Apple Rolls Out iOS 17.4 Update — Here's What's New On Your iPhone

Apple Inc. AAPL has launched its iOS 17.4 update, bringing about a few major iPhone changes, especially for European Union users.

What Happened: The iOS 17.4 update introduces several modifications to the App Store and apps in the EU to align with the Digital Markets Act.

Apple has added a slew of new features and improvements in the iOS 17.4 update, but the major ones are aimed specifically at users in the European Union.

iOS 17.4 Update: Here's Everything New

Alternative App Stores

App developers in the EU can now propose alternative app stores or install their apps through these stores. Apple has also implemented a new fee structure for this amendment.

Developers utilizing the new system will be charged a standard fee of 0.50 euros per user per year, with the first million installs being free of charge. Apps distributed via alternative app stores will not be subject to commission.

See Also: Apple Hit With $1.95B EU Fine In Spotify Antitrust Case

Apps distributed through the App Store will pay a reduced 17% commission, or 10% for those in the small business program or for user subscriptions older than a year.

Default Browser Selection Screen

iPhone users in the EU will now see a default browser selection screen after installing the iOS 17.4 update. This update also solves one major complaint that other browser developers have had for a while now – the lack of an option to use other browser engines instead of Apple's WebKit.

This means browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox can now use Chromium and Quantum, respectively.

Alternative Payment Options In Apps

Apple is also permitting apps to use alternative payment options, eliminating the requirement to use in-app purchases.

Developers who distribute apps through the App Store and use an alternative payment option will receive a 3% discount on their App Store fees.

Stolen Device Protection Improvements

Apple has tweaked how its new Stolen Device Protection feature works. Instead of requiring a security delay in just familiar locations, you can now choose to have it enabled at all times.

This adds an additional layer of security no matter where you are.

Siri Gets Slightly Smarter

Apple has tweaked Siri to make it a little smarter – it can now read out messages in any supported language, instead of just the default language you've set it to.

Why It Matters: This update comes in the wake of a landmark ruling where Apple was hit with a record EU antitrust fine of 1.8 billion euros ($1.95 billion) for its restrictive practices against Spotify Technology SA SPOT and other music streaming services.

The decision was based on Spotify’s 2019 complaint regarding Apple's 30% App Store fees and associated restrictions.

Earlier, Apple had faced backlash from Meta Platforms Inc. META CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft Corp. MSFT for its Alternative App Store proposal for European Union users.

Zuckerberg had suggested that Meta wouldn’t opt for it due to the way it was implemented.

Price Action: Apple’s stock closed at $171.15 on Tuesday, up 0.61%, according to Benzinga Pro.

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