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Apple’s iOS 17.4 update is on the way, with revolutionary new features that will change your iPhone forever.
Apple’s iOS 17.4 has big implications for iPhone users based in the EU. Because this upgrade enables sideloading of iOS and opens up the App Store and platform for the first time to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
More was revealed this week as Apple released iOS 17.4 Beta 3. And many EU-based iPhone users are unhappy with the new changes to Progressive Web Apps (PWA).
Here’s what you need to know about Apple’s biggest iPhone software update ever.
Apple’s iOS 17.4 enables iOS sideloading
The highlight of iOS 17.4’s changes, at least for users in the EU, is the fact that the upgrade opens up your iPhone to sideloading apps. Sideloading has long been possible for Google’s Android users, but Apple’s locked-down ecosystem is the reason many security-conscious users buy an iPhone.
The iPhone maker has acknowledged that the changes in iOS 17.4 have security implications, and has so far been vocal about the safety measures it has put in place to protect users. At least for now, Apple will only allow apps to be distributed in certain app stores, which the company calls “App Marketplaces,” according to its rules and regulations.
We also leverage iOS app notarization, a type of security validation that checks for malicious code, and marketplace developer authorization and alternative payment disclosures.
But even with these safeguards in place, “many risks remain,” Apple said.
iOS 17.4 removes support for home screen web apps
Earlier this month, iOS 17.4 beta users based in the EU noticed they were unable to run web apps on their iPhone home screens. Some thought this might be a bug, but unfortunately it turned out that this was not the case.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple has confirmed that PWAs have been intentionally removed and will no longer run in iOS 17.4 for EU-based users.
In an update to its developer site, Apple explains that by no longer supporting PWAs in iOS 17.4, it is now compliant with the DMA that governs support for alternative browser engines in the EU.
The problem here is that this regulation will allow companies to build browsers that aren’t based on Apple’s WebKit engine for the first time. Apple says that iOS 17.4 requires removing web apps from the home screen because of the resulting security risks.
Also, starting with iOS 17.4, Apple removed support for home screen web apps in Safari to comply with DMA. This is because it is unfair for Apple to give its browser an advantage over browsers that are not authorized.
Apple explains the move as follows:
“iOS systems have traditionally provided support for home screen web apps by building directly into WebKit and its security architecture. This means that apps are managed in line with the security and privacy model of native apps on iOS, such as forcing system prompts to access features that give users access to features.
“Without this kind of isolation and enforcement, malicious web apps could read data from other web apps and regain permission to access a user’s camera, microphone, or location without the user’s consent. Yes. Browsers can also install web apps on your system without your knowledge or consent.”
Starting with iOS 17.4, EU users can continue to access websites via bookmarks directly from the home screen.
Many people are unhappy with the PWA changes, and encrypted email provider Proton is questioning Apple’s motives.
But Sean Wright, head of application security at Featurespace, said he “sympathizes with the thinking and reasoning behind Apple’s decision.”
“We are concerned that because browsers can be downloaded and installed from sources outside of Apple’s control or visibility, Apple is not adhering to the security and privacy standards it wants to enforce,” Wright said. I will explain.
Therefore, Mr. Wright agrees with Apple’s iOS 17.4 PWA changes. “We have to remember that many users don’t have the appropriate technical knowledge or know-how to protect themselves, so introducing this will allow Apple to help to some extent. ”
But at the same time, Wright said, “I’d like to hear more details from Apple about how much risk this poses.”
“At the end of the day, with open systems like Android, there doesn’t seem to be much of a risk, at least for now.”
Other notable iOS 17.4 features
One of the highlights of iOS 17.3 was stolen device protection, and iOS 17.4 further enhances this popular anti-theft feature. Currently, this feature requires authentication with Face ID or Touch ID unless it detects that you are in a familiar location. Starting with iOS 17.4, biometric authentication will be required everywhere.
Why iOS 17.4 changes things for all iPhone users
This is certainly a revolutionary update and won’t be a long wait. iOS 17.4 is coming soon. It is expected to be released at the end of this month or early next year because Apple needs to release the upgrade in early March to meet his March 6 deadline.
When iOS 17.4 is actually released, it will undoubtedly be an important update for users based in the EU, and its impact will also affect other parts of the world. Opening the App Store is a big deal for the iPhone maker, which could be forced to do so by UK regulations even though the UK is no longer a member of the EU.
As for the rest of the world, are there any chances that users or regulators will demand an extension of the changes in iOS 17.4? All is possible, but for now Apple is keeping its own walled garden in check. I’m going to try to keep it strong for as long as possible.
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