Apple has released the first beta of iOS 17.4. Most of the big changes in iOS 17.4 affect EU users only, but there are some new features for everyone.
Apple has made several important changes to how the App Store and apps work in the European Union 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. Here are the details and other innovations coming to iPhones with iOS 14:
Alternative app stores and New App Store terms
App developers in the EU can choose to offer alternative app stores or upload their apps to alternative stores. Apple has a completely new fee structure to accommodate this change. Developers can choose a new business structure that applies to both apps distributed in the App Store and apps distributed through alternative means.
Developers using the new system must pay an annual fee of €0.50 per user, with the first one million installs being offered free of charge. There is no commission for apps distributed through alternative app stores. For apps distributed through the App Store, there will be a reduced commission of 17 per cent, or 10 per cent for those in the small business programme.
Developers do not have to be included in the new system. They will be able to use the existing system with a 15/30 per cent commission. Apple has a fee calculator to help developers determine how much they will pay with the current setup, new setup, new setup using alternative app stores, and new setup using the "App Store". Users will be able to set their preferred alternative app store as the default app store on their device. EU users will see an option for this in the Settings app.
EU users will see a warning screen if an app in the alternative app store contains malware. The Screen Time setting will allow parents to decide whether their children's devices can install apps from alternative app stores.
Alternative payment options
Apple also allows developers to use alternative payment options in their apps and no longer requires in-app purchases. Developers who distribute apps through the "App Store" and use an alternative payment option will see a 3 percent discount on "App Store" fees.
Developers who distribute through alternative apps and also use an alternative payment option will not pay any fees to Apple beyond the €0.50 per user fee. With alternative payments, purchases of digital goods and services can be made directly in the app, or the developer can choose to link to its website to enable the user to pay. Apple requires developers to use a recognised, secure payment provider.
Third-party browser updates
After the iOS 17.4 update, EU users will be able to select a new default browser from the list of popular browsers on iOS after opening the Safari browser. Apple also allows alternative browser engines and does not limit browsers like Chrome to the WebKit engine.
NFC access
Third-party payment apps and banks can access the NFC chip in iPhone with iOS 17.4. Users will be able to make contactless payments directly from iPhone without using the Apple Pay or Wallet app. The option to set a default contactless payment provider is available in the Settings app in the EU, which also provides details of all apps that request and are allowed contactless payment access. EU users can also change the default Wallet app on iPhone.
Changes to game applications
Game streaming apps are now allowed in the App Store. This means that services such as 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 over the web, but will now allow custom apps that allow users to play games over servers. Mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots and add-ons can also now use in-app purchases.
New emojis
iOS 17.4 beta adds new emoji characters, including lime, edible brown mushroom, phoenix, broken chain, and face with vertical and horizontal head nods.
Podcast transcripts
The Podcasts app now provides transcripts similar to how lyrics work in the Apple Music app.
Stolen Device Protection (new options)
Stolen Device Protection in Settings now includes the option to request a security delay always or only when away from known locations.
Apple first released the iOS 17.4 beta for devices with the developer profile installed. iOS 17.4 public beta will be released soon.
