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The iOS 17.4 beta showcases Apple's focus on innovation and security, offering an array of features set to enhance the mobile user experience.
Today marked a whirlwind of activity as Apple rolled out the inaugural beta version of iOS 17.4. This update brings a cascade of alterations primarily geared towards the European Union's App Store landscape. However, there's much more under the hood for users worldwide.
Let's delve into the highlights of iOS 17.4.
Earlier, iOS 17.4 introduces a suite of pivotal updates to the App Store and its wider ecosystem, particularly impacting iPhone users in the European Union. For the first time, the update paves the way for third-party app stores, modifies regulations concerning default web browsers, allows game streaming apps, among other significant enhancements.
※ Related Reading - Apple Adapts to EU Laws: Major Changes to iOS, Safari, and App Store
Apple has introduced a significant change for developers by permitting the integration of alternative payment systems within their apps. This move eliminates the previous mandate for apps to solely rely on Apple's in-app purchase system. Developers who opt for these alternative payment methods when distributing apps via the App Store will benefit from a reduced App Store commission, enjoying a 3% discount on the usual fees.
For those who choose to distribute their apps through other means and also utilize alternative payment systems, Apple will only require a nominal fee of 0.50 euros per user, with no additional charges.
These alternative payment systems allow for transactions involving digital goods and services to be processed directly within apps. Alternatively, developers may direct users to their own websites for payment processing. Apple mandates that all transactions must be conducted through recognized and secure payment service providers.
With the release of iOS 17.4, European Union (EU) users will encounter a new experience when they first open Safari. A prompt will allow them to select a new default web browser from a list of the most popular options available for iOS.
In a further step towards openness, Apple is now supporting alternative browser engines on iOS, removing the previous restriction that required browsers like Chrome to use Apple's WebKit engine exclusively.
The latest iOS update grants third-party payment applications and banking institutions access to the iPhone's NFC chip within the European Economic Area. This enables them to facilitate contactless payments directly from the iPhone, bypassing the need for Apple Pay or the Wallet app. Users can now designate a default contactless payment provider that will be activated at tap-to-pay terminals or by pressing the iPhone's Side button twice.
EU users can manage their default contactless payment provider within the iPhone's Settings app, where they can also view a comprehensive list of all apps that have been authorized for contactless payment capabilities.
Additionally, EU users now have the option to change their default Wallet app, allowing for greater personalization and choice in managing their payment options on the iPhone.
Apple has embraced the future of gaming by allowing streaming game apps to be hosted on the App Store globally. This groundbreaking change opens the doors for platforms such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce NOW to be available as dedicated apps for iPhone and iPad users.
In the past, cloud gaming services were confined to web-only access on iOS devices. The updated policy grants these services the ability to offer immersive gaming experiences through apps that enable users to stream games directly from servers.
The scope of Apple's in-app purchase system has broadened to include a variety of app types. Mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots, and plug-ins now have the capability to integrate Apple's in-app purchase system, providing developers with more flexibility and monetization options for their diverse offerings on the App Store.
In the latest update, iOS 17.4 brings several noteworthy modifications to the Apple Podcasts app. A standout feature is the new capability for auto-generating transcripts within the app, which Apple will produce and display for users.
Additionally, the update introduces a refreshed design for the Now Playing bar at the bottom of the Apple Podcasts interface, now mirroring the aesthetic found in the Apple Music app.
Completing the trio of updates, the "Listen Now" tab situated in the app's bottom navigation has been aptly rebranded as "Home."
iOS 17.4 welcomes an array of fresh emoji to its collection, including:
These new emojis are a part of the Unicode 15.1 update, which received approval in September 2023. This update enriches the iOS emoji keyboard, offering users more ways to convey emotions, reactions, and messages in their digital communications.
The iOS 17.4 update brings a more intuitive experience for interacting with Siri regarding messaging. The setting formerly known as "Automatically Send Messages" found within Siri & Search preferences has been aptly renamed to "Messaging with Siri." This refined nomenclature reflects the broader messaging functionalities that Siri now offers.
An exciting addition to Siri's capabilities is the option for users to choose a specific language for Siri to read incoming messages aloud. This feature supports a variety of languages, including Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and many others, catering to a global user base.
A notable feature is the ability to set a security delay which can be activated under specific conditions. Users have the choice to enforce this delay:
This tailored approach allows users to strike a balance between convenience and heightened security, depending on their individual preferences and risk assessment.
The next-generation CarPlay is poised for its U.S. debut later in 2024. With the iOS 17.4 update, developers and users are getting a sneak peek into the future of vehicle integration with references to eight innovative CarPlay apps designed to enhance the in-car experience.
An intriguing feature hinted at in the iOS 17.4 beta is a "Goodbye" screen that CarPlay may display as the driver turns off the vehicle, adding a personalized touch to the end of every journey. This feature could mark a thoughtful and interactive conclusion to the driving experience.
Users browsing with Safari will notice a slight increase in the width of the address bar, a change from its previous dimension in iOS 17.3.
The iOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4 updates are set to enhance the SharePlay experience by extending music control capabilities to HomePod and Apple TV devices. This expansion allows family and friends to actively participate in the music-playing experience, provided they have been given the necessary permissions by the device owner.
iOS 17.4 emerges as a pivotal update, especially with its focus on the EU market and enhanced user experience globally. The breadth of changes underscores Apple's commitment to refining its ecosystem and catering to diverse user needs.
In conclusion, iOS 17.4 promises a transformative experience for iPhone users, blending functionality, security, and innovation seamlessly.
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