Apple releases iOS 17.5, macOS 14.5, and other updates as new iPads launch

Apple today released the latest updates for virtually all of its actively supported devices. Most include a few handfuls of security updates, new features for Apple News+ subscribers, and something called Cross-Platform Tracking Protection for Bluetooth devices.

iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, macOS 4.5, watchOS 10.5, tvOS 17.5, and HomePod Software 17.5 updates are all available for download now.

Cross-platform tracking protection notifications alert users “if a compatible Bluetooth tracker they don’t own is moving with them, regardless of the operating system the devices are paired with.” Apple has already implemented protections to prevent harassment by AirTag, and cross-platform tracking protection implements some of these same protections for devices paired with non-Apple phones.

Apple News+ has a new word game called Quartileswhich is part of the broader trend of news organizations adopting games as growth engines. Quartiles, CrosswordsAnd Mini crosswords Also track player stats and win streams, and the Today+ and News+ tabs will also load without an internet connection.

Some of Apple’s older operating systems have also received security updates just to keep them up to date. iOS 16.7.8 and iPadOS 16.7.8 updates are available for older iDevices that can’t be updated to iOS 17, and macOS Venture 13.6.7 and Monterey 12.7.5 support all Macs still running these operating system versions, whether they are or not. can install macOS Sonoma. No updates are available for iOS or iPadOS 15.

These will likely be the last major updates that Apple’s current operating systems receive before this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10, where Apple usually unveils its next major operating systems for the autumn. Once these updates (iOS 18, macOS 15, and others) are announced, current version updates typically focus on security updates and bugs rather than adding major new features. Apple’s updates this year are generally expected to focus on generative AI features, including some ChatGPT-based features and a more capable Siri assistant.