Apple releases iOS 17.5, macOS 14.5, and other updates with the launch of new iPads

Apple released the latest updates for all of its actively supported devices today. Most of them include A bunch of security updatesAnd some new features for Apple News+ subscribers, and so-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 to 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 safeguards to prevent AirTag stalking, and Cross-Platform Tracking Protection implements some of those same safeguards for devices paired with non-Apple phones.

Apple News+ picks up a new word game called The quarterspart of a broader trend of news organizations embracing games as engines of growth. The quarters, CrosswordAnd Simple crossword puzzle You can also track player stats and wins live, and the Today+ and News+ tabs will also load offline.

Some of Apple’s older operating systems 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 update to iOS 17, and macOS Venture 13.6.7 and Monterey 12.7.5 support all Macs that are still running those OS versions regardless of whether they’re running or not. . macOS Sonoma can be installed. There is no update 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 typically unveils its next major operating systems for the fall. Once these updates — iOS 18, macOS 15, etc. — are announced, updates to existing versions usually shift the focus to security and bug updates rather than adding major new features. Apple’s updates this year are widely expected to focus on generative AI features, including Some features that are powered by ChatGPT And A more capable Siri assistant.