PROGRES.ID – Apple has rolled out its latest update, iOS 17.4, which brings a number of new features including new emojis, additional security protocols, and changes specifically for iOS users in Europe.

One of the main changes Apple has made is regarding the App Store, where developers are now allowed to use third-party “app stores”, and users are allowed to download apps from outside Apple’s App Store.

This is a step taken by Apple to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations imposed by the European Union, with the aim of avoiding monopoly in the digital economy.

However, despite the new freedom for developers and users, this process still has strict requirements.

Developers still have to get approval from Apple and pay a core technology fee of 50 euro cents for each app installation that reaches a certain number of downloads in a year.

For European iPhone users updating to iOS 17.4, they will be provided with specific information regarding App Store, payment, and browser options in the update description.

The permission process for third-party app marketplaces will take time, but some marketplaces such as Mobivention and Epic Game Store will be available in the near future.

In addition, users in Europe can also use alternative browsers that are not based on Apple’s WebKit, such as Chrome and Firefox. However, no alternative browser has been unveiled yet, although Google and Mozilla are experimenting with such browsers.

For users outside Europe, iOS 17.4 also brings significant updates, including the addition of a new cryptographic protocol for iMessage called PQ3, which aims to improve end-to-end encryption security against quantum computing attacks.

Additionally, iPhone 15 users can now see more specific information about their battery in the Battery Health settings.

How to Update

To update to iOS 17.4, users can go to Settings > General > Software Update, as usual. This update is available for all devices that support iOS 17, from the iPhone X to the second generation iPhone SE.