Apple releases iOS and iPadOS 17.4, adjusts EU new business rules

Apple releases iOS and iPadOS 17.4. Xcode 15.3 is also released. iOS/iPadOS 15.8.2 and 16.7.6 are also released with security bug fixes.

iOS 17.4 brings alternative marketplace support to EU users, default browser change, alternative browser engines in EU. iOS/iPadOS 17.4 resolve security issues, including those being exploited in the wild.

PWA are working as before despite being disabled in iOS 17.4 beta versions.

Apple adds updates on alternative terms for EU:

• Decisioning by membership: To make it easier for more developers to sign up for the new terms, we’ve removed the corporate entity requirement that the Addendum must be signed by each membership that controls, is controlled by, or is under control with another membership. This means an entity can now choose to sign up for the new terms at the developer account level.
• Switching back: To help reduce the risk of unexpected business changes under the new terms, such as reaching massive scale more quickly than anticipated, or if you simply change your mind, we’ve created a one-time option to terminate the Addendum under certain circumstances and switch back to Apple’s standard business terms for your EU apps. For details, view the Addendum.
• Alternative app marketplace requirements: To make it easier for developers who want to create alternative app marketplaces, we’ve added a new eligibility criteria that lets developers qualify without a stand-by letter of credit. For details, view the marketplace support page.

Apple Developer

Another notable change is that alternative marketplaces are supposed to stop working when traveling outside EU. ScreenTime for kids could be configured to disable alternative marketplaces.

Apple Developer: Updates to app distribution in the European Union

Release notes: Xcode 15.3 Release Notes

References:

• Apple Releases iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 With EU App Changes, New Emoji, Podcast Transcripts and More
• Apple Releases iOS and iPadOS 17.4 with Major Safari and App Store Changes in the EU, Transcripts for Podcasts, New Emoji, and More
• Apple Tweaks New EU App Store Business Terms After Developer Feedback
• Make Sure to Update: iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 Fix Two Major Security Vulnerabilities
• iOS 17.4 includes 4 important security fixes, 2 were exploited
• iOS 17.4 lets budgeting apps easily access Apple Card, Cash, and Savings data
• iOS 17.4 Lets Budget Apps Read Real-Time Apple Card Transaction Info
• Apple updates rules surrounding EU DMA compliance to address developer concerns
• Apple revises App Store rules in the EU in response to developer feedback
• iOS 17.4 Features: What’s New in iOS 17.4
• iOS 17.4 alternative iPhone app stores will stop working if you travel outside the EU
• Parents can block ‘unsafe’ apps from outside of the App Store from being installed, here’s how