News

iOS 17.5 Is Out — Should I Update?

By Jeff Butts

Published May 13, 2024

Anytime a new version of iOS comes out, folks wonder if they should upgrade. Let’s look at what’s new to iOS 17.5 so you can decide whether to update.

Apple has released iOS 17.5, which probably has you wondering whether you should update or not. After all, your iPhone is working just fine. Is it worth the time and effort to update when a brand new version of iOS will be here in just a few short months? The short answer is “yes,” but let me explain why.

What’s New in iOS 17.5

For most folks, there won’t be much in the way of new features with iOS 17.5. However, bug fixes and security patches are always included with any new version, even an incremental update like 17.5. Apple doesn’t always disclose exactly what these are, but rest assured they are essential to your digital security and privacy.

One new feature we do know about is an expansion to the ability of your iPhone to warn you if an unknown tracking device is moving with you. Up until now, iOS could only detect and warn you about an unknown AirTag moving along with you. With this update, your iPhone can give you those same notifications for a third-party Bluetooth tracker.

Apple News+ is also getting some welcome improvements. A new offline mode gives you access to your Today feed and News+ tab even when you don’t have an internet connection. You’ll also be able to access a Scoreboard for all of the puzzles in Apple News+ that shows scores, stats, and streaks for you and others.

Apple has also added a new, original daily word game to the service called Quartiles. This game challenges you to make as many words as you can out of tiles containing random letters. Each puzzle gives you a grid of 20 tiles with parts of words on them, like “istic,” “al,” and “tra.”

New Wallpapers, Podcasts Features, Repair State for iPhone, and More

Apple has also added a new set of Pride Collection wallpapers in iOS 17.5. Apple announced these on Monday, May 6, and they came included with the release candidate. They read “Pride” in different color schemes, all inspired by LBGTQIA+ communities.

For those using the Podcasts widget, iOS 17.5 brings a bit of a change. Now, your Podcasts widget will change color depending on the artwork of the podcast you’re listening to. If the podcast artwork is purple, the widget turns purple. This was first introduced in an iOS 17.4 beta, but Apple removed it before the update’s public release.

Another welcome improvement to Podcasts comes in Spotlight Search. If you open Spotlight Search and type “podcasts,” you’ll see recently played podcasts along with the app in the Top Hit bar across the top of the screen.

For Apple Books lovers who want to hit their reading goals each day, the app now provides a better way to track that each day. You’ll see a counter in the top right corner of the app’s home page. Tap it, and the app opens your Reading Goals menu. This shows you how much time you’ve spent reading and gives you quick access to the Apple Books store.

Next, Apple has introduced a new Repair State mode with iOS 17.5. This feature came about because of complications with the Stolen Device Protection feature. This security measure would require you to wait an hour before turning Find My off when you are at an Apple Store for repairs. Using Repair State allows iPhone owners to prepare their devices for repair without needing to turn off Stolen Device Protection and Find My.

Finally, EU customers will now be able to download apps directly from a developer’s website. This comes alongside other features unique to countries in the EU, as a way of Apple complying with the region’s new Digital Markets Act.

Yes, You Should Update to iOS 17.5

So, even if the new features don’t mean anything to you, it remains a good idea to update iOS to version 17.5. If you don’t, you run the risk of having to deal with bugs that Apple has already fixed. Even more importantly, the security updates included in iOS 17.5 will help you make sure your iPhone doesn’t fall victim to malware of viruses.

To install the update, just go to Settings > General > Software Update. If you don’t immediately get an option to download and install the update, check back in a few hours. Apple always takes some time to deliver new updates to all iPhone owners.