Apple rolls out second beta round, including EU Web Distribution in iOS 17.5

iOS 17

Developers taking part in Apple's beta program can acquire the new builds via any Apple Developer Center or more directly by updating their iPhone or iPad already running the betas, doing so through the Settings app. Public beta versions generally arrive a short time after the developer versions, and public participants can sign up through the Apple Beta Software Program website.

The second betas for iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, tvOS 17.5, watchOS 10.5, and macOS Sonoma 14.5 arrive after the first versions, which surfaced on April 2.

The new second iOS and iPadOS 17.5 betas have build number 21F5058e, replacing the first, 21F5048f, while the second, build of tvOS 17.5 and HomePod Software 17.5 is build number 21L5553e, up from the first's build number of 21L5543d.

The second watchOS 10.5 developer beta build is number 21T5555d, taking over from 21T5545f, and macOS Sonoma 14.5's second build is number 23F5059e, overtaking the first, 23F5049.

Alongside macOS Sonoma, Apple has also brought out a second release candidate update for macOS Ventura 13.6.7, build number 22G711, and another build for macOS Monterey 12.7.5, build number 21H1211.

New in the second beta of iOS 17.5 is Apple's Web Distribution system, intended to allow authorized developers distribute their iOS apps to EU iPhones directly, via a developer-owned website instead of a storefront. Apple supplies access to APIs to the developers to handle online distribution, system functionality integration, backup and restoration, and other functions.

Apps offered via Web Distribution must meet requirements for notarization, like other iOS apps, with the domain it's installed from registered in App Store Connect.

Apple also included a fix to an unexpected bug in iOS 1.4.1 that displayed the Palestinian flag in the keyboard's auto-suggestions when users typed in "Jerusalem" into iMessage. Following the change, the flag is no longer being displayed in the suggestion box.

The first beta for iOS 17.5 included code references to enable the side-loading of apps in the European Union, following the introduction of the Digital Markets Act. This included code references to Web Distribution.

There were also mentions in code of the first beta of an expansion to anti-stalking measures for AirTags.

There were relatively few user-visible changes in the beta, but what was found included adjustments to the Podcasts widget, and charging information changes under Settings.

AppleInsider and Apple strongly suggest users don't install test operating systems or other beta or RC software on "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the small chance of issues that could result in the loss of data. Testers should instead use secondary or non-essential hardware and ensure they have sufficient backups of their critical data at all times.

Find any changes in the new builds? Reach out to us on Twitter at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSU, or send Andrew an email at [email protected].