For iOS 17.4, Apple is introducing significant improvements to iPhones in the EU, including the ability for consumers to run native third-party browsers on their phones.
You might be wondering, “Aren’t there already third-party browsers for iOS?” Not precisely. Currently, developers must redesign their applications to operate on the WebKit framework, thus transforming browsers like Chrome on iOS into reskinned Safaris. As a result, several functions that operate well on Android do not work on iOS. However, in the future, the tech giant would allow businesses to use their own engines “for browser apps and apps with in-app browsing experiences.” Furthermore, users can specify their preferred browser as the default on iPhone during setup. You will not be obligated to safari.
This is a major deal for regular users. It means that Google Chrome, the world’s most popular browser, will be able to deliver its intended experience on iOS for the first time. Of course, this covers other apps that use the Chromium engine, such as Edge and Opera. This group also includes independent choices such as Firefox.
Before developers can push their unfettered software to the App Store, Apple must approve it. A new help page on the Apple Developer website outlines all of the criteria that teams must achieve. It’s a hefty paper, but the important takeaways are that browsers must provide strong security for iPhone users, prevent third-party cookies, and be limited to the European Union.
App Store upgrading
The other updates focus on many App Store enhancements.
Apple will soon allow users to install programs from “alternative app marketplaces,” such as the Google Play Store. There is a catch, though. Software purchased from outside the App Store “will not be compatible” with platform features like Ask to Buy or Family Purchase Sharing.
According to 9To5Mac, every software from an outside app store must meet “Notarization requirements” before it can be used on iPhones. The method consists of many automatic checks and a human evaluation. Dev teams must demonstrate that their app is safe, fully functional, and appropriately represents their capabilities (no deception). Once everything has been resolved, businesses can freely distribute their services on their preferred marketplace.
Apple’s announcement does not mention sideloading apps at all. According to a recent Wall Street Journal story, the internet giant intends to impose taxes on platforms that allow for sideloading. However, the only money-related items in the post are offering developers more payment processing choices and a lower commission for iOS apps on the App Store.
These reforms will “come into effect in March” in 27 EU countries. As the release date approaches, Apple will post additional documents describing the iOS ecosystem update.
Future expansions
If you live in the EU and wish to try out the new features, iOS 17.4 beta is available for download via your iPhone’s Settings menu. To receive access, ensure that you are actively enrolled in Apple’s Beta Software Program. To understand how to do this, refer to our iOS 17 beta installation tutorial.
Now the question is, will all of this be implemented in the United States and elsewhere? Perhaps, but not right now. Another 9To5Mac piece has a series of Apple statements that make it very clear that the company is not making improvements because it wants to. It is doing so because the brand has chosen to follow the new rules established by the Digital Markets Act.
When questioned about spreading the App Store update, Apple declines because it considers the DMA adjustments hazardous and does not want to expose others to potential danger. However, if the United States passes its own version of the DMA, the overhaul may spread worldwide.
