In these last hours, approximately from 7pm on March 5th, the update is available iOS 17.4 with which Apple adapts to the European dictates of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a set of rules and regulations which – among other things – tend towards greater discretion of users of digital services.
Apple has therefore made significant changes to its iPhone operating system which, starting today, is to be considered a little less closed. Despite having been forced to adhere to EU rules, Apple has raised an alarm which is not just about convenience. As we will see later, the fears expressed by the Cupertino-based company are not – at least in theory – entirely unfounded.
What changes with iOS 17.4
The first new feature is the possibility of purchasing apps on the spot outside the App Store, Apple’s digital store that brings a significant sum into the company’s coffers. In 2020, the global turnover of the App Store reached 643 billion dollars, a figure destined partly to application developers and partly to the Apple giant. In parallel, on any application store, Apple allows the use of alternative payment systems to those accepted until the previous version of iOS, mostly centered around Apple Pay.
By purchasing applications elsewhere, users can expect more competition, and Apple will have to say goodbye to a portion of their income.
Additionally, iOS 17.4 allows users to choose aalternative to Safari, the default browser on all Apple devices. By opening it, a short procedure is started during which the user is asked to choose which browser to use on their device.
Nonetheless, it allows developers to be able to create browsers with engines other than WebKita tool that Apple imposes to protect the privacy of its users.
Apple’s alarm
Sideloading, or the ability to purchase apps outside of the App Store, is not free of risks. Cupertino has expressed concern especially regarding security and privacy. Apple imposes very strict lines on developers, who are asked to high standards. It is not uncommon for those who create apps for Apple devices to have to mess with it several times before obtaining approval and publishing it on the App Store.
Now these rigorous controls could disappear because Apple will have limited power over alternative stores. This is a problem that should not cause alarm but cannot be ruled out a priori either. It will take some time to evaluate the quality of the standards and controls of third-party stores.
How to install iOS 17.4
The procedure is always the same. From your iPhone you need to select Settings then you need to click on General and then on Software Update.
It’s good to know what the update is full-bodiedis close to 2 GB of data, so it may be convenient to do this when you are connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Like iOS 17, this new version can be installed from iPhone X onwards.