iOS 17.5, Apple’s latest mobile operating system, brings security, performance and entertainment improvements for iPhone and iPad users.
New “Pride Radiance” wallpaper
Apple added a new Lock Screen wallpaper called Pride Radiance in tribute to LGBTQ+ culture and community. This wallpaper creates a colourful rainbow that changes according to the device’s light or dark mode. It serves as a way to highlight the diversity and inclusion Apple promotes.
Cross-platform tracking notifications
One of the most interesting features in iOS 17.5 is cross-platform tracking detection, which alerts users if a Bluetooth tracking device they do not own is detected moving with them, regardless of the device’s operating system. This can help protect user privacy and prevent stalking, theft or loss.
Offline mode in Apple News+
Puzzle and news fans get a simple but useful addition in iOS 17.5: offline mode in Apple News+. This feature lets users continue to access the Today feed and the News+ tab even when they are not connected to the Internet. There is also a new daily word game called Quartiles, alongside Crosswords and Mini Crosswords. New player data such as streaks and statistics is available in the Scoreboard in News+ Puzzles.
Security fixes and other updates
iOS 17.5 also includes fifteen vulnerability fixes that affect various iOS apps and systems, including Find My, Kernel, Maps, Notes and WebKit. These fixes aim to block attacks that could access user data or execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. Other operating systems that also received updates include:
- macOS 14.5 and 13.6.7
- HomePod 17.5
- tvOS 17.5
- watchOS 10.5
These updates bring performance, stability and security improvements, as well as new features such as the “Repair Status” option in the Find My app, which lets you confirm that an iPhone is being sent in for repair using your password and Apple ID.
If you have not updated your device to 17.5 yet, take advantage of the new features Apple prepared for you. To update, go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the steps. Remember to protect your data with a backup before updating.
