Apple Seeds Second Betas Of iOS 17.5 To Developers

Laiba MohsinLast Updated: Apr 17, 2024

In a recent development, Apple seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5 updates to developers for testing purposes. The second Betas came two weeks after Apple released the first ones. Registered developers can select the betas by following a simple process:

Head to the Settings app
Open the Software Update section
Tap on the “Beta Updates” option
Switch The Toggle on the iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 Developer Beta.
Enter the Apple ID associated with a developer account to download and install the beta.

What iOS 17.5 Will Bring To The Table?

Most of the features of iOS 17‌ have now been released. However, iOS 17.5 brings additional app ecosystem changes in the European Union. App developers can offer apps for download on the iPhone directly from their websites or through app marketplaces. There are also code changes hinting at new Apple Pencils and a Battery Health feature for the iPad.

Web Distribution in the EU

Within the European Union, the latest iOS 17.5 update will enable users to install applications directly from a developer’s website. The silicon giant unveiled this new “Web Distribution” feature last month. To use this functionality, developers need to opt into the updated App Store business terms. Moreover, they will have to pay a Core Technology Fee of €0.50 for every first annual installation exceeding one million in the preceding 12 months. The iOS 17.5 beta 1 lays the groundwork for this feature, but there are currently no developers offering their apps via this new Web Distribution feature. We don’t expect this transition until the public release of iOS 17.5 in May. So, let’s wait and watch what comes next.

Design changes

The Podcasts widget with a new dynamic color that changes based on the artwork of the podcast.
A revamped “Reading Goal” icon in the top navigation bar of Apple Books.
A new glyph for the “Passkeys Access for Web Browsers” menu under “Privacy & Security.”

Find My network updates

iOS 17.5 is tipped to include a new system centered around anti-stalking capabilities for accessories like AirTags. This development follows last year’s Apple’s announcement of a partnership with Google to collaborate on a new “industry specification to battle unwanted tracking.”

Recap of each version of iOS 17 so far:

iOS 17: StandBy, interactive widgets, improved autocorrect (September 18, 2023)
iOS 17.1: Improved AirDrop, Apple Music, StandBy (October 25, 2023)
iOS 17.2: Journal app, spatial video capture, Translate Action button (December 11, 2023)
iOS 17.3: Stolen Device Protection, Unity wallpaper, collaborative playlists (January 22, 2024)
iOS 17.4: Digital Markets Act compliance, new emoji, CarPlay update (March 5, 2024)