iOS 17.5 beta 1: What's new

Web App Installation for European Users

iOS 17.5 beta 1 introduces support for app installation directly from a developer's website, applicable to users in the European Union. This "Web Distribution" feature allows developers to distribute their apps outside of the App Store.

Developers opting into this program will need to comply with the updated App Store business terms, including the Core Technology Fee of €0.50 per first annual installation exceeding one million within a twelve-month period.

All web-distributed apps must adhere to Apple's notarization guidelines and can only be installed from domains registered by the developer within App Store Connect. Additionally, Apple will provide APIs for developers to integrate system functionality.

While iOS 17.5 beta 1 lays the groundwork, developer adoption of the Web Distribution feature is not yet available. Public release of iOS 17.5 in May is expected to coincide with developer implementation.

Design Tweaks

iOS 17.5 beta 1 incorporates minor design adjustments throughout the operating system.

• Apple Books: The "Reading Goal" icon within the top navigation bar has been redesigned.

• Settings App: A new glyph appears for the "Passkeys Access for Web Browsers" menu under "Privacy & Security."

• Podcasts Widget: The Podcasts widget now features dynamic color that adapts to the artwork of the currently playing podcast.

Anti-Stalking Features and Potential Battery Health Menu for iPad

iOS 17.5 appears to include a new system for anti-stalking measures with accessories like AirTags. This follows Apple's 2023 partnership with Google to develop an industry standard against unwanted tracking.

Code additions within the Find My app suggest iOS will identify untracked accessories, even those not Apple- or Find My-certified, and provide users with deactivation instructions.

Furthermore, evidence found in the iPadOS 17.5 beta indicates Apple might be considering expanding the iPhone's Battery Health menu to future iPad models.

As reported by contributors Steve Moser and Aaron Perris, the initial iPadOS 17.5 beta for developers includes references to a Battery Health menu on iPad. This menu is anticipated to display an iPad battery's maximum capacity and cycle count.

Code snippets discovered within the iPadOS 17.5 beta include:

• "iPad must be regularly used while not connected to power to show maximum capacity."
• "This is the number of times iPad has used your battery's capacity."
• "The iPad battery is performing as expected."
• "iPad batteries, like all rechargeable batteries, have a limited lifespan and may eventually need to be serviced or replaced."
• "The original battery was designed to retain X capacity at X cycles under ideal conditions. Actual battery performance depends on a number of variables, including how iPad is used and charged regularly. The one-year warranty includes service for defective batteries in addition to rights provided under local consumer laws."