Apple rolling out the first iOS 17.4 beta for developers

Apple today started to rollout the iOS 17.4 beta update for all of the developers to test the features ahead of public release. These new test builds arrived within the same week of iOS 17.3 stable release.

This new iOS version has a different meaning for users living in Europe due to its impact on the app ecosystem.

Europe has set a deadline for Apple to bring app sideloading capability to iOS and iOS 17.4 is the software update that will enable this EU-ordered feature.

The sideloading will enable Apple users, including iPad, to download apps outside of the App Store. It’s somewhat similar to Android, as users can download apps outside of Google’s Play Store and install them on their phones.

Unlike Android, the new changes will only be available in Europe, which means no global access to sideloading apps for global users including the U.S.

Apple has been keeping the app sideloading APIs locked due to security and privacy concerns. The so-called Digital Markets Act (DMA) brought new rules for companies to operate accordingly in Europe.

A guideline on this matter says that users should have access to app sideload capability without any gatekeepers, such as Apple, restrictions.

“The gatekeeper shall allow and technically enable the installation and effective use of third-party software applications or software application stores using, or interoperating with, its operating system and allow those software applications or software store to be accessed by means other than the relevant core platform services of that gatekeeper.” mentions the DMA guidelines.

iOS and iPad developers who want to download the iOS 17.4 beta need to go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select the beta branch for iOS 17 developer beta.

(via – Macrumors)