Apple releases iOS 17.5 with Cross-Platform Tracking Detection for iPhone, offline Apple News+ support, EU app downloads from websites, more

Apple has today released iOS 17.5, bringing with it an offline mode in Apple News+, Cross-Platform Tracking Detection for iPhone, and support for web-based app distribution for users in the EU, which allow apps to be directly downloaded from developer websites, circumventing the App Store.

Apple has also released watchOS 10.5, HomePod 17.5, tvOS 17.5, and macOS 14.5, bringing bug fixes and improvements to Apple Watch, HomePod, Apple TV and Mac.

The update for Apple News+ allows users to  access the Today feed and News+ tab without an internet connection. Additionally, a new and original daily word game called Quartiles has been introduced. Moreover, in the News+ Puzzles section, users will find a new scoreboard feature providing player data for Crossword, Mini Crossword, and Quartiles, including stats and streaks.

New with iOS 17.5 is Tracking Notifications, which introduces Cross-Platform Tracking Detection. This feature sends notifications to users if a compatible Bluetooth tracker they don’t own is moving with them, regardless of the device’s operating system it’s paired with.