A week after iOS 18 was announced during the WWDC 2024 keynote, Apple released iOS 17.6 beta 1. This is most likely the last major iOS 17 software update before iOS 18 is released. At the moment, it’s unclear what the changes are for this version, although Apple is likely just adding security patches and stability improvements.
iOS 18 will include several changes, such as a redesign of the Home Screen and Control Center, Apple Intelligence, and other changes for its core apps. Still, several features aren’t available with beta 1.
That said, developers can also try iOS 17.6 beta 1, as Apple is about to end its iOS 17 development cycle. With iOS 17.5, Apple brought a few new features and changes:
Image source: Apple Inc.
Pride wallpapers: To celebrate Pride 2024, Apple brings “bold, symbolic color to Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad. Signaling hope, strength, and fellowship to LGBTQ+ communities, the beams of light glow against a dark background and stack on top of each other to represent the everlasting impact of LGBTQ+ activism and its role in illuminating the path to greater equality for future generations.”
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Podcasts widget change: The Podcasts widget has a new dynamic color that changes depending on what you’re listening to.
Tracking Notifications: Cross-platform tracking detection delivers notifications to users if a compatible Bluetooth tracker they do not own is moving with them, regardless of what operating system the device is paired with.
Apple News+: For Apple News+ (or Apple One subscribers), users can have a new offline mode that gives access to the Today feed and News+ tab even when they don’t have an internet connection.
Alongside iOS 17.6 beta 1, Apple is also releasing the first testing versions of iPadOS 17.6, watchOS 10.6, macOS 14.6, tvOS 17.6, and visionOS 1.3. We’ll let you know if we find anything new in this beta cycle.