All about the biggest iOS changes coming with iOS 17.4

Apple has officially announced the big changes that await it in connection with the adaptation of the EU law on digital markets, which is called DMA. It says it brings 600 new APIs, enhanced app analytics, features for alternative browsers, new ways to process app payments, and iOS app distribution capabilities. 

Apple is very afraid of risks and security as such, which it forwarded long ago. That is why they are trying to assure their customers of their maximum efforts to make iOS always secure, but perhaps for the first time in history they admit that there may be holes. It is logical, because by doing so, they try to abdicate responsibility to some extent. He does not invent anything new and his own, but submits to a necessary evil - that is, according to him. 

It specifically states: “With each change, Apple implements new security measures to reduce – but not completely eliminate – new risks arising from the EU's DMA legislation. With these steps, Apple will continue to provide the best and most secure services to users in the EU. New payment processing and app download capabilities for iOS open the door to malware, fraud, illegal and harmful content, and other threats to privacy and security.” 

Changes in iOS 

• New options for distributing iOS apps from alternative app stores – including new APIs and tools that will allow developers to offer their iOS apps in alternative ways. 
• A new framework and new APIs for building alternative app stores – this will allow alternative store developers to offer apps and manage updates in their stores on behalf of app developers. 
• New frameworks and APIs for alternative browsers – developers will be able to use kernels other than WebKit in their browsers or applications that offer the ability to browse the Internet. 
• Interoperability Request Form – this form will allow developers to submit additional requests for interoperability with the hardware and software features that iPhone and iOS have. 
• Notarization of iOS applications – a basic check that all apps will have to go through, regardless of where they are offered for download, in order to maintain the integrity of the platform and protect users. Notarization consists of a combination of automated checks and human review.  
• Application installation information sheets – these sheets are based on notarization and provide clear information about the applications and their functions before they are downloaded, including information about the developer, screenshots and other essential details. 
• Authorization of App Store Developers - this measure aims to ensure that app store developers comply with requirements that help protect both users and developers. 
• Additional protection against malware – this protection will prevent the application from running if iOS detects that it contains malware after installation.

Changes in Safari 

iPhone users have been able to change their default browser to one from a third-party developer for years. Even so, Apple, in compliance with the requirements of the DMA legislation, comes with a new options screen that appears when you first open Safari in iOS 17.4. On this screen, users will be able to select their default browser (including Safari, of course) from a list. 

What's important here is that EU users will be faced with a list of default browsers before they even realize what options are available to them - that is, even before they like Safari or figure out its features. But the funny thing here is how Apple has to dig again. He supplements this news with the words: "This screen will disrupt the experience offered to EU users when they first open Safari." 

Changes in the App Store 

• New options for using payment service providers – payments for digital goods and services will thus be possible to make directly in the developers' applications. 
• New options for processing payments by linking to third-party platforms – users will be able to make payments for digital goods and services on external websites of developers. Developers will also be able to inform users about promotions, discounts and other offers available outside of their apps. 
• Tools for business planning – these tools will serve developers to estimate the amount of fees and understand the new indicators associated with Apple's new business conditions valid in the European Union. 
• Labels on product pages in the App Store – these labels inform users that the app they are downloading uses an alternative payment processing method. 
• Information screens directly in applications – these screens inform users that their payments are no longer being processed by Apple and that the app developer is redirecting them to pay with another processors. 
• New application review processes – these processes will be used to verify that developers provide accurate information about transactions that use alternative payment processors. 
• Enhanced data portability on Apple's privacy pages - on this page, EU users will be able to read new information about how they use the App Store and export this information authorized by a third party. 

Conditions for applications valid in the EU 

• Reduced commission - iOS apps in the App Store will be subject to a reduced commission of either 10% (for the vast majority of developers and subscriptions after the first year) or 17% on payments for digital goods and services. 
• Payment processing fee – iOS apps in the App Store will be able to use payment processing directly in the App Store for an additional 3% fee. Developers will be able to use payment service providers in their apps or refer users to their websites where payments will be processed at no additional charge from Apple. 
• Basic technology fee – iOS applications offered for download in the App Store and/or in alternative application stores will be subject to a fee of CZK 0,50 for each first installation in a given year above the threshold of 1 million installations. 

Apple also shared theirs tool for fee calculation and new reports to help developers estimate the potential impact of new business terms on their applications and business. So simply to find out how disadvantageous it is for them. If you want to know even more about everything, you can do so <a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1932/8043/files/200721_ODSTOUPENI_BEZ_UDANI_DUVODU__EN.pdf?v=1595428404" data-gt-href-en="https://en.notsofunnyany.com/">here</a>.