iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4
Juli Clover (release notes, security, developer):
With iOS 17.4, Apple introduces sweeping changes to the way the App Store and apps function in the European Union, paving the way for alternative app marketplaces on iPhone, alternative payment systems on iOS and iPadOS, third-party browser engine support, and NFC access for banks and third-party payment providers. These features are limited to the EU, and the changes are not applicable in other countries.
Apple did, however, make worldwide changes to gaming apps. Apple is now allowing cloud gaming apps like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce NOW. Mini games, chatbots, and plug-ins are also now able to use the in-app purchase system.
In addition to these App Store-related updates, iOS 17.4 adds new emoji characters, transcripts for podcasts in the Podcasts app, Stopwatch Live Activities, improvements to battery health reporting on the iPhone 15 models, and more.
In this article, we've rounded up everything new in iOS 17.4.
iPhone and iPad owners may want to update to iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 in the near future, as the updates address two security vulnerabilities that may have been exploited to gain access to user devices.
Reading through this makes me realize there has been no real progress on app distribution or improvements in Apple’s App Store ecosystem regarding openness over the part decade, and that besides these changes flying in the face of EU requirements, real, live, actual sideloading is still a pipe dream–there is absolutely no way it’s become feasible for the individual user, and new app stores and browser engines are still hampered by various restrictions.
With iOS 17.4 released, you can go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Stolen Device Protection and make the security delay required even when you are at a familiar location.
You likely have way more familiar locations than you might think, in which cause you’ll probably want the security delay to always be required.
Previously:
- DMA Compliance: Alternative Browser Engines
- DMA Compliance: Alternative Payments
- Streaming Games in a Single App
- DMA Compliance: Alternative App Stores But No Sideloading
- iOS 17.3.1 and iPadOS 17.3.1
- Stolen Device Protection in iOS 17.3
