Apple has released the iOS 17.4 beta update, which brings a number of important changes, including key changes related to the European Union's National Digital Markets Act (DMA).
One of the biggest new changes that the iOS 17.4 update brings is the ability for iPhone and iPad users to download apps outside of the App Store and allow standalone stores. Alternative apps to the currently only App Store.
The update also allows developers to run browsers running the alternative WebKit engine, which is currently available in all web browsers running on the App Store. This can help make many alternative browsers available, which are mainly based on the Chromium engine, such as: for example Google Chrome. Mozilla Firefox also provides users with multiple payment options when purchasing apps and games and paying for subscriptions, instead of forcing them to pay through the App Store.
The changes will be limited to Apple users in the 27 European Union countries. As for the rest of the world, including the United States itself, its residents will not benefit from these new changes, at least not before they are launched. iOS 17.4 update.
In addition to these changes, the iOS 17.4 update brings a number of other features for all users, including the addition of new emojis and a new option in the Stolen Device Protection feature that allows hacking. Security delay when anti-theft protection is disabled or security settings are changed. This is always the case, even if you do it at home or another familiar place.
It is worth noting that in the stolen device protection feature available in the latest iOS 17.3 update, the security timeout is activated only when the thief tries to tamper with the device outside a familiar location.
Additionally, in the new update, Siri can now read messages in languages other than the primary language spoken on the device, and Apple is also adding the ability to display text on audio clips in the Podcasts app.
Apple has rolled out the first beta of iOS 17.3 to developers, and more betas are expected to be released later before the update is finally rolled out.