Apple has released iOS 17.4 beta 2 with significant App Store and iPhone updates, in compliance with the Digital Markets Act in the European Union.

In short

• Apple starts the iOS 17.4 beta testing process.

• One feature of iOS 17.4 is support for alternate apps.

• It is anticipated that the final version of iOS 17.4 will be released during the first week of March 2024.

Apple's iOS 17.4 beta programme has begun testing. The new beta OS version is presently accessible for iOS users enrolled in public beta testing as well as developers, and it was released alongside the macOS 14.4 beta 2, watchOS 10.4 beta 2, and tvOS 17.4 beta 2 updates. With the release of iOS 17.4, Apple made major updates to the App Store and iPhone that comply with the Digital Markets Act in 27 EU member states.

iOS 17.4 release date

According to reports, Apple intends to launch iOS 17.4 in its final form during the first week of March 2024. The last window for disclosure has been scheduled in accordance with Apple's legal responsibilities within the European Union.

The deadline for Apple to implement the changes to the iPhone and the App Store, as mandated by the Digital Markets Act, is March 6. Based on that, Apple will undoubtedly release iOS 17.4 on or before March 6.

iOS 17.4 upcoming new features

As previously mentioned, the App Store and iPhone have undergone major modifications with the release of iOS 17.4. This covers compatibility with different web browsers, availability of compatibility with different app stores, and more.

support for alternative app marketplaces and more.

Here is everything new in iOS 14 update:

• Other app stores: iPhone users can now download apps from stores other than the App Store, like the Epic Games Store. This is the outcome of Apple's antitrust case in the EU.

• Selecting a default browser is now possible for iPhone users from a pop-up message in Safari. Users can now utilise other browsers, like Firefox or Chrome, that are powered by engines other than WebKit.

• Payment options: Users of iPhones running the new iOS 17.4 beta can also pay for in-app purchases with PayPal or Venmo, two alternatives to Apple Pay. Additionally, they can configure their wallet and NFC default apps for Apple Pay.

• Stolen Device Protection: Even in familiar places, iPhone users can now choose to always request a security delay when adjusting security settings. The device will be more difficult for thieves to erase or disable Find My iPhone thanks to this update.

• Transcripts of podcast episodes can now be found in the Apple Podcasts app on iPhones thanks to a new feature. Apple creates the transcripts, which are comparable to Apple Music's real-time lyrics feature. The Podcasts app's Now Playing bar has also been updated to resemble the Music app's.

• Update for Siri: Users of iPhones can now ask Siri to read messages in a different language than the one they typically use for other tasks with the iOS 17.4 beta update. Languages can be added via the Settings app's Siri & Search > Messaging with Siri menu.

• Seven new emoji, including a face exhaling, a heart with a bandage, and a face in the clouds, are now available to iPhone users. New family emoji combinations, like various genders and skin tones, are also available.

• Compatibility with Vision Pro: Users of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 can now turn off Double Tap when wearing Vision Pro. By doing this, conflicts between the Vision Pro gestures and the Apple Watch are avoided.

• A few other minor changes in iOS 17.4 include the Podcasts and Music apps renaming their Listen Now tabs as Home tabs, Safari's address bar expanding, the Settings app adding the Identifiable Region label, and the Siri shortcut expanding to Germany.

More to follow? Notably, Apple may release more updates for iOS 17.4 before its official launch in March, as the operating system is still in beta testing. Please be aware that if you are a beta tester, the version may have bugs and glitches that could impair the functionality and battery life of your iPhone. Make a backup of your data before installing the most recent beta update.