iOS 17.4 Beta 1: Comprehensive overview of new features

Apple recently distributed the first betas of iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 to developers, releasing some radical updates for the iPhone and iPad in Europe. Most of the big changes will only affect EU users, but there are also updates to the operating system that are available worldwide. In this article, we'll take a closer look at everything that's new in iOS 17.4 Beta 1.

Apple has made some major changes in the latest beta version of the iOS 17.4 operating system, specifically aimed at users in the European Union. This update not only brings a variety of changes related to the App Store, alternative payment options and browser updates, but also enables improved NFC accessibility and expanded capabilities for gaming apps. We'll go through all the details of this important update below.

iOS 17.4: Changes forced by the EU

Apple has adapted to the latest laws and regulations in the European Union and introduced some changes. Among other things, app developers can now offer alternative app stores or distribute their apps through alternative channels. This is accompanied by a new fee structure that applies to developers in the EU. Under the new system, developers pay a standard fee of €0.50 per user per year, with the first million installations free. There are no commissions for apps distributed through alternative app stores. For apps distributed through the App Store, the reduced commission is 17 percent, or 10 percent for apps in the small business program or for user subscriptions that are older than one year.

Apple revises screen time settings

One feature in the EU is the ability to set your preferred alternative app store as the default app store on your device, further increasing variety and choice for users. There have also been numerous behind-the-scenes changes to keep users safe. For example, EU users will receive a pop-up warning if an app from an alternative app store contains malware. This feature is part of Apple's efforts to increase the quality and safety of apps in the EU. Parents now have the ability to control whether their children can install apps from alternative app marketplaces via Screen Time settings, providing additional safety for young users.

Alternative payment options

Another significant change concerns the use of alternative payment options in apps. Developers can now offer alternative payment methods in their apps without having to rely on in-app purchases. This not only brings more flexibility for developers but also financial benefits. Developers who distribute their apps through the App Store and offer alternative payment options receive a three percent discount on their App Store fees. Developers who distribute their apps through alternative app stores and also use alternative payment options do not incur any additional fees, apart from the set EUR 0.50 per user. With these alternative payment options, users can purchase digital goods and services directly in the app or pay via a secure payment provider on a website.

third-party browser updates

Another milestone in iOS 17.4 concerns third-party browser updates. When Safari is opened, EU users will see a pop-up window that allows them to choose a new default browser from a list of the most popular browsers on iOS. Apple has also removed restrictions on browser engines and allows alternative browser engines to be used, further increasing user choice and flexibility.

NFC access

Another change concerns NFC access. Third-party payment apps and banks will gain access to the NFC chip in iPhone to offer contactless payments directly on the device in the European Economic Area. Users will be able to set a default provider for contactless payments, enabling convenient and secure transactions. The ability to set a default provider for contactless payments is available in Settings and provides a comprehensive overview of all apps that have requested and been granted access to this feature. In addition, EU users will also be able to change the default wallet app on their iPhone to suit their individual needs.

Changes to gaming apps

iOS 17.4 also enables streaming game apps to be approved globally in the App Store. This means that services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce NOW can now be offered as standalone iPhone and iPad apps, rather than being available exclusively via the web. Additionally, mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots and plug-ins can now also use the in-app purchasing system, increasing the variety and fun in the app world.

New Emoji

Last but not least, the iOS 17.4 beta brings a delightful selection of new emoji characters that make communication even more colorful and expressive. These emojis, including a lime, an edible brown mushroom, a phoenix, and more, are part of the Unicode 15.1 update, which was adopted in September 2023. Users can look forward to even more creative chats and messages.

iOS 17.4: Further changes

iOS 17.4 also includes other small changes that improve the user experience. These include expanding the URL/search bar in Safari, which is now wider than before. Additionally, the "Send Messages Automatically" setting under "Siri & Search" has been renamed to "Messages with Siri," and there's an option to have Siri read incoming messages in different languages. The "Listen Now" tabs in Apple Music and Podcasts have been renamed "Home," and the Podcasts app now offers transcripts, similar to the lyrics in the Apple Music app. Looking for new accessories? Check out these in our Amazon Storefront - there you will find numerous products from leading suppliers, also for HomeKit and Co.! (Photo by nikkimeel / Bigstockphoto)