iOS 17.5 Will Have These Two New Settings

We’re still a few weeks away from Apple dropping iOS 17.5 to the public following yesterday’s release of the first developer beta.

Thanks to that, we have a pretty good idea of what this new update might bring to the table. 

Of the possible new things that are coming, there are two new settings that stand out. These new settings will be huge, although one of them will only be available to those who are part of the European Union. 

But who knows? Maybe those of us on the other side of the pond will be able to enjoy this feature someday, too.

You’ll Be Able to Download (Some) Apps From the Web

Last month, the European Union saw the biggest changes to the App Store in forever. Thanks to some new regulations, iPhone users in 27 EU countries can now download and install apps from app marketplaces other than Apple’s App Store.

This gives both developers and users the ability to choose where they want to distribute and get their apps while still maintaining tight security so that no one can exploit other app marketplaces for their own gain.

While that was already great news for both users and devs, Apple confirmed that it would soon let people download apps from third-party websites, too.

Of course, not everyone will have that ability. Firstly, this web distribution feature will only be available to developers in the EU. However, that also includes foreign companies that distribute their apps through legitimate subsidiaries in the EU, which means US tech giants like Microsoft and Epic Games will also qualify.

Developers also need to have been part of the Apple Developer Program for at least two years and at least one of their apps needs to have one million “first install” downloads in EU countries in the prior calendar year.

Unfortunately, this means that if you’re an indie developer, chances are you won’t be able to distribute your apps this way.

Apple said this feature would be available later this spring and would come with a software update. While it hasn’t been confirmed, some code found in the first developer beta points to it coming in iOS 17.5.

Apple ID Recovery Contact Will Have Changes, Too

Apple Recovery Contact is a powerful and useful feature that lets you add someone you trust to your Apple ID so you can regain access to your account in case something bad happens.

While, as is, this feature is already helpful, famous leaker Nicolás Álvarez has shared on X (Twitter) that Recovery Contact will have some new changes in iOS 17.5.

Unfortunately, neither Nicolás nor any other leaker has said what these changes will be. It’s possible that Apple will only make internal changes that we won’t even notice, or maybe there will be some extra features for your trusted contact. 

Whatever the changes may be, they’ll always be welcomed.

Get Ready for iOS 17.5

iOS 17.5 is still a few weeks away, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to get excited about, especially if you live in the European Union.

While we don’t know when Apple will release this new software update, you can already try the beta version. Just remember to be careful and don’t use your primary iPhone to avoid any issues the beta version might have.