iOS 17.5 & iPadOS 17.5 were released by Apple on 13 May 2024, a month after testing the new platform update for supported devices in beta. The update resolves issues and enhances the device safety of iPhone and iPad users. Prioritizing the user’s security, Apple advises users to update their iPhones as soon as possible.
Alongside iOS 17.5, Apple has rolled out new platform updates for the Watch Series, HomePods, Apple TV, and Mac line of laptops and computers.
New Features in iOS 17.5:
- New Apple Universal Link for eSIM install: The update comes with an Apple Universal Link for eSIM installation, which gives a link instead of a QR code to activate an eSIM on your iPhone.
- Apple News+: Apple News+ now includes Offline mode which gives you access to the Today feed and News+ tab, even when you don’t have an internet connection
- Tracking Notifications: A new specification- Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers has been introduced. It delivers notifications to users if a compatible Bluetooth tracker they do not own is moving with them, regardless of what operating system the device is paired with.
Resolved issues:
Important flaws patched in iOS 17.5 are –
- Store kit: In this update, Apple fixed a bug where tapping the Terms of Service button on SubscriptionStoreView could make the app crash.
- Wallpaper: Restoring the device no longer causes the ‘Add New Wallpaper’ sheet to display no pictures.
- Accessibility: The AbleNet Hook+ Assistive switch MFi Accessory connected with a wire function properly in the update.
- App Tracking Transparency: Fixed an issue where the App Tracking Transparency feature would preemptively deny tracking before user input.
How to install iOS or iPadOS 17.5 on iPhone or iPad?
To install iOS or iPadOS 17.5 on your iPhone or iPad wirelessly, follow these steps:
- Ensure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If your device supports iOS or iPadOS 17.5, you’ll see Download and Instal option there.
- Tap on “Download and Install.” The update will begin downloading.
- Once the process is finished, tap on “Install Now.”
- Follow any on-screen instructions if required.
If you encounter any issues or prefer to update your device using a different method, you can refer to the Apple Support page for additional guidance: Apple Care Store.
Supported devices
The update is available for:
- iPhone XS and later
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation and later
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later
- iPad Air 3rd generation and later
- iPad 6th generation and later
- iPad mini 5th generation and later
To identify your model number and iOS version – Go to Settings > General > About.
Currently, Some iOS and iPadOS features are not available in any region or language. To find which features are supported in your region, see the iOS and iPadOS Feature Availability website.
Is iOS 17.5 safe to install?
Though this update includes security fixes that are serious and if left unfixed could be used by attackers to take full control of the device, People are talking about their data security due to a photo bug.
Two days after the iOS 17.5 release, many Reddit users who updated to iOS 17.5 are complaining about the reappearance of images on their iPhones that were deleted many years ago.
Many beta testers had already reported this photo bug about the resurfacing of deleted photos after the update. This photo bug is certainly concerning, but it will likely be fixed soon by Apple. However, Apple hasn’t officially said anything about this issue. This ignorance of Apple is the reason to question the security of this update. An official statement regarding the bug could solve the issue. However, At present an update to iOS 17.5 is necessary to protect one’s device from attackers.
(For more detailed information, you can refer to the iOS 17.5 Release Notes available on the Apple Developer website and the Apple Support page. Additionally, the security content document provides insights into the security enhancements in iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5.)
