It’s time to update your iPhone! Apple has just released iOS 17.5, a major update to its mobile operating system which includes some important new features, especially for European users.
Apple fans and technology enthusiasts already have their eyes on iOS 18, which will be presented in a few weeks, on June 10, 2024 to be precise, during the WWDC conference organized by Apple from its Californian headquarters. This new version should include a small refresh of the design, but also and above all new artificial intelligence features introduced in many applications and in the Siri voice assistant.
While waiting for this detailed presentation, Apple is not forgetting iOS 17, which equips the majority of iPhones in circulation today, and is offering a new major update to its operating system, iOS 17.5.
This latest delivery brings its share of more or less important new features, particularly for European users. Let’s discover together and in detail all the improvements made by Apple’s engineers to its latest OS.
Download apps from the web
iOS 17.4 introduced the ability to install third-party app stores on the iPhone, a feature long hoped for by users and now made mandatory by the European Digital Markets Act.
iOS 17.5 goes even further by allowing the installation of web applications directly from the Web. No need to install a specific store to retrieve the software. A simple connection from your iPhone’s mobile browser will be enough to start the download.
Apple, however, imposes some rules on developers wishing to offer their software from their websites. They must be registered as developers with Apple for a minimum of two years and have more than one million downloads in the previous year. For Apple, these limitations would provide security to users, with drastic rules preventing certain hackers from distributing malware with complete impunity.
Protection against unwanted object trackers
With its AirTags, Apple offers object trackers to attach to your key ring or to slip into your wallet, and which can quickly be located from the Locate application, integrated into iOS. However, some malicious individuals use these objects to unknowingly follow people in real time. AirTags integrate a device aimed at protecting user confidentiality and which makes it possible to detect AirTags not registered on the iCloud account, but permanently active a few centimeters from you. If something goes wrong, the unwanted AirTag will sound to signal its presence and allow tracked users to take action.
iOS 17.5 extends this protection against unauthorized GPS tracking by offering protection that includes object trackers that work with Android systems. Apple worked with Google to build a system that works on both platforms. Owners of iPhones tracked without their consent will thus be able to be notified when a tracker has been intentionally slipped into their bag or pocket.
A new repair method to send your iPhone to after-sales service in complete safety
An accidental fall, a broken connector, or even a back broken into a thousand pieces: there are many reasons to send your iPhone to after-sales service or drop it off at the nearest Apple Store. Certain operations must be carried out before sending your phone for repair, such as deactivating the Find My service.
However, the latter is sometimes impossible to do because of the new “Data Protection” mode, which prevents sensitive data and options from being modified externally. If this mode can avoid many mishaps if your iPhone is stolen, it can also complicate things once you reach the repair counter.
iOS 17.5 brings a little more simplicity to these different operations with a new repair mode. When you deactivate Find Outside mode, iOS warns that the operation is impossible and offers Repair mode instead. The smartphone is thus always tracked thanks to its GPS chip, but it can be handled by teams from Apple or your authorized reseller.
A new widget for the Podcasts app
iOS 17.5 refines the design of these main widgets. The Podcasts widget can now display a colored background inspired by the cover of the program currently playing, and thus abandons its purple color, characteristic of the player. Podcasts thus follow the design codes of Musique, which already takes on the colors of the visuals of the albums you listen to. Nothing transcendent then, but greater consistency between the manufacturer’s applications doesn’t hurt!
The new Podcasts interface © Apple
A new Pride wallpaper
As is tradition every year as June approaches, Apple offers a new Pride wallpaper, right on time to dress up your iPhone for Pride month. This year, the chosen visual is less abstract, with a word Pride in neon crossing the smartphone screen.
If you own an Apple Watch, the latest watchOS 10.5 update also brings a Pride 2024 watch face (very pretty, in our humble opinion) as well as a new braided strap.
