Today has been bustling with Apple announcements, including the unveiling of the 2024 models for the iPad Air and iPad Pro. However, the spotlight wasn’t solely on iPads. Following its event earlier today, Apple also revealed significant updates about the forthcoming iPhone release.
As of Tuesday, May 7, Apple has started distributing the RC (Release Candidate) builds for iOS 17.5. The “Release Candidate” is the final beta release before the software update is made available to the public. Additionally, the official public release of iOS 17.5 is expected to follow soon.
For iOS 17.5, Apple News+ subscribers in the U.S. and Canada can look forward to a new word game called Quartiles, as reported by Gadget Hacks earlier this year. This addition to iOS 17.5 introduces an engaging new gameplay experience.
In Quartiles, you begin with 20 tiles arranged in a grid. Your objective is to combine these tiles to create words consisting of one to four tiles. Each puzzle includes five quartiles, and each quartile awards you 8 points. Successfully finding all five quartiles earns you a bonus of 40 points, bringing the total to 80 points. Additionally, you score one point for single-tile words, two points for two-tile words, and four points for three-tile words.
9to5Mac predicts that iOS 17.5 will introduce enhanced anti-stalking measures for AirTags and other tracking accessories. Additionally, a new feature in the Find My app, named “Repair State,” is anticipated. This feature will enable repair shops to service your iPhone securely without the need to deactivate Find My or Stolen Device Protection.
The color-changing Apple Podcasts widget has made a comeback in iOS 17.5!
— Stephen Robles (@stephenrobles) April 2, 2024
Another minor update in iOS 17.5 includes an upgraded Apple Podcasts widget, which now allows the background color to adapt to match the artwork of the podcast you’re listening to. Additionally, iOS 17.5 will enable companies in the EU to distribute iPhone apps directly via the web, bypassing the App Store.
Alongside iOS 17.5, Apple has also rolled out RC updates for iPadOS 17.5 and watchOS 10.5. While the exact release dates for the final versions of these updates have not been announced, they are anticipated to be available soon. Stay tuned for more updates!
