What’s New in Apple iOS 17.4 With EU Updates
Apple has announced that it will make changes to its iOS, Safari, and the App Store in the European Union (EU) to comply with the new Digital Markets Act (DMA), which will take effect in March 2024. The DMA is a regulation that aims to promote fair competition, consumer choice, and innovation among big tech companies that are considered “gatekeepers” of the digital market.
The changes that Apple will introduce include more than 600 new APIs, expanded app analytics, functionality for alternative browser engines, and options for processing app payments and distributing iOS apps. These changes will impact developers’ apps in the EU and will require them to follow new terms and conditions. Developers can choose to remain on the same business terms as before if they prefer.
Apple said that the changes will also introduce new safeguards to protect EU users from the increased privacy and security risks that the DMA poses. For example, Apple will require Notarization for iOS apps, an authorization for marketplace developers, and disclosures on alternative payments. Apple will also provide new resources and guidance to help EU users navigate the new options and risks.
Apple’s announcement comes after the European Commission designated iOS, Safari, and the App Store as “core platform services” under the DMA, which means that they have to comply with a set of obligations and prohibitions. Some of these include allowing third parties to interoperate with their own systems, providing access to data and information, and refraining from unfair practices that could harm competition.
Apple and other gatekeepers have to comply with the DMA by March 6, 2024, or else they could face fines of up to 10% of their annual worldwide turnover. Apple said that it will continue to deliver the best, most secure experience possible for its users in the EU and around the world.
In addition to the changes for the EU, Apple has also released the first beta of iOS 17.4, which brings new features and improvements for all iPhone users.
What’s New in iOS 17.4
Transcripts in Apple Podcasts: The Apple Podcasts app now supports automatically-generated transcripts for podcasts. Users can read along with the audio, search for specific words or phrases, and jump to any part of the podcast by tapping on the transcript. The transcripts are also available offline for downloaded episodes.
Siri in multiple languages: Siri can now read messages in additional languages, not just the primary language set for Siri. Users can add languages in the Settings app under Siri & Search > Messaging with Siri. This feature is useful for bilingual or multilingual users who receive messages in different languages.
New emoji: iOS 17.4 adds new emoji for head shaking horizontally, head shaking vertically, and a heart with a bandage. These emoji are part of the Unicode 14.0 standard and are compatible with other platforms that support them.
Stolen Device Protection: iOS 17.4 introduces a new feature that helps users recover their stolen or lost devices. If a device is marked as stolen or lost in Find My, it will remain linked to the user’s Apple ID even after a factory reset. The device will display a message on the lock screen with the user’s contact information and a request to return it. The device will also be able to receive location updates and play sounds remotely.
Other tidbits: iOS 17.4 also includes some minor changes and enhancements, such as a new Identifiable Region label in the Settings app, a wider address bar in Safari, a new Contactless & NFC menu in the Privacy settings, and the ability to say “Siri” instead of “Hey Siri” in some regions.
iOS 17.4 is currently in beta testing and is expected to be released to the public in early March 2024. Users who want to try the beta version can sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program and install the iOS 17.4 profile on their devices. However, beta software may have bugs and performance issues, so users should back up their data before updating.
Also Read: Google to Allow Crypto Ads from January 29
What is the Digital Markets Act (DMA)?
The DMA is a regulation introduced by the European Commission to regulate digital markets and ensure fair competition, consumer choice, and innovation among big tech companies that are considered “gatekeepers” of the digital market.
How does the DMA affect Apple and its iOS, Safari, and the App Store?
The DMA requires Apple and other gatekeepers to comply with a set of obligations and prohibitions, such as allowing third parties to interoperate with their own systems, providing access to data and information, and refraining from unfair practices that could harm competition. Apple has announced that it will make changes to its iOS, Safari, and the App Store in the EU to comply with the DMA, such as introducing more than 600 new APIs, expanding app analytics, functionality for alternative browser engines, and options for processing app payments and distributing iOS apps.
When will the DMA take effect and what are the consequences of non-compliance?
The DMA will take effect in March 2024, and gatekeepers have to comply with it by March 6, 2024, or else they could face fines of up to 10% of their annual worldwide turnover. The European Commission will also have the power to impose interim measures, periodic penalty payments, and structural remedies in case of repeated infringements.
What are the new features and improvements in the iOS 17.4 update?
The iOS 17.4 update brings new features and improvements for all iPhone users, such as transcripts in Apple Podcasts, Siri in multiple languages, new emoji, stolen device protection, and more. The update is currently in beta testing and is expected to be released to the public in early March 2024.
How can I try the iOS 17.4 beta version and what are the risks?
Users who want to try the beta version can sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program and install the iOS 17.4 profile on their devices. However, beta software may have bugs and performance issues, so users should back up their data before updating. Users can also opt out of the beta program at any time and restore their devices to the latest public version of iOS.