The latest iPhone software update is now live, landing on Monday, May 13. Normally, I’d have posted this analysis of how the new release has been received sooner but, as we’ll see, there’s already been one curious effect for some users, who have complained that long-deleted photos have been popping back into view.
Apple iOS 17.5.
Please note I’ll be updating this post in a week, on Thursday, May 23, with a final thought on whether you should upgrade.
Who Is It For And How Do You Get It?
As with other iOS 17 releases, it’s compatible with all iPhones launched in 2018 or later. To wit: iPhone XS, iPhone XR, plus all models of the following series: iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14 and the latest iPhone 15. It also includes the iPhone SE second-and third-generation phones. If you have automatic updates turned on, it’ll arrive in due course, but you will likely get it sooner if you click on the Settings app, then opt for General, then Software Update.
What It’s About
There are new features in this update. As is becoming increasingly the case, there are some changes which only apply to users in the European Union, in this case making it possible to download apps to the iPhone from the web.
For all users, as the notes from Apple point out, there are improvements to tracking notifications, so that if someone puts a compatible Bluetooth tracker in your bag, for instance, unbeknown to you, you’ll be told. Previously this applied only to hidden AirTags. There are also new offline features for News+, including games, though these are not available everywhere yet.
Apple iOS 17.5 Security
There are 15 security vulnerabilities fixed in this update, of varying levels of seriousness. As fellow Forbes contributor Kate O’Flaherty explains here, these include an issue with the heart of the iPhone OS, called the Kernel, and a vulnerability in Voice Control.
Initial Reactions
At first, reactions were positive to this upgrade with one user saying “all in all, fantastic performance from iOS 17.5,” though there were also multiple mentions of issues with battery life. And then, out of nowhere, came reports of photographs being raised from the dead. Multiple users have commented in the last hours of images deleted months or even years ago reappearing. The reason is still not clear, though it could be that the photos weren’t properly deleted from the device (through an earlier bug) and some process in the new update, such as re-indexing, perhaps, which revealed them anew.
Apple iOS 17.5 Initial Verdict: Upgrade
The security fixes are the reason to suggest upgrading straight away. True, there’s the curious bug that has seen some photos reappear, but it’s not clear that it’s widespread. It’s certainly worth watching out for but it’s not that valuable photographs are being deleted, quite the reverse. But despite this, the seriousness of the security vulnerabilities makes this an urgent fix.
Alex Mitchell is your go-to expert for all things mobile. With a passion for the latest smartphones, apps, and mobile innovations, Alex provides in-depth reviews, insightful analyses, and breaking news about the ever-evolving world of mobile technology. Stay connected with Alex to navigate the fast-paced realm of mobile devices.
