Apple has released iOS 17.5 beta 1 for developers, bringing App installation in the EU, an anti-stalking feature for tracking devices and more.
iOS 17.5 Comes With Anti-Tracking Protection
Apple has already added various safeguards to prevent AirTags from secretly tracking people and iOS 17.5 will take this one step further. iPhone users will now be able to identify non-Apple tracking devices other than AirTags.
It comes after Apple and Google announced a partnership last year, to work on an industry specification to help stop unwanted tracking.
Install Apps Directly From a Developer’s Website
Apple’s iOS 17.4 opened up iOS to sideloading apps for the first time ever. And iOS 17.5 will take this one step further, because the update allows you to install apps directly from a developer’s website.  This is one of several measures Apple is taking to comply with the EU’s new DMA anti-tech monopoly law.
To offer an app for download from a website in the EU, developers need to meet specific criteria. Developers need to be a member of the Apple Developer Program for two continuous years or more and must have an app with more than one million first installs on iOS in the European Union in the prior year.
Other requirements include submitting to Apple’s notarization process and publishing transparent data collection policies.
MDM
For users who are mobile device managers (MDMs), which typically involve some sort of business organization that remotely manages and control their employees’ Apple devices, beta versions can now be enforced during automated device enrollment.
In addition to three new features, iOS 17.5 beta 1 has a few minor design changes:
- Apple Books – The “reading goal” icon has been redesigned
- Settings app – “Passkeys Access for Web Browsers” has a new icon
- Apple Podcasts – The widget has a new dynamic design, changing to align with the artwork of the show you’re listening to.
It should be noted that Beta releases are prone to have numerous bugs and are subject to changes in features.
iOS 17.5 Supported Devices
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone Xs
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
