Apple has initiated the beta testing phase for iOS 17.4, following the release of iOS 17.3 with several new features. This update brings a significant shift for European users, as it introduces the ability for App Store sideloading, aligning with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act mandates.
Compliance with EU Regulations
The move to allow sideloading on iPhones is a direct response to the EU’s legislation requiring tech companies to open up their platforms for third-party applications. While this feature will primarily affect the EU market, the specifics of its implementation on a global scale remain uncertain.
Payment Systems and Browser Preferences
In the United States, Apple has made strides towards embracing third-party payment systems, albeit with a 27% commission fee and other restrictions related to the promotion of this option and the collection of fees. Furthermore, European users will gain the ability to select their preferred web browser upon installing the new beta update.
In addition to these changes, Apple traditionally includes new emojis in its x.4 updates. The previous iOS 16.4 update saw the addition of over 20 new emojis, enhancing the expressive range available to users.
The current beta cycle for iOS 17.4 may introduce over 100 new emojis, as suggested by Emojipedia’s forecast based on the upcoming Unicode Emoji 15.1 update, which could include a variety of new designs such as a phoenix bird and gender-neutral family representations.
The adoption of these new emojis will depend on the discretion of various vendors, including Apple, and whether they choose to follow the design guidelines provided. Apple is also testing early versions of its other operating systems, including iPadOS 17.4, watchOS 10.4, macOS 14.4, and tvOS 17.4.
