves with you, irrespective of its operating system. For example, if someone uses their AirTag or anything similar to snoop on your whereabouts, the iPhone will alert you.

  10. Mass blocking in FaceTime

    A new option to block all participants in a FaceTime conversation combats a type of mass call fraud that is becoming more prevalent in countries like the United States.

  11. New wallpapers

    June is LGTBIQ+ Pride month, and Apple is celebrating with new event-specific wallpapers and watch faces for the Apple Watch.

  12. Battery health on iPads

    Although it has not yet been verified, the update code indicates that the next iPads will have a battery health indicator, a feature that does not appear in the current models.

  13. New Apple Podcast widget

    The widget for this native application has been slightly updated so that the colour of the backdrop changes to the app that is playing.

  14. Apple News Minigame

    This is a first for Apple News, which is currently only accessible in Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Similar to Wordle, a minigame has been introduced for forming words with syllables.

  15. Enhancements, fixes, and security patches

    As with all operating system upgrades, there are changes to fix faults, increase security, and optimise device performance.

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