iOS 17.4 beta brings major changes to the App Store in the EU, including alternative stores

If you live in the European Union, iOS 17.4 will be a massive upgrade for you. Apple began beta testing of the update on January 25 and outlined many of the changes in a press release.

The main goal of this release is to comply with the EU Digital Markets Act, which has a deadline of March 6. We expect Apple to release iOS 17.4 sometime near this date.

There are 600 new APIs, expanded app analytics, features for alternative browser engines, access to NFC for mobile payment systems, and options for processing app payments and distributing iOS apps outside from the App Store. Commissions are also reduced, up to 10% in the first year for most developers (and for subscriptions beyond the first year) and 17% for all digital transactions. This represents a reduction of almost half compared to rates in the rest of the world.

What’s new in iOS 17.4

There are no release notes for iOS 17.4 yet, but a press release from Apple goes over all the changes aimed at the EU. They understand:

• New options for distributing iOS apps from alternative app marketplaces: New APIs and tools allowing developers to offer their iOS applications for download from alternative application markets.

• New framework and API to create alternative app marketplaces: Marketplace developers can install apps and manage updates on behalf of other developers from their dedicated Marketplace app.

• New frameworks and APIs for alternative browser engines: Developers can use browser engines other than WebKit for browser apps and apps that provide in-app browsing experiences.

• Interoperability Request Form: Developers can submit additional requests for interoperability with iPhone and iOS hardware and software features.

There are also new app security features, intended to mitigate the risks Apple says are inherent in getting apps from places other than the App Store:

• Notarization for iOS apps: A baseline review that applies to all applications, regardless of their distribution channel, focused on platform integrity and user protection. Notarization involves a combination of automated checks and human review.

• Application installation sheets: Use information from the notarization process to provide at-a-glance descriptions of apps and their features before download, including the developer, screenshots, and other essential information.

• Authorization for marketplace developers: Ensures that marketplace developers commit to ongoing requirements that help protect users and developers.

• Additional protections against malware: Prevents iOS apps from launching if they contain malware after being installed on a user’s device.

Other features discovered so far in the beta include:

New emojis: A number of new emojis, from the Emoji 15.1 standard, are present in iOS 17.4.

SharePlay music control for HomePod and Apple TV: Family and friends with an iPhone will be able to control music from your HomePod or Apple TV, with permission. This works similarly to the CarPlay feature that arrived on iOS last year.

Apple Music “Home” tab: The tab formerly titled “Listen Now” has been renamed “Home”.

Stolen Device Protection: Users can now choose to always require a delay when changing security settings, not just when you’re away from familiar locations.

iOS 17.4: How to install the public beta

If you want to be among the first to test iOS 17, you can sign up for the public beta test. The process for installing a beta has changed in iOS 16.4. Here’s how the new process now works:

1. Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and sign up with your Apple ID.
2. Log in to the beta software program.
3. Click on Register your iOS device.
4. Open it Settings application, tap GeneralSO Software update.
5. In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS public beta.

It may take a few moments after signing up for the beta option to appear in the software update.

iOS 17.4: How to install the developer beta

You will need to be registered as an Apple developer. Starting with iOS 17, you don’t need to participate in the $99 per year developer program to access the developer beta. A free developer account will do the trick. You can get one through Xcode or the Apple Developer app on iOS. Here’s how to do it via the Apple Developer app:

1. Download the Apple Developer app from the App Store.
2. Open the app.
3. Tap Account.
4. Sign in using your regular Apple ID.

If you want to sell apps on the App Store, you’ll need to pay $99/£79 per year for a paid account. Sign up for the Apple Developer Program (here) or through the Apple Developer App. You can compare free and paid accounts here.

Registered developers can choose to get the public beta by selecting iOS Public Beta in the Software Update screen. It may take a little time after registering as a developer for the option to appear in software updates.

Some developers have an Apple ID registered for developer access that is different from the Apple ID associated with their Apple account and personal information. To use a different Apple ID for beta access than used in the rest of iOS, open Settings > General > Software update > Beta updates and select Apple ID at the bottom of the screen.

Find out everything you need to know about iOS 17 in our iOS 17 superguide.