Main points
- Enhanced anti-tracking capabilities hinted at in iOS 17.5 beta 1 to notify users of unwanted third-party trackers.
- EEA users are expected to get expanded app sideloading capabilities in iOS 17.5 to comply with EU regulations.
- iOS 17.5 beta 1 hints at new Apple Pencil squeeze gestures, suggesting an Apple Pencil 3 may be coming soon.
It’s less than a month since Apple released the iOS 17.4 update to iPhone users, but the tech giant isn’t done yet. Earlier this week, Apple released the first beta preview of iOS 17.5. So far, there aren’t any obvious standout features that are easy to spot. Instead, it looks like we’ll have to rely on references to upcoming features and functionality found in the code.
Several additional beta releases are expected in the meantime, with a wider rollout likely to take place in the May or June timeframe.
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Anti-tracking just got smarter
AirTags are a great tool to help track lost luggage, keys, and wallets. However, they have been criticized for their potential for misuse by bad actors. Thankfully, Apple appears to be continuing to enhance anti-tracking capabilities within its ecosystem. As spotted by 9to5Mac , new code discovered in iOS 17.5 references the ability to notify users of unwanted third-party tracking devices.
Apple and Google have been working on a joint venture to prevent unwanted trackers from unknowingly following users. Previous iOS updates brought unwanted tracker alerts for first-party trackers, so it’s good to see this continue to be improved.
More changes in the EU market
iOS 17.4 unlocks app sideloading on the operating system for the first time for residents of the European Economic Area (EEA). It looks like this has been extended further in 17.5, where EEA users will be able to download and install apps directly from the developer website.
We know the feature is coming, and Apple has previously outlined its web distribution guidelines and requirements.
Growing pressure from the European Union and its Digital Markets Act (DMA) has led to an ongoing feud between Apple and Brussels, the consequences of which are still developing.
New Apple Pencil squeeze gesture
9to5Mac also discovered code for iOS 17.5 beta 1 that mentions a new squeeze gesture for the Apple Pencil. The current Apple Pencil 2 supports a double-tap gesture, but does not have a pressure sensor to enable squeezing.
The release of the Apple Pencil 3 seems imminent, having long been rumored to arrive alongside new iPad Pro models sometime this year. While nothing is certain, a squeezable Apple Pencil 3 seems entirely possible.
As the first beta version of a new update, it may take a few weeks before the stable version is officially released. Several additional beta releases are expected in the meantime, with a wider rollout likely to take place in the May or June timeframe.
Apple’s WWDC 2024 conference is scheduled to be held on June 10. There are rumors that iOS 18 will be a major update to the operating system, so it is likely that 17.5 will be the last major version built on the iOS 17.x platform.
If you want to try the public beta for yourself, you’ll need to register your Apple ID with the program through the Apple Beta Software Program website.If you are currently using iOS 16.4 or higher, you can go to set up > General > Software update > Beta update and select the iOS beta version you want to install.
A separate developer beta is also available for those interested in testing it out. It requires downloading the Apple Developer app from the App Store and logging in with a registered Apple developer account, then following the same update settings but selecting Developer Beta. The two updates are usually the same, with the developer beta usually released a day or two before the public beta.
As always, when using beta software, it is highly recommended to back up important documents and data in case something goes wrong.
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