In a move to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, Apple introduces the iOS 17.4 update, enabling third-party app stores and additional features tailored for EU users.
Apple has launched the iOS 17.4 update for iPhone users, incorporating changes in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. This legislation is designed to regulate large technology companies, and as part of Apple’s compliance, the update introduces several notable features for users within the EU.
One of the key elements of iOS 17.4 is the allowance for developers to offer their own app stores. This marks a significant shift from Apple’s previous policy, allowing users to download apps outside of the traditional App Store avenue. Alongside this, the update provides developers with alternative payment processing options, diverging from the exclusive use of Apple’s payment system.
Despite implementing these changes, Apple has expressed concerns about the potential security risks they may pose to users. The company has been particularly vocal about its reservations regarding the security implications of sideloading apps and the use of alternative payment systems.
In addition to these major changes, iOS 17.4 also introduces the availability of streaming gaming apps like Xbox Cloud Gaming, an array of new emojis, podcast transcripts, and advanced security tools aimed at safeguarding messages against threats from quantum computing.
While these updates are primarily focused on users within the EU to adhere to the region’s regulatory framework, they mark a significant departure from Apple’s traditional operating policies. Apple has made it clear that while they are complying with the Digital Markets Act, they continue to hold concerns over some of the mandates imposed by the legislation.
