iOS 17.5 finally protects you from sneaky Bluetooth trackers

Apple’s next major update is iOS 18, and with WWDC taking place next month, we’re not very far from having our first look at the next iOS version. However, that hasn’t stopped Apple from releasing its smaller periodic updates to iOS 17, the latest of which is iOS 17.5.

The new update is a small one, and comes with a couple of new changes including some new wallpapers and new privacy features. Here’s all you need to know, and how you can get the new update up and running on your iPhone.

iOS 17.5: What’s new?

iOS 17.5’s most important change is unwanted tracker detection, which will alert users of any suspicious trackers in vicinity that may be tracking them. The feature will work with Apple AirTags as well some third-party trackers.

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The feature will be a useful addition, especially since a number of cases of AirTags being used to track people (via their smartphones) without their knowledge have come up in the past year. However, that’s not all that’s new in the update.

iOS 17.5 also comes with a new offline mode for Apple News+, allowing users to read news automatically pre-downloaded articles even when their device is offline. The News+ app also comes with a new offline game called ‘Quartiles’, a spelling game to keep you occupied when you’re done reading the news for the day.

A new Repair State allows users to submit their Apple devices for repair without deactivating Find My and Activation Lock. This allows users to stay reassured that their device can be tracked, even during repairs. Although we still wouldn’t use this as an excuse for unauthorised repairs.

In the EU, the new iOS 17.5 update also brings the ability for users to download apps directly from websites, skipping the App Store (also known as sideloading). This brings the OS closer to platforms like Windows or Android in terms of third-party app support.

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Lastly, the update also adds new Pride wallpapers, which users can set on their phones via the wallpaper customization menu once the update is installed.

How to install iOS 17.5

Installing iOS 17.5 is as simple as installing any other iOS update. On an iPhone that is eligible for the update, simply navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and you should see a card for the new update ready. If you don’t see the card, check your network connection, or try again after some time.

iOS 17.5 is the last major update for iOS 17, as Apple will now focus its efforts on iOS 18, which will soon be announced at WWDC 24, and reportedly bring major visual changes and a plethora of new AI-powered features to iPhones.