If you have an iPhone and reside in the European Union (EU), your phone will vary greatly. iOS 17.4. This newly released and available version of the system includes some significant changes that Apple had to implement in order to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The new features are truly numerous and are reaching both developers and customers. In this article we will focus on the most notable elements. We’re talking about the ability to install apps without having to go to the App Store, new options for web crawling engines, and more. Lets start.

Apple is opening up its ecosystem to comply with DMA

Since its inception, the App Store has been the only way Apple has allowed us to download apps to our iPhone. Only from now on will we be able to receive applications. from outside the store The number of applications from the Cupertino company, however, will be slightly different from what we see on mechanical Android.

If we want to download an application other than the Play Store on the operating system that we can find on phones such as Pixel, we just need to activate the “Unknown sources” option and obtain the APK (installation file) from the developer’s page or anywhere else. another page. This will not be the case on the iPhone.

In response to the new European regulatory framework, iOS 17.4 comes with the ability to install third-party app stores, which will become a new way to access applications. In other words, We will not be able to receive IPA file From a web page to install it on our device.

Since this possibility is on the table, it is only a matter of time before the first alternative stores emerge. Initially, a German company called TI Mobivention is expected to launch the Mobivention App Marketplace on March 7. We also hope to see MacPaw’s Setapp store in April.

We have also known for a while that Epic Games is preparing its own app store for iOS. The video game giant plans to open the Epic Games Store for iPhone later this year. With this alternative also ‘Fortnite’ is offered again on Apple’s phone After retiring in 2020.

It’s worth noting that although Apple allows third-party stores, it will continue to exercise some control over this alternative for “security” reasons. This will be accomplished through “notarization for iOS.” We have a dedicated article on this topic, and we should also note that it will not be free for developers either.

As we said, iOS 17.4 also comes with other new features. Until now, alternative web browsers such as Edge, Chrome or Firefox had to be used. Use Apple engine (Apple Web Kit). This will no longer be the case, as companies will be able to use their own navigation engines.

The change in question meant the end of Progressive Web Apps (PWA) on the iPhone due to difficulties at an “architectural” level, according to Apple. This decision sparked criticism among developers, and in the end, PWAs will not die. They will continue to be available in the European Union.

iOS 17.4 will also show the default browser selection screen in the following situations: Safari opened for the first time or if you are setting up your phone for the first time. In theory, the various options should be shown and once we select them, they should be downloaded to our phone to start using them immediately after the installation is completed.

This update unlocks NFC technology. In this way, developers will be able to use this component for their own payment applications. EU residents can find more information about alternative suppliers at: Settings > Privacy and Security > Contactless and NFC.

Regarding news reaching all users (EU residents and non-EU residents), we see the following: new emojisspecifically a mushroom, a phoenix, a file, a broken chain and a nodding face. You can also choose the orientation of 18 emojis that include people and body parts.

Apple Podcasts, on the other hand, has transcripts that show highlighted text as the audio of the episode progresses. This is an option available in English, Spanish, French and German. It is also possible to read the entire text, search for words or phrases, tap a section to play the content.

How to install iOS 17.4?

iOS will likely download and install automatically once your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network, charged, and locked. Of course this option must be enabled. If you want to install iOS 17.4 manually, you can go to: Settings > General > Software update and click “Update now”.

Pictures | Christian Lue | vector_corp | Xataka

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