The latest iPhone update, iOS 17.4, is here – and Apple is not happy about it.
Why? Well, it includes features the tech giant was forced to include to comply with the new European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which kicks in today.
And one of those is a big blow to the App Store, which has just lost its monopoly.
Now, developers can offer their own ‘app stores’, meaning people can download new software without going through the App Store, and developers such as Google can now offer their own app store, which offers their own content and their own restrictions.
However, they will still need to comply with other rules and will have to pay Apple a fee for installs, as well as complying with some guidelines on the types of apps available.
The change will also allow different payment options for the apps, so developers can pay for things without going through Apple but will still have to pay a fee to the tech giant.
Apple is reportedly unhappy with the change and argues this will make iPhones less secure, as the company will be liable for apps and payments that are not covered by the company’s security guarantee.
Although users could always opt not to use the new features, Apple argues that people in school or work may have to download apps from other developers to continue their course or employment.
How to update your iPhone
- Plug in your phone to a power source, and connect your phone to Wi-Fi
- Go into Settings, General, then Software update
- Choose the software update you want
- Tap install now
However, the feature is for users in the EU only, which means people living outside the bloc will not be affected – including in the UK.
Another change brought in by the act which may not be available in the UK is messaging interoperability, meaning users on one platform, such as WhatsApp, can message people on another, perhaps Facebook Messenger, without leaving their app.
iOS 17.4 also sees a range of different updates, including the addition of streaming gaming apps, such as Xbox Cloud Gaming, and the ability to add new languages for Siri to read out messages.
Other updates include a host of fun new emojis, including a lime, shaking head, and a brown mushroom.
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