Apple releases iOS 17.4 beta 4 with next-level iMessage security, alternative app stores in EU

If you live in the European Union, iOS 17.4 is going to be a massive upgrade. Apple began beta-testing the update on January 25 and outlined many of the changes that affect the apps and App Store experience on the iPhone. The primary aim of this release is to comply with the Digital Markets Act in the EU, which has a deadline of March 6. We expect Apple to release iOS 17.4 sometime close to that date.

There are some 600 new APIs, expanded app analytics, functionality for alternative browser engines, access to NFC for mobile payment systems, and options for processing app payments and distributing iOS apps outside the App Store. Commissions are reduced as well, down to 10 percent for the first year for most developers (and for subscriptions past the first year) and 17 percent for all digital transactions. That’s a cut nearly in half compared to rates in the rest of the world.

Update 02/21: Apple has released the fourth beta of iOS 17.4 to developers. It includes a new security protocol for iMessage using post-quantum cryptography.

What’s new in iOS 17.4

There are no release notes yet for iOS 17.4, but an Apple press release goes over all the changes meant for the EU. They include:

• New options for distributing iOS apps from alternative app marketplaces: New APIs and tools that enable developers to offer their iOS apps for download from alternative app marketplaces.

• New framework and APIs for creating alternative app marketplaces: Marketplace developers can install apps and manage updates on behalf of other developers from their dedicated marketplace app.

• New frameworks and APIs for alternative browser engines: Developers can use browser engines, other than WebKit, for browser apps and apps with in-app browsing experiences.

• Interoperability request form: Developers can submit additional requests for interoperability with iPhone and iOS hardware and software features.

There are new app safety features as well, meant to mitigate the risks Apple says are inherent in getting apps from places other than the App Store:

• Notarization for iOS apps: A baseline review that applies to all apps, regardless of their distribution channel, focused on platform integrity and protecting users. Notarization involves a combination of automated checks and human review. 

• App installation sheets: Use information from the Notarization process to provide at-a-glance descriptions of apps and their functionality before download, including the developer, screenshots, and other essential information.

• Authorization for marketplace developers: Ensures marketplace developers commit to ongoing requirements that help protect users and developers.

• Additional malware protections: Prevents iOS apps from launching if they’re found to contain malware after being installed on a user’s device.

Other features discovered in the beta so far include:

Apple Cash virtual card numbers: iOS 17.4 makes it easier to spend money from your Apple Cash account by assigning a virtual card number, which can be used as a prepaid debit card when Apple Pay isn’t available.

New emojis: A number of new emojis, from the from Emoji 15.1 standard, are present in iOS 17.4.

SharePlay music control for HomePod and Apple TV: Family and friends with an iPhone will be able to control the music on your HomePod or Apple TV, with permission. It works similarly to the CarPlay feature that came to iOS last year.

Apple Music “Home” tab: The tab formerly labeled “Listen Now” has been renamed “Home.”

Stolen Device Protection: Users can now choose to always require a delay when changing security settings, not just when away from familiar locaitons.

Podcast transcripts: The Podcast app will provide transcripts in English, French, German, and Spanish for podcast episodes. They can be auto-generated, or podcast publishers can supply their own.

Stopwatch live activity: There’s now a Live Activity when you have a stopwatch running.

CarPlay instrument cluster experience: In supported vehicles, CarPlay will display information about upcoming maneuvers. Users will be able to swap between the main and instrument cluster screens by tapping the map configuration button on the upper right of the Maps app main screen.

Battery settings UI tweaks: For the iPhone 15 series, Apple is including a “Battery Health” listing that displays the battery’s condition. For example, if the battery has no issues, the listing displays “Normal.” Tapping the Battery Health listing shows a section that displays the Maximum Capacity, Cycle Count, Manufacture Date, and First Use.

iMessage post-quantum cryptography: Apple has announced “the most significant cryptographic security upgrade in iMessage history” using PQ3, a groundbreaking post-quantum cryptographic protocol that advances the state of the art of end-to-end secure messaging.

iOS 17.4: How to install the public beta

If you want to be among the first to test iOS 17, you can sign up for the public beta test. The process for installing a beta has changed in iOS 16.4. Here’s how the new process works now:

1. Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and register with your Apple ID.
2. Log in to the Beta Software Program.
3. Click Enroll your iOS device.
4. Open the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update.
5. In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS Public Beta.

It may take a few moments after registering for the beta option to appear in Software Update.

iOS 17.4: How to install the developer beta

You’ll need to be registered as an Apple developer. Beginning with iOS 17, you don’t need to be in the $99 per year developer program to access the developer beta. A free developer account will do. You can get one via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Here’s how to do it via the Apple Developer app:

1. Download the Apple Developer App from the App Store.
2. Open the app.
3. Tap on Account.
4. Sign in using your usual Apple ID.

If you want to sell applications to the App Store you’ll need to pay $99/£79 per year for a paid account. Sign up to the Apple Developer Program (here) or through Apple’s Developer App. You can compare the free and paid accounts here.

Registered developers can choose to get the Public Beta instead by selecting iOS Public Beta in the Software Update screen. It may take a little time after registering as a developer for the option to appear in Software Updates.

Some developers have an Apple ID registered for developer access that is different from the Apple ID associated with their personal Apple account and data. To use a different Apple ID for beta access than is used throughout the rest of iOS, open Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select the Apple ID at the bottom of the screen.

Find out everything you need to know about iOS 17 in our iOS 17 superguide.