Apple presents new spelling game Quartiles and Offline Mode for Apple News+

Apple has now released iOS 17.5, and with it, we’re getting a couple of cool features for Apple News+ subscribers. Apple has announced the new features in a press release. We’re getting a new spelling game called Quartiles, alongside a new Offline Mode that automatically provides recent and personalized News content for when you’re not connected to the internet.

Apple News+ gets Quartiles and a new Offline mode with iOS 17.5

Apple News+ is getting two notable updates with the new iOS version. First off, we have Quartiles, which is a challenge to form words by selecting tiles containing two to four letters. You collect points based on how long the word you made is. You will also be able to share a Quartiles puzzle with other subscribers of News+.

That’s a similar game to the daily crossword and mini crossword puzzles that are now available to US and Canadian users with iOS 17. You also get a new Puzzles Scoreboard for stats and your solve rate.

The update also brings an Offline Mode on iPhone and iPad. The feature will automatically download Top Stories, Apple News Today audio briefings, full magazine issues, and narrated articles (alongside puzzles) to access later without Wi-Fi or data connection. When your iPhone and iPad get back online, the downloaded content will refresh. Downloads will also be optimized to ensure you don’t run out of space.

Lauren Kern, editor-in-chief of Apple News, said:

These new additions are now making Apple News+ even better, especially for older users (I cannot keep myself from picturing my grandad solving the daily Quartile). Of course, younger users will also benefit from those, especially if you’re into crosswords or similar language-based games. As for Offline Mode, that’s a must-have feature, especially for people living in rural areas where the internet connection may be worse.