# Everything New in the iOS 17.5 Beta Update

**URL:** <https://intoguide.com/t/everything-new-in-the-ios-17-5-beta-update/1153>\
**Category:** iOS\
**Created:** [April 22, 2026, 3:57pm UTC](https://intoguide.com/t/everything-new-in-the-ios-17-5-beta-update/1153 "2026-04-22T15:57:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![wasabi](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/intoguide.com/wasabi/32/646_2.png) [@wasabi](https://intoguide.com/u/wasabi)\
**Post date:** [April 22, 2026, 3:57pm UTC](https://intoguide.com/t/everything-new-in-the-ios-17-5-beta-update/1153/1 "2026-04-22T15:57:23Z")

</div>

# iOS 17.5 Update: New Features, EU Changes & Hidden Code Leaks

Apple is currently testing **iOS 17.5** , the fifth major update to iOS 17. While the update is not a major redesign, it introduces important regulatory changes—especially for users in the European Union—along with several smaller feature additions and behind-the-scenes improvements.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/uploads/intoguide1/original/2X/e/ee13d7259fca7912b6a92429f5cf86e327a5b41a.jpeg)

Here’s a complete breakdown of everything discovered in the iOS 17.5 beta.

* * *

## iOS 17.5 Overview

iOS 17.5 continues Apple’s focus on:

- Regulatory compliance in the EU

- Small quality-of-life improvements

- Backend changes for future features

While not a feature-heavy update, it includes several meaningful additions that affect app distribution, device repair, and system behavior.

* * *

## App Downloads From Websites (EU Only)

One of the biggest changes in iOS 17.5 is expanded **web-based app distribution** in the European Union.

### What it means:

Developers can now distribute apps directly from their websites without using the App Store.

### Key details:

| Feature | Description |
| --- | --- |
| Availability | EU only |
| Platform | iPhone only |
| Distribution | Direct downloads from developer websites |
| Requirements | Apple Developer Program + 2 years membership + 1M+ installs |
| Apple oversight | Mandatory notarization |
| Apple fee | 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee |

Even though apps bypass the App Store, Apple still enforces security checks through notarization to ensure safety and compliance.

* * *

## Repair State for iPhone

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/uploads/intoguide1/original/2X/8/89c36cd41a7c0d922bca10723e1d4a9e30daa788.jpeg)

iOS 17.5 introduces a **repair-friendly mode** that simplifies device servicing.

### How it works:

Instead of turning off Find My, users can now activate a repair state.

| Feature | Description |
| --- | --- |
| Find My | Remains active |
| Activation Lock | Still enabled |
| Device status | Marked as “Ready for Repair” |
| Tracking | Device remains visible in Find My |

This makes repairs more secure and convenient while still protecting device ownership.

* * *

## Apple News+ Adds New Game

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/uploads/intoguide1/original/2X/9/9edb504d91132b03c88d35547124e0a25d79bd73.jpeg)

Apple News+ gains a new daily puzzle game called **Quartiles**.

### Features:

- Word-based tile game

- Earn points by forming words

- Included in Apple News+ subscription

This continues Apple’s push to expand News+ beyond articles into interactive content.

* * *

## Podcasts Widget Update

The Podcasts widget now dynamically changes its background based on podcast artwork.

### Improvement:

- More visually responsive Home Screen and Lock Screen experience

- Artwork-driven UI customization

* * *

## Third-Party Tracker Alerts

iOS 17.5 expands support for cross-platform anti-tracking features.

### What’s new:

- Detects third-party Bluetooth trackers

- Alerts users if unknown trackers are moving with them

- Works across different operating systems

| Feature | Status |
| --- | --- |
| Tracker detection | Supported |
| User alerts | Enabled |
| Cross-platform compatibility | Yes |

This feature is part of a joint effort between Apple and Google to reduce unwanted tracking.

* * *

## Mobile Device Management (MDM) Updates

iOS 17.5 improves enterprise device management.

### New capability:

- IT administrators can enforce beta versions during automated device enrollment

This helps organizations test software during device setup.

* * *

## FaceTime: Block All Participants (Unreleased)

Code in iOS 17.5 suggests a future FaceTime feature:

### Possible feature:

- “Block All Participants” option in group FaceTime calls

This could help reduce spam or unwanted participants, but it is not currently active in the beta.

* * *

## iPad Battery Health Menu (Hidden Code)

References in the code suggest Apple may bring a **Battery Health menu to iPad** in the future.

### Expected details:

| Feature | iPhone | iPad (Rumored) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Maximum capacity | Yes | Expected |
| Cycle count | Yes | Expected |
| Health stats | Yes | Expected |

This feature may debut alongside newer iPad models.

* * *

## Apple Pencil “V4” References

iOS 17.5 code also includes mentions of a possible new **Apple Pencil version**.

### Rumored features:

- Internal reference: Apple Pencil V4

- Possible “squeeze” gesture support

- Expanded input controls

While not confirmed, it suggests Apple is working on next-generation Pencil input methods.

* * *

## Expected Release Timing

Apple is expected to release iOS 17.5 in **early May** , likely aligning with:

- New iPad launches

- Spring hardware updates

* * *

## Final Thoughts

iOS 17.5 is not a headline-grabbing update, but it plays an important role in Apple’s ecosystem evolution.

### Key takeaways:

- Major EU-driven app distribution changes

- Improved iPhone repair workflow

- Small but useful system enhancements

- Several hints at future hardware and features

While most users won’t notice dramatic changes, the update lays important groundwork for Apple’s future software and regulatory direction.