Apple has just released the initial betas of iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 to developers. These updates bring significant changes to iPhones and iPads, particularly for users in Europe. While most major changes will affect EU users, there are also updates that impact users worldwide.
EU-Specific Changes
Apple unveils iOS 17.4 beta with significant alterations for European Union (EU) users, complying with the Digital Markets Act. These changes impact the App Store and app operations. EU developers can now opt for alternative app stores, with a new fee structure: a standard fee of 0.50 euros per user annually, with the first million installs free. Apps via alternative stores incur no commission, while ‌App Store‌ apps pay reduced commissions.
Alternative Payment Options
Apps in the EU can now use alternative payment methods without mandatory in-app purchases. Developers benefit from a three percent discount in ‌App Store‌ fees when opting for alternative payment options.
New Emoji
iOS 17.4 introduces new emojis, including lime, a brown mushroom, a phoenix, a broken chain, and expressive head-shaking emojis.
Third-Party Browser Updates
In iOS 17.4, EU users can select a default browser from popular options when opening Safari. Apple also permits alternative browser engines, allowing diverse browser choices beyond WebKit.
NFC Access
EU users gain NFC access for third-party payment apps, enabling contactless payments without Apple Pay. Users can set a default contactless payment provider in the Settings app.
Gaming App Changes
Worldwide, streaming game apps, including Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce NOW, are now permitted on the ‌App Store‌. Mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots, and plug-ins can now utilize the in-app purchase system.
Messaging with Siri
Under Siri & Search, the “Automatically Send Messages” setting is now “Messaging with ‌Siri‌,” allowing users to set ‌Siri‌ to read incoming messages in specific languages.
App Store Updates
The ‌App Store‌’s Purchase feature now displays account-wide purchase history for an Apple ID, including TV and movie purchases, music purchases, subscriptions, and app purchases.
Podcasts and Music
The “Listen Now” tabs in Apple Music and Podcasts are now labeled “Home,” and Podcasts introduces transcripts.
