Starting this week, Apple released the stable version of iOS 17.3 software for iPhone devices and the firm has now rolled out the iOS 17.4 Beta for developers in Europe. This new update brings some prominent changes such as Third-Party Browser Updates, NFC Access, Gaming App Changes, New emojis, and more.
There are also some changes made to the Messaging with Siri, Podcasts with Music, and an expanded availability of URL/search bar in Safari. However, most of the big changes will only impact EU users, but there are also updates in the operating system that are available worldwide. You can check all the latest offerings below.
Apple iOS 17.4 Beta Offerings
EU Changes
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 that are in the European Economic Area.
Alternative App Stores and New App Store Terms
App developers in the EU can opt to offer alternative app stores or install their apps through alternative stores, and Apple has a whole new fee structure that goes along with this change. Developers using the new system will need to pay a standard fee of 0.50 euros per year, with the first million installs offered for free.
Alternative Payment Options
Apple is also allowing apps to use alternative payment options in their apps, 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.
Third-Party Browser Updates
After updating to iOS 17.4, EU users who 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
Third-party payment apps and banks have access to the NFC chip in the iPhone in iOS 17.4 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. Mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots, and plug-ins are also now able to use the in-app purchase system.
New Emoji
The iOS 17.4 beta adds new emoji characters that include 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). However, these emojis are part of the Unicode 15.1 update that was approved in September 2023.
Messaging with Siri
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.”
Podcast Transcripts
The Podcasts app now offers transcripts, similar to how lyrics work in the Apple Music app.
Safari
The URL/search bar in Safari is now wider than it was before.
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.
