Apple recently released the first developer beta of iOS 17.4, which is shaping up to be one of the most significant improvements yet for the iPhone. As an iOS developer who carefully follows Apple’s platform, I’ve been eager to test out the changes in this update, which promise to fundamentally transform the iPhone experience.
In this in-depth review, I’ll go over all of the important new features that make iOS 17.4 a significant milestone for Apple. Let’s take a look at what’s new, including support for third-party app stores and 100 new emoji.
iOS 17.4 Sideloading and Third Party App Stores
The most significant feature in iOS 17.4 is sideloading support and the ability to install apps from third-party stores. This became necessary for Apple to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
Rather than taking an open approach, Apple is giving developers new App Store APIs to create alternative stores that people may download. These third-party app shops will still have to be discovered and installed via Apple’s App Store.
Once a user has installed an alternative store, they will be able to browse and download apps outside of Apple’s walled garden. Alternative stores must still follow App Store content restrictions.
This shift will radically change iOS. For more than a decade, Apple has maintained strict control over the software experience. Users will now have an option, and developers will benefit from avoiding Apple’s commissions.
It raises questions about security, privacy, and discoverability, which Apple will have to address. Overall, this is a significant step forward in iOS development.
Alternative Payment Systems
In addition to third-party app shops, Apple is allowing alternate payment options for App Store apps. This means that developers can now route customers to external payment flows to avoid Apple’s in-app purchase commission.
Again, this shift stems from governmental mandates for more equitable economics. Developers who offer subscription apps and in-app purchases stand to benefit greatly.
To encourage continuing usage of Apple’s in-app purchase system, developers who incorporate it will receive a 3% commission discount. However, alternative payment providers are likely to provide better rates.
This will significantly improve the developer experience and competitiveness of iOS monetization. Users may experience some friction while setting up payments outside of apps. However, the savings for developers should result in higher-quality apps over time.
iOS 17.4 Set Default Browser
Since iOS 14, iPhone users can set a third-party web browser as the default option. However, Apple limited this to browsers based on its WebKit rendering engine.
iOS 17.4 provides users with genuine browser choice by allowing them to pick any third-party browser as their default. When a user clicks on a web link, they will be given the choice of always opening it in browsers such as Chrome or Firefox rather than Safari.
This has been a huge pain issue for iOS browser developers. Apple has finally relented and allowed customers to customize their browser experience rather than being forced to use Safari.
As a developer, creating fully functional web browsers for iPhone will finally be possible, giving users unrestricted choice. This is another significant step toward operating system openness.
Gaming Service Support
Platforms such as Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia GeForce Now, Google Stadia, and Steam Link will be permitted as separate apps. Apple is developing tools to link controllers and optimize streaming performance.
This will enable console/PC-quality games on the iPhone and iPad, in addition to native App Store titles. While Apple Arcade’s products will remain exclusive, customers will have greater access to immersive, graphically rich games.
This opens the door for Game Pass, Google Play Games, and GeForce Now to launch as iOS apps. As a developer, I’m thrilled to see Apple support these high-end gaming experiences rather than confining them to native formats.
iOS 17.4 has over 100 new emoji characters
iOS 17.4 introduces over 100 new emoji varieties. These include new facial expressions, hand gestures, animals, meals, household items, and more.
Highlights include a donkey, moose, jellyfish, hyacinth, peapod, maracas, flute, hair pick, and many family/couple combinations. Popular requests such as shaking face, pushing hand, and pink heart were also included.
Apple has optimized numerous emoticons for use as stickers in third-party apps. Many characters also have directional variations that better depict their cultural setting.
Emoji continue to evolve as a primary communication medium worldwide. This important iOS improvement brings the language up to date with current trends and user expectations. For developers like myself, it represents an opportunity to improve messaging and social interactions in novel ways.
Siri reads messages in different languages
A little yet significant iOS 17.4 update makes Siri more multilingual. Users can now instruct Siri to announce incoming messages in a different language than the system default. For example, with an English iPhone, Siri can read texts in Spanish.
This appears to anticipate more broad language support in an upcoming iOS version. It suggests that Siri will eventually be able to understand requests, read information, and talk in many languages at the same time.
That would be extremely effective for millions of multilingual users. It necessitates extensive machine learning and localization efforts. As a foreign iOS developer, witnessing Apple build the framework for Siri’s future inclusivity makes me very excited.
Refreshed Podcast App
iOS 17.4 includes some significant enhancements to the built-in Podcasts app. Transcripts are now supported, so users can read along with audio programs. The player interface has also been improved with more intuitive controls.
Episode clips, however, represent the most significant change. This enables podcasters to highlight crucial moments, which can then be published publicly and accessed through a new “Listen Now” section.
These modifications will help podcasts become more discoverable and shareable. As an audio app developer, I’m excited to see Apple improve iOS capabilities ahead of a significant push into podcasting.
Subtle Visual Refresh in Safari
In iOS 17.4, Apple has discreetly revamped the Safari browser. The search toolbar is now somewhat larger and features bolder icons. This appears to be optimized for the latest iPhone displays.
While it appears to be a modest tweak, it is the next step in Safari’s design progression. Apple keeps its native apps feeling fresh while remaining familiar.
These design trends have an impact on the user interfaces that developers create. Safari sets the standard for mobile browser design, and this update includes welcome enhancements geared to contemporary iPhones.
Conclusion
iOS 17.4 represents a watershed moment in the platform’s history, with changes that dramatically alter its openness and extend user options. Alternative app shops, browsers, gaming services, and payment methods will usher in a new era.
For developers, this upgrade lays the framework for enhancing the iOS ecosystem. It creates potential while also raising new security and discovery considerations. However, the overall user experience is expected to improve significantly.
While many of the modifications are intended to appease regulators, they are also consistent with iOS maturation. More options and developer friendliness will result in better programs while keeping users protected. This strikes a balance between transparency and the trust that Apple has developed.
As an iOS developer, I’m ecstatic about all the possibilities in iOS 17.4. It’s a watershed moment that will influence platform development for years. Apple continues to curate the experience, but now on the user’s terms.
The initial beta demonstrates that these features are thoughtfully integrated, with the excellent fit and finish we expect. I can’t wait to use the additional features to push the creative app boundaries. iOS 17.4 begins the platform’s next chapter with an empowered community.
+ There are no comments
Add yours