Apple has announced that it will be fixing a bug in the App Store before the release of iOS 17.4. The bug prompts iPhone users in the European Union (EU) to verify an app’s information before installing it from the App Store. This prompt was discovered by Dimitris Sartzetakis of @iSWUpdates and others.
The upcoming iOS 17.4 update will allow iPhone users in the EU to install apps from alternative app marketplaces, and the verification screen will appear in those storefronts as well. Apple’s intention behind this prompt is likely to avoid anticompetitive complaints by also implementing it in its own App Store, should it remain in the final release of iOS 17.4.
It is important to note that these changes to the App Store only apply to the 27 countries that are part of the EU, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others. The United Kingdom, which left the EU in 2020, is not included in these changes.
Apple had previously announced that iOS 17.4 would be released in March. Along with the app verification prompt, the update will bring several new features and changes for iPhone users. Some of the key features include major App Store changes in the EU, Apple Podcasts transcripts, new emoji additions, and preparations for the launch of next-generation CarPlay later this year.
In addition to these updates, Apple recently announced a new post-quantum cryptographic protocol for iMessage called PQ3. This protocol is said to provide extensive defenses against highly sophisticated quantum attacks and surpasses the protections offered by other widely deployed messaging apps.
Looking ahead, Apple’s iPhone development roadmap extends several years into the future. While rumors and leaks have already given us some insights into what to expect from future iPhone models, such as the iPhone 17 series set to launch in 2025, Apple continues to work with suppliers on multiple successive iPhone models simultaneously.
In other news, Apple is reportedly developing a smart ring that can be worn on the finger to track users’ health biometrics. This move comes as Samsung prepares to bring its own smart ring product to the market. Apple has been exploring the idea of a wearable ring for several years, as evidenced by various patents.
The fourth beta of iOS 17.4 introduces a new CarPlay feature. In supported CarPlay vehicles, users will now have the option to display upcoming maneuvers in the instrument cluster, providing them with convenient access to navigation information.
Looking beyond iPhones, Apple is planning to launch at least nine new devices with OLED displays across the iPad and MacBook product lines. This push towards OLED technology will reportedly begin with the release of new 11- and 13-inch iPad Pro models this year.
Furthermore, Apple is expected to update the iPad Air and iPad Pro lineups in March. The new iPad Pro models are rumored to be significantly thinner than their predecessors, with the larger version being more than 1mm thinner than the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Lastly, Apple has started selling refurbished versions of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M3 Pro and M3 Max chip options. This marks the first time these machines have been available at a discounted price since their release in October 2023.
Overall, Apple’s upcoming iOS 17.4 update brings significant changes to the App Store for users in the EU. Alongside this, the company continues to innovate with new features, cryptographic protocols, and device updates across its product lineup. With each release, Apple aims to enhance user experience and stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
