Apple Seeds Second iOS 17.4 Public Beta With EU App Ecosystem Changes

Apple today seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 updates to public beta testers, allowing non-developers to test the software ahead of its release. The second public iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 betas come a week after Apple released the first betas.

iOS 17
Public beta testers can get the beta by opening up the Settings app, going to the Software Update section, tapping on the "Beta Updates" option, and toggling on the iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 Public Beta. Signing up on Apple's beta testing website is required.

The iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 betas introduce a whole slew of changes for users in the European Union, allowing for alternative app stores and alternative payment methods.

There are new options for choosing a default browser, NFC has been opened up to banks and other financial institutions, and browsers aren't mandated to use WebKit.

Along with these changes, the update also brings new emoji characters, Podcast transcripts, tweaks to Safari, hints of what we can expect from the next-generation CarPlay, and more.

Full details on what's included in iOS 17.4 can be found in our features guide. Apple has also released new public betas of tvOS 17.4, watchOS 10.4, and the HomePod 17.4 Software.

Related Forums: iOS 17, iPadOS 17

Popular Stories

iPhone SE 4 Thumb 1

iPhone SE 4 With Apple's Own 5G Modem 'Confirmed' to Launch in March

Tuesday November 19, 2024 12:12 pm PST by
Barclays analyst Tom O'Malley and his colleagues recently traveled to Asia to meet with various electronics manufacturers and suppliers. In a research note this week, outlining key takeaways from the trip, the analysts said they have "confirmed" that a fourth-generation iPhone SE with an Apple-designed 5G modem is slated to launch towards the end of the first quarter next year. In line with previo...
airtag purple

AirTag 2 Rumored to Launch Next Year With These New Features

Sunday November 17, 2024 5:18 am PST by
Apple released the AirTag in April 2021, so it is now three over and a half years old. While the AirTag has not received any hardware updates since then, a new version of the item tracking accessory is rumored to be in development. Below, we recap rumors about a second-generation AirTag. Timing Apple is aiming to release a new AirTag in mid-2025, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman....
Magic Mouse Next to Keyboard

No, Apple CEO Tim Cook Didn't Say He Prefers Logitech's MX Master 3 Over the Magic Mouse

Sunday November 17, 2024 3:03 pm PST by
While the Logitech MX Master 3 is a terrific mouse for the Mac, reports claiming that Apple CEO Tim Cook prefers that mouse over the Magic Mouse are false. The Wall Street Journal last month published an interview with Cook, in which he said he uses every Apple product every day. Soon after, The Verge's Wes Davis attempted to replicate using every Apple product in a single day. During that...
Generic iOS 18 Feature Real Mock

Apple Releases iOS 18.1.1 and iPadOS 18.1.1 With Security Fixes

Tuesday November 19, 2024 10:10 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 18.1.1 and iPadOS 18.1.1, minor updates to the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 operating systems that debuted earlier in September. iOS 18.1.1 and iPadOS 18.1.1 come three weeks after the launch of iOS 18.1. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple has also released iOS 17.7.2 for...
at t turbo indicator iphone 16 pro max v0 8hrh7w5f3w1e1

AT&T Turbo Indicator Showing Up in iPhone Status Bar for Subscribers

Wednesday November 20, 2024 3:42 am PST by
AT&T has begun displaying "Turbo" in the iPhone carrier label for customers subscribed to its premium network prioritization service, according to reports on Reddit. The new indicator seems to have started appearing after users updated to iOS 18.1.1, but that could be just coincidence. Image credit: Reddit user No_Highlight7476 The Turbo feature provides enhanced network performance through ...
iPhone 17 Slim Feature Single Camera 1 Redux

'iPhone 17 Air' Rumored to Surpass iPhone 6 as Thinnest iPhone Ever

Monday November 18, 2024 1:07 pm PST by
In a research note with Hong Kong-based investment bank Haitong today, obtained by MacRumors, Apple analyst Jeff Pu said he agrees with a recent rumor claiming that the so-called "iPhone 17 Air" will be around 6mm thick. "We agreed with the recent chatter of an 6mm thickness ultra-slim design of the iPhone 17 Slim model," he wrote. If that measurement proves to be accurate, there would be ...
bug security vulnerability issue fix larry

Make Sure to Update: iOS 18.1.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1.1 Fix Actively Exploited Vulnerabilities

Tuesday November 19, 2024 10:52 am PST by
The iOS 18.1.1, iPadOS 18.1.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1.1 updates that Apple released today address JavaScriptCore and WebKit vulnerabilities that Apple says have been actively exploited on some devices. With the JavaScriptCore vulnerability, processing maliciously crafted web content could lead to arbitrary code execution. The WebKit vulnerability had the same issue with maliciously crafted...

Top Rated Comments

AppleMango Avatar
10 months ago
If I’m affected by those changes, can I make sure that everything remains the same and I have the same safety as before?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
one more Avatar
10 months ago

If I’m affected by those changes, can I make sure that everything remains the same and I have the same safety as before?
All of this is totally optional and nothing is forced on you, it is a choice. In order to install an app from outside of Apple’s own AppStore, you will have to go to a specific third party app store and install an app from there. So nothing will self install for you, if you are worried about that.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
elementalwingma Avatar
10 months ago
I know it might seem trivial but I for one am ecstatic that the Notification Center bug is fixed.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Angerhome Avatar
10 months ago

If I’m affected by those changes, can I make sure that everything remains the same and I have the same safety as before?
Didn't you just order a MacBook?

You must never connect the iPhone to the MacBook. You fear something with the iPhone that has been common practice with the MacBook for years.??‍♂️
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
traveler01 Avatar
10 months ago

All of this is totally optional and nothing is forced on you, it is a choice. In order to install an app from outside of Apple’s own AppStore, you will have to go to a specific third party app store and install an app from there. So nothing will self install for you, if you are worried about that.
Even if they made it work like Android, it's always a users choice to install an App outside of Google Play. Don't understand why Apple keeps fighting the EU on this.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nsklaus Avatar
10 months ago
@Apple
any chance for handwriting support that does not destroy battery charge on ipad ?
currently using the pencil for 15minutes gulps 10% of ipad battery.
at this rate, total autonomy of ipad when using pencil is around 2h30..
that makes it similar to playing triple A gaming, that's a bit ridiculous for just making simple handwriten notes.

also please give an option to toggle automated shapes on/off
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)