Apple iOS 17.5 released: Cross platform tracking detection to third-party app download, top features you should know.

Introducing Cross-Platform Tracking Detection in iOS 17.5

In 2023, Apple and Google declared their collaboration to develop a new “industry specification to address unwanted tracking” in response to many reports of stalkers surreptitiously following victims with AirTags and other devices. After 9to5Mac discovered evidence of the new anti-stalking function in the iOS code, Apple has officially verified that iOS 17.5 has activated the feature. This will lessen the likelihood that tools meant to aid in property tracking will be abused. Apple says, “Today, this capability is being implemented by Apple in iOS 17.5, and Google is now launching this capability on Android 6.0+ devices.

However, in addition to the fact that iOS devices are already capable of identifying an unwanted AirTag moving with you, the new Cross-Platform Tracking Detection system will also be able to identify third-party item trackers that make use of the new protocol. In the event that this occurs, the user will receive an alert titled “Item Found Moving with You,” which indicates that an industry specification-compliant Bluetooth tracker, AirTag, or another accessory is being moved with the user. The Find My app will play a sound to assist the user in locating the unwanted item tracker and will also offer instructions for turning it off.

Apple claims that businesses including Pebblebee, eufy, Jio, Chipolo, and Motorola have already committed to integrating this new protocol into their next accessory designs. To receive notifications when unwelcome objects are following you, make sure you update the iOS software on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Apple claims that businesses including Pebblebee, eufy, Jio, Chipolo, and Motorola have already committed to integrating this new protocol into their next accessory designs. to receive notifications when unwelcome objects are following you, make sure you update the iOS software on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

The iOS 17.5 update for iPhones was recently published by Apple and includes a number of new features. It allows Web Distribution for citizens of the European Union; thus, you won’t be restricted to the App Store and may sideload programs from the internet. Repair State is another noteworthy improvement that lets consumers keep the Find My tracking system active while sending in a device to be repaired. The most recent update for iPhone users worldwide adds an offline mode to the Apple News+ app, enabling users to view the Today feed and the News+ page even when they are not online.

Support for Cross-Platform Tracking Detection alerts, however, is the most noteworthy improvement. This vital safety function immediately determines whether a nearby, unidentified tracker is going with you.

Due to allegations of stalking using concealed AirTags, Apple has only allowed this technique for AirTags thus far. Apple’s object tracker has occasionally been utilized for other illegal activities, such as auto thefts. According to the release notice for iOS 17.5, “Cross-Platform Tracking Detection delivers notifications to users if a compatible Bluetooth tracker they do not own is moving with them, regardless of what operating system the device is paired with.”

This security feature is the result of Google and Apple working together. To prohibit abusive usage, the two businesses published a draft standard in 2023 for a detection system for Bluetooth-based trackers. The suggestions, known as the Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers, rely on the Bluetooth protocol and aim to inform users when they move about with unfamiliar Bluetooth-based gadgets. iPhones will be able to identify AirTags in addition to trackers from other manufacturers, including Samsung and Tile, to mention a few, because of the uniform methodology.

The protocol is not exclusive to trackers that use Bluetooth. Rather, it provides an opening for devices that use GPS and those that use other media, such as cellular lines and Wi-Fi. Apple modified the AirTag alert system in response to several complaints, but the changes weren’t perfect. With iOS 17.5, owners of iPhones won’t have to fear about covert trackers from unknown brands because it supports a standardized Bluetooth tracker protocol. Open the Settings app on your iPhone, select General, and then Software Update to start downloading iOS 17.5. The iOS 17.5 update ought to be there and ready for you within a few seconds.

iOS 17.5 includes these 15 security patches for iPhone users.

With a number of new features aimed at users, iOS 17.5 has been released to all users. The update also includes fifteen significant security patches. The complete details of every patch are available here. On its Security Updates page, Apple disclosed the details of the fixes for the iOS 17.5 issue. Thankfully, no previous exploits were found for any of the 15 fixes. Installing the update and obtaining these patches as soon as you can are still crucial, though. Some of these vulnerabilities might allow an attacker to access user data and execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.

EU Web Distribution

The most recent iOS 17.5 update brings the option to install apps straight from a developer’s website to users in the European Union. Developers may now publish their iOS applications directly from their own websites, according to a new capability that Apple introduced last month. In order to make use of this feature, developers have to agree to the revised App Store terms of service, which stipulate that they must pay a Core Technology Fee of €0.50 for each yearly installation that surpasses one million in the previous year.

Apple’s notarization standards will still apply to any application distributed online. Only website domains that the developer has registered in App Store Connect may be used to install apps. Additionally, Apple will offer a variety of APIs so that developers may incorporate system functions.

A new Quartiles game available on Apple News+

After updating to iOS 17.5, Apple News+ customers in the US and Canada will discover a new word game called “Quartiles” in the Apple News app. In order to create words, players must choose tiles from a grid. After last year’s launch of crossword mini-games and daily crossword, Quartiles is the third game to be added to Apple News+. All three of the Apple News+ games now have Game Centre connectivity thanks to iOS 17.5. You can now view daily solve time and daily score leaderboards for all three games with this feature.

Apple News offline

iOS 17.5 also brings a new “Offline Mode” for Apple News+ users. Regardless of your location, this feature “makes it easy to access the hundreds of magazines, newspapers, narrated articles, and more included in a News+ subscription,” according to Apple.

With the help of Apple News+ members, puzzles, complete magazine issues, narrated pieces from News+ publishers, Top Stories, Apple News Today audio briefings, and offline mode for iPhone and iPad may now be automatically downloaded for later access without the need for Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. Downloaded material will immediately update and be streamlined to take up the least amount of space on the device when the device is back online.

Additionally, there are a few minor design adjustments included in iOS 17.5 that are noteworthy: The artwork of the podcast you’re presently listening to determines the new dynamic colour of the Podcasts widget.

As is customary, iOS 17.5 also comes with a new Pride Collection of wallpapers for iPhone and iPad users. The new, dynamic wallpapers are part of Apple’s mission to “champion global movements to protect and advance equality for LGBTQ+ communities.” watchOS 10.5 also comes with a new Pride watch face, and an Apple Watch Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop is available for Apple Watch.

Discover My Network Updates

According to Apple, iOS 17.5 has a new feature for peripherals like AirTags that is focused on anti-stalking features. This comes after Apple and Google said last year that they would be working together to create a new “industry specification to combat unwanted tracking. iOS will be able to recognize monitoring accessories even ones that aren’t Apple or Find My certified and let users disable them, according to strings introduced to the Find My app.

This item lacks certification on the Apple Find My network,” reads one of the new strings. You can choose to deactivate this item so that it cannot communicate its whereabouts to its owner. To continue, adhere to the guidelines that the product’s maker has posted on their website.

These adjustments coincide with Google’s April 8 launch of its new Find My Device network for Android smartphones.

Additionally, Apple has enhanced Find My with a new “Repair State” capability in iOS 17.5. With the help of this feature, customers may verify that they are ready to send their iPhone in for repair using their Apple ID and password. Thus, instead of needing to disable Stolen Device Protection and Find My iPhone, Apple technicians may verify that the owner is the one doing the repairs.

In essence, this makes sure that consumers may continue to use Find My to follow their device while it is being fixed. In the past, Apple demanded that customers completely off Find My.

iOS 17.5 is out now here are the new iPhone features

Apple is still improving its current iOS, even though an iOS 18 peek at WWDC 2024 is less than a month away. Following an early April testing phase, iOS 17.5 is now available for download and installation on any iPhone running iOS 17. Although there are some notable improvements to the News app and general security, the iOS 17.5 update doesn’t include many significant new features because we’re so far into the life cycle of iOS 17. In an effort to adhere to EU regulations, iPhone customers in the EU now have an additional means of downloading third-party software from sources other than Apple’s officially approved App Store.

In order to stop individuals from surreptitiously tracking your whereabouts, your iPhone will alert you as soon as it detects an unfamiliar AirTag or Find My network accessory traveling with you, starting with iOS 14.5. Other Bluetooth-based tracking devices may now utilize this capability as iOS 17.5 expands its scope. Apple and Google collaborated to create this cross-platform feature. Regardless of the platform the device is associated with, your iPhone will notify you if a Bluetooth tracker is identified traveling beside you. Users of Android smartphones running Android 6 or later can also access this function.

With the introduction of iOS 17.5, users of the $12.99/month Apple News Plus service may now take use of two new features. In iOS 17.5, Apple included crossword puzzles to its news app. Alongside these, a new game called Quartiles has been added. However, the tile-based word game is exclusive to the United States and Canada.

Furthermore, Apple News Plus has an offline mode that lets you view articles, audio reports, and games on your iPhone without the need for Wi-Fi or cellular service. These resources are saved in free space on your device. Although you may choose the type of content that is downloaded by going into Settings on your iPhone, the offline download occurs automatically. (Alternatively, you can disable the functionality completely.)

Availability of third-party apps in EU nations

The March release of iOS 17.4 allowed users in the EU to download applications from third-party shops. iOS 17.5 modifies that further by enabling app developers to provide download links for their apps straight from their website. There are certain obstacles to clear. Developers must complete an Apple form and accept the terms stated on it. However, if that procedure is finished successfully, companies may sell apps to customers directly.

June is Pride Month, which typically brings fresh iPhone wallpapers. Open the Settings app, choose Wallpaper, to see this year’s options. When you go to set a new wallpaper, you have the option to create a specific Pride area.

Upgrade to iOS 17.5 how to do it

Click general on settings to update to iOS 17.5. Select software update from the page that appears next, and iOS 17.5 will be ready for you. To download and install the new software, adhere to the instructions displayed on screen.

The iPhone as, iPhone xr, and iPhone xs max are all compatible with iOS 17.5, as are any iPhone models released after those in 2019.

Updates for iOS 17.5

A fresh iOS 17.5 issue has been found that appears to be removing pictures and returning them to users’ camera rolls. The reason for this is unclear, and Apple has not yet provided a statement.

Cross-Platform Tracking Detection: Apple has been enabling iOS users to identify an unknown AirTag or Find My Network device that could be surreptitiously tracking their whereabouts for a few years now. Apple will now alert users if it finds a Bluetooth tracking device that they are carrying with them according to the iOS 17.5 update. This functionality, which is also accessible on Android smartphones, was developed in collaboration between Apple and Google.

Apple News: Users of Apple News+ will now be able to browse the app’s News+ section and today feed when offline. The Cupertino, California-based internet behemoth is also launching Quartiles, a brand-new, unique daily word game that will initially only be playable in the US and Canada.

Downloading third-party applications: In March of this year, Apple released the iOS 17.4 update, which enabled users in the European Union to download programs from third-party app stores. Apple is now enabling consumers to download programs straight from the websites of reputable app developers, though, according to the most recent iOS upgrade. On the other hand, developers will need to submit a document detailing their qualifications if they wish to let customers download apps from their websites. A ‘Core Technology Fee’ of £0.50 will also be required of these developers upon reaching a specific level.

Additional updates

With the most recent iOS 17.5 release, users will be able to finally utilize the new functionality on iOS, iPadOS, and WatchOS. Apple also revealed their annual Pride collection of wallpapers and watch faces. Apple claims that when a user unlocks their iPhone or iPad, the Pride wallpaper will change dynamically.

Additionally, iOS 17.5 features a new feature called “Repair State” that enables users to send their iPhones in for repair without having to turn off Activation Lock and Find My.

Apple Releases iOS 17.5 Release Candidate (Video)

For the iPhone, Apple has published iOS 17.5 Release Candidate. If this release is free of bugs, it should be the final software version made available to all users. A significant upgrade, such as the iOS 17.5 RC, is indicative of Apple’s shift from the beta testing stage to the final release. As long as they have the necessary configuration profile installed on their devices, developers and public beta testers can obtain this update via the Apple Developer Centre or the over-the-air update capability. Users may easily update to the most recent version and take advantage of the new features thanks to this simplified approach.

Numerous fascinating additions and enhancements that address different facets of the user experience are included in the iOS 17.5 RC. Among the principal points of emphasis are:

Improved Security with Cross-platform Tracking Detection: By improving notifications for Bluetooth trackers, even those made by third parties, Apple has demonstrated its continued dedication to user privacy and security. This functionality was created in partnership with Google with the intention of giving people more control and transparency over their data on many platforms.

Apple News Plus now offers an offline mode: Dedicated readers will be happy to see this feature added. This function makes it possible for articles to be downloaded automatically, giving users access to their preferred material even when they are not online. Users may now stay informed and involved with their favorite news sources whether commuting or visiting places with poor internet.

Visual and Interface Updates: The iOS 17.5 RC gives the user interface a modernized appearance and feel. One of the most noticeable visual improvements is the weather widget’s improved font choices, which offer a more accessible and understandable display of meteorological data. Furthermore, users may now add new dynamic wallpapers with a Pride theme to customize their smartphones, honouring variety and individuality.

Suggestions for a New Beats Pill Speaker: There are some interesting allusions in the update about a potential Beats Pill speaker that will likely come in three different colours. This information implies that Apple is aggressively adding new audio hardware to its portfolio so that customers have more alternatives for rich audio experiences.

Innovations with the Magic Keyboard: Allusions to the Magic Keyboard as the MagSafe trackpad in the iOS 17.5 RC raise the possibility of future developments in Apple’s accessory ecosystem. These upgrades may make the Magic Keyboard more functional and integrated with other Apple products, giving consumers a more streamlined and effective workflow.

User Input Regarding Battery Life and Performance

The performance and battery life of the iOS 17.5 RC have received favourable early comments from developers and public beta testers. According to early users, the update offers good performance, with devices operating smoothly and effectively. However, as more people share their opinions and experiences with the upgrade, more thorough assessments should become available.

Upcoming Events: Expected Publications

Apple is about to reveal the date of the much-anticipated iOS 17.5 public release, after the publication of the iOS 17.5 RC. There is conjecture that the declaration will take place concurrently with the release of new iPad models, therefore augmenting Apple’s hardware portfolio. The iOS 17.5 release demonstrates Apple’s steadfast commitment to provide frequent and noteworthy upgrades to its user base, laying the foundation for future innovations and advancements.

The iOS 17.5 Release Candidate is a testament to Apple’s commitment to improving and streamlining the user experience on all of its products. This version covers a wide variety of user demands and preferences with an emphasis on security, simplicity, and customisation. The input provided by developers and public beta testers is invaluable in shaping the final public release as they experiment with the new features and enhancements. Apple’s continuous attempts to push the limits of mobile technology and give customers a smooth and powerful experience are demonstrated by the iOS 17.5 RC.