Along with the macOS 14.4 beta 2, watchOS 10.4 beta 2 and tvOS 17.4 beta 2, the renowned technological company, Apple has commenced the beta testing of its iOS 17.4 update. At present, it is available for iOS users enrolled in public beta testing and developers. With the new iOS 17.4 version, the company has rolled out some important updates in the app store.
In the first week of March, the company is reportedly planning to release the final version of iOS 17.4. As per the Digital Markets Act, Apple has been directed to make some alterations to the iPhone and the app store. The changes include support for other web browsers, availability of support for alternative app marketplaces and more.
The following are newly existing versions in the iOS 14 update.
* Alternative app marketplaces :
iPhone users can download apps from other sources than the App Store, for the first time. This is a result of the EU antitrust ruling against Apple.
* Browser Choice :
iPhone users can now also choose their default browser from a pop-up message in Safari. Also, users can now use browsers that run on various engines other than WebKit, like Firefox or chrome.
* New emoji :
Users can now enjoy 7 new emojis, such as heart with a bandage, a face exhaling and a face in the clouds. There are also new combinations of family emoji, like different genders and skin tones.
* Payment options :
The new iOS 17.4 beta also allows iPhone users to pay for in-app purchases using different methods than Apple Pay, like PayPal or Venmo. They can also set their default NFC and wallet apps for Apple Pay.
* Podcasts transcripts :
This new feature allows iPhone users to search transcripts of podcast episodes in the Apple podcasts app. The transcripts are created by Apple and are similar to the real-time lyrics feature in Apple Music. The Now Playing bar in the Podcasts app has also been redesigned to match the Music app.
* Siri Upgrade
The iOS 17.4 beta update also allows iPhone users to ask Siri to read messages in different languages than the one they use for Siri for other tasks. They can add languages in the Settings app under Siri & Search > Messaging with Siri.