Apple Bows To EU With Third iOS 17.4 Beta Rollout: Here's What's Changed With App Store, Emojis, Podcasts

by Sudhanshu Singh, Benzinga Editor
February 14, 2024 2:41 AM | 2 min read |
Zinger Key Points
  • Apple releases third beta of iOS 17.4 with unique features for EU users, including alternate app markets and payment systems.
  • Latest beta opens doors for cloud gaming apps and in-app purchases for mini games, chatbots, and plug-ins.
  • EU-exclusive updates respond to the region's antitrust legislation, fostering alternative app distribution ahead of March public release.

Apple Inc. AAPL has rolled out the third beta version of iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 for developers, introducing a raft of new features and significant changes mainly aimed at the European Union (EU).

What Happened: The third beta versions of iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 were launched a week following the release of the second betas, reported Macrumors. Developers registered with Apple can opt into these betas via the Settings app, which requires an Apple ID linked to a developer account for download and installation.

The beta versions substantially change the App Store and apps’ functioning within the EU. These include alternative app marketplaces, different payment systems, third-party browser engine support, and NFC access for banks and payment providers. However, these features are exclusive to the EU and will not be made available in other regions.

See Also: Life Coach Tony Robbins Recommends Investing In Apple Stock Instead Of Regular iPhone Upgrades To Push Ow

Besides this, Apple’s latest update incorporates changes for gaming apps, permitting cloud gaming apps such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce NOW. Mini-games, chatbots, and plug-ins can also utilize the in-app purchase system.

The new iOS 17.4 also introduces new emojis, podcast transcripts, SharePlay support for HomePod, and other features. Detailed information on these can be found here.

Why It Matters: Apple’s introduction of app sideloading and support for alternative app stores for EU users is a direct response to the EU's Digital Markets Act or DMA antitrust legislation, as reported in January. This move aims to encourage alternative app stores to distribute apps outside the App Store, provided they comply with Apple’s stringent rules.

In February, Apple started rolling out changes to its App Store Connect and TestFlight to support alternative app stores in the EU. With the public release of iOS 17.4 scheduled for March, Apple continues to make significant strides to adapt to changing market demands and regulatory requirements.

Photo by Poetra.RH on Shutterstock

Read Next: Nvidia On The Rise, ChatGPT’s Secret Sauce, And AI Cracks Ancient Code: This Week In Artificial Intelligence

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Comments
Posted In: NewsTop StoriesTechAppleverseConsumer TechSoftware & AppsStories That Matter
Benzinga simplifies the market for smarter investing

Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.

Join Now: Free!