Apple
Apple rolls out iOS 17.4 public beta with EU specific changes
Apple is now rolling out the first iOS 17.4 public beta for testers who participated in the public beta channel. Apple switched the channel from closed developer beta after a week of announcement.
To download the iOS 17.4 public beta, you first need to sign up for the beta testing environment through the Apple website.
After signing up, Open Settings, then enter General, Software update. Now tap on “Beta Updates” to select “iOS 17 Public Beta”. The downloadable OTA package may take a few minutes to download based on the internet speed.
What’s New
iOS 17.4 is a significant change for the entire iPhone ecosystem and it will split the iOS software into two parts, one for global and the other for European users.
Certain changes in iOS 17.4 are made to comply with European new digital rules commissioned by the European Union for all of the member countries.
Once installed, the iPhone user will be able to sideload iOS applications from third-party app marketplace. This capability is not available for any of the iPhones and will remain exclusive to European iPhone models with iOS 17.4 and above.
Apple is opening specific APIs that will enable third-party developers to get more control over browsers. In other words, they can launch new browser options for iPhone users in the EU.
The Cupertino-based tech company is also expanding its scope for in-app payment systems and allowing third-party payment gateways.
The iOS 17.4 will also make some changes to the App Store to add labels and warnings over certain sections of the app listing. For example, Apple will tell the user that the app that is being downloaded is using a third-party payment system.
These changes will be implemented for the first time in Apple’s history. Based on the past announcement, Apple will release the public version of iOS 17.4 in March this year. Read more about the details of these changes in the article linked below.
Also read – Apple iOS 17.4: Rollout Date and Features