Hey there! Get ready to discover all the exciting new changes coming to iOS 17.4 in Europe. Apple has introduced some revolutionary updates that will only impact users in the European Union, but there are also global updates that everyone can enjoy. From alternative app stores and new app store terms to alternative payment options and third-party browser updates, there is a lot to unpack. You’ll also find changes in NFC access, gaming app options, new emoji characters, messaging with Siri enhancements, updates in Apple Music and Podcasts, Safari improvements, stolen device protection, and so much more! Don’t worry, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know in this article, so let’s dive in and explore the exciting new features of iOS 17.4 beta 1.
EU Changes Beta 1
Apple introduced the first beta of iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4, bringing some exciting updates to the iPhone and iPad in Europe. While most of the changes will only impact EU users, there are also updates in the operating system that are available worldwide.
Alternative App Stores and New App Store Terms
Apple implemented several major changes to the way the App Store and apps operate in the European Union in order to comply with the Digital Markets Act. These changes are included in iOS 17.4, but are limited to countries in the European Economic Area.
Alternative App Stores
One of the significant changes is that app developers in the EU can now opt to offer alternative app stores or install their apps through alternative stores. Apple has also introduced a new fee structure that goes along with this change. There’s a new business structure that developers can opt into, which applies to both apps distributed in the App Store and apps that are distributed through alternative means.
New App Store Terms
Developers using the new system will need to pay a standard fee of 0.50 euros per user per year, with the first million installs offered for free. Apps distributed through alternative app stores will have no commission. Apps distributed through the App Store will pay a reduced 17 percent commission, or 10 percent for those in the small business program or for user subscriptions older than a year.
Apple has provided a fee calculator to help developers determine what they’ll pay with the existing setup, the new setup, and the new setup using alternative app stores. Users are also able to set their preferred alternative app store as the default app store on their device if desired. EU users will see an option for this in the Settings app.
There are also a significant number of behind-the-scenes changes that are enabling this feature in the EU, with updates to all kinds of system messaging. Users in the EU will, for example, get a pop-up warning when an app from an alternative app store contains malware, and there are new screens for verifying the information from an alternative app. A Screen Time setting will allow parents to decide whether their children’s devices are able to install apps from alternative app marketplaces.
Alternative Payment Options
Apple is also allowing apps to use alternative payment options, and there is no longer a requirement to use in-app purchases. Developers who distribute apps through the App Store and use an alternative payment option will see a three percent discount in their App Store fees. Developers who distribute through alternative apps and also use an alternative payment option will pay Apple no fees beyond the set 0.50 euro fee per user.
With alternative payments, purchases for digital goods and services can be made directly in an app or a developer can choose to link to their website to have a user make a payment. Apple is requiring developers to use a known, secure payment provider.
Third-Party Browser Updates
After updating to iOS 17.4, EU users that open Safari will see a pop-up that allows them to choose a new default browser option from a list of the most popular browsers on iOS. Apple is also allowing alternative browser engines, and will not limit browsers like Chrome to the WebKit engine.
NFC Access
In iOS 17.4, third-party payment apps and banks have access to the NFC chip in the iPhone, and can offer contactless payments directly on the iPhone without using Apple Pay or the Wallet app. Users can set a default contactless payment provider that activates at tap-to-pay terminals or when the Side button on the iPhone is pressed twice. The option for setting a default contactless payment provider is available in the Settings app in the EU, and this section will also provide details on all apps that have requested and been granted contactless payment access. EU users can also change the default Wallet app on the iPhone.
Gaming App Changes
Streaming game apps are now allowed on the App Store worldwide, which means services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce NOW can be offered as standalone iPhone and iPad apps. Apple previously only allowed cloud gaming services to be offered via the web, but dedicated apps that let users stream games from servers are now permitted. Additionally, mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots, and plug-ins are now able to use the in-app purchase system.
New Emoji
The iOS 17.4 beta brings new emoji characters, including lime, an edible brown mushroom, a phoenix, a broken chain, shaking head vertically (as in a “yes” nod), and shaking head horizontally (a “no” head shake). These emoji are part of the Unicode 15.1 update that was approved in September 2023.
Messaging with Siri
In iOS 17.4, the Automatically Send Messages setting under Siri & Search has been renamed “Messaging with Siri,” and there is an option to set Siri to read incoming messages in a specific language like Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and many more. The change does not update the primary language that Siri listens in and responds to, but is limited to message playback.
Podcasts and Music
The “Listen Now” tabs in Apple Music and Podcasts have been renamed to “Home.” This change aims to provide a more coherent and intuitive user experience for navigating through the apps.
Podcast Transcripts
The Podcasts app now offers transcripts, similar to how lyrics work in the Apple Music app. With this new feature, users can read along with the podcast content, making it easier to follow and understand the discussions.
Safari
In iOS 17.4, the URL/search bar in Safari is now wider than it was before. This change enhances the usability and readability of the Safari browser, allowing users to easily see and interact with the website addresses and search queries.
Stolen Device Protection
In the Stolen Device Protection section of the Settings app, there is now an option to require a security delay always or only when away from familiar locations. This added flexibility provides users with more control over their device’s security measures, allowing them to choose the level of protection that suits their needs.
More Features
The iOS 17.4 beta brings numerous other improvements and enhancements to the Apple ecosystem. If you know of any other new features in iOS 17.4 that we may have missed, be sure to let us know in the comments below.
This article is a compilation of all the new changes brought by iOS 17.4 beta 1. Apple has made significant updates to comply with regulations in the European Union, including the allowance of alternative app stores, new app store terms, and alternative payment options. Other notable changes include updates to NFC access, third-party browser options, and gaming app rules. Additionally, there are new emoji characters, improvements in messaging with Siri, changes in Apple Music and Podcasts, Safari enhancements, and stolen device protection settings. iOS 17.4 beta brings a wide range of features and enhancements aimed at improving the user experience for EU users and users worldwide.
