Apple has released iOS 17.5, bringing Web Distribution, Repair State, Tracking notifications, Pride Collection wallpapers, and Game/Offline Mode for Apple News+ subscribers, along with design changes and security fixes.
Cross-Platform Tracking Protection notifications alert users “if a compatible Bluetooth tracker they do not own is moving with them, regardless of what operating system the device is paired with.”
The Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers (DULT) standard is a cross-platform initiative designed to prevent Bluetooth trackers like Apple AirTags from being misused to track people without their knowledge.
The specification allows iOS and Android devices to detect and alert you when a tracker that conforms to the standard is traveling with you and its owner is not.
Apple has already implemented protections to prevent AirTag stalking, and Cross-Platform Tracking Protection implements some of those same safeguards for devices paired to non-Apple phones.
Then there’s Repair State, which means that if you are sending your iPhone to be fixed, users need not turn off Find My when sending their iPhone to Apple to repair.
For European Union users only, there’s a big new feature, Web Distribution, which means apps can be downloaded on to the iPhone from the web.
Apple News+ picks up a new word game called Quartiles, part of the wider trend of news organizations embracing games as growth drivers. Quartiles, Crossword, and Mini Crossword also track player stats and win streams, and the Today+ and News+ tabs will also load without an Internet connection.
iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5 Security Fixes
AppleAVD
Impact: An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges
Description: The issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
AppleMobileFileIntegrity
Impact: An attacker may be able to access user data
Description: A logic issue was addressed with improved checks.
AVEVideoEncoder
Impact: An app may be able to disclose kernel memory
Description: The issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
Find My
Impact: A malicious application may be able to determine a user’s current location
Description: A privacy issue was addressed by moving sensitive data to a more secure location.
Kernel
Impact: An attacker may be able to cause unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution
Description: The issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
Libsystem
Impact: An app may be able to access protected user data
Description: A permissions issue was addressed by removing vulnerable code and adding additional checks.
Maps
Impact: An app may be able to read sensitive location information
Description: A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation.
MarketplaceKit
Impact: A maliciously crafted webpage may be able to distribute a script that tracks users on other webpages
Description: A privacy issue was addressed with improved client ID handling for alternative app marketplaces.
Notes
Impact: An attacker with physical access to an iOS device may be able to access notes from the lock screen
Description: This issue was addressed through improved state management.
RemoteViewServices
Impact: An attacker may be able to access user data
Description: A logic issue was addressed with improved checks.
Screenshots
Impact: An attacker with physical access may be able to share items from the lock screen
Description: A permissions issue was addressed with improved validation.
Shortcuts
Impact: A shortcut may output sensitive user data without consent
Description: A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation.
Sync Services
Impact: An app may be able to bypass Privacy preferences
Description: This issue was addressed with improved checks
Voice Control
Impact: An attacker may be able to elevate privileges
Description: The issue was addressed with improved checks.
WebKit
Impact: An attacker with arbitrary read and write capability may be able to bypass Pointer Authentication
Description: The issue was addressed with improved checks.
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
As normal, to update to iOS 17.5 go to your iPhone Settings > General > Software Update and install iOS 17.5 as soon as you possibly can.
