With new versions of iOS 17.4 e iPadOs 17.4 (currently in testing phase) Apple has great news in mind for European users: this update, in fact, arrives to satisfy the requests of Digital Markets Act (DMA), the new legislation that has the task of regulating digital markets and the large companies that inhabit them.
Therefore, the arrival of the update is Of fundamental importance for Europe and not only does it bring several new features to the operating system, but it also makes it much safer for users and much more “free” and open, in some ways, to companies outside of Apple. Here’s all the news.
iOS 17.4, the main new features
Among the first and most important new features of the update is il sideloading for third-party applications.
Clearly it won’t be that simple and Apple will still have the final say on the applications that can or cannot be downloaded onto the devices, as well as having the possibility of earning from these applications, with “taxes” that must be paid by the developers directly to the giant of Cupertino.
The explanation for this decision lies in the guarantee of having “a safe and controlled system”, although many consider this decision to be unfair and, probably, in clear contrast with the DMA itself.
In addition to this, according to the first indications leaked by beta testers, Apple has also paved the way all’NFC and to others alternative payment systems ad Apple Pay.
Another important news also concerns the support for third-party web browsers who will not necessarily have to use the search engine WebKit.
In short, it’s no longer there Safari as the default browser, but users will have the opportunity to choose the software they prefer with the possibility of also adding websites to the iPhone home screen and using them as apps.
However, for this last point, it must be underlined that Apple has added a system message that asks users whether to open the link from the default browser (i.e. Safari) or whether to cancel the operation.
In this sense, Apple’s decision is a bit controversial and could significantly affect the user experience of this new feature. Given this, further changes in this regard cannot be ruled out.
Finally, with the next update, Apple also allows you to use game streaming services, such as Xbox Cloud Gaming e Nvidia GeForce NOWfor example.
At the moment the function is only available on the web, according to the statements of the Cupertino giant, the functions will soon arrive globally respective applications for iPhone and iPad.
What changes for users
The arrival of iOS 17.4 will bring many changes especially for European users who will be able to count on an operating system more in line with the requirements imposed by the European Union and therefore freer and more transparent.
Col Digital Markets Act, in fact, even Apple must guarantee the maximum transparency on data management of users and, which is what this new update concerns, it must guarantee them that they can use a service easily and exit from it equally immediately, by liberalizing third-party apps and services.
A real earthquake for a “closed” ecosystem like that of the Cupertino giant which, perhaps for the first time ever, must “bend” (in its own way, of course) to the needs and requests of users.
To know more: IOS, features of the Apple operating system