Apple issues beta 3 for iOS 17.1, watchOS 10.1, macOS Sonoma 14.1

Next round of beta versions is available for iOS/iPadOS 17.1, watchOS 10.1, macOS Sonoma 14.1. Xcode did not get any new beta versions yet. Neither was visionOS beta updated. tvOS 17.1 remains on beta 2 too.

watchOS 10.1 beta seem to cause battery draining issue on connected iPhone.

iOS 17.1 beta 3 improves Action Button behavior while kept in the pocket. iOS 17.1 will also fix radiation levels for iPhone 12 in France (Apple also published an article explaining regulator complaints).

Another addition is support for full transaction history on first US bank – Discover (following UK banks).

Some users report Wallet app crashing in this beta.

Apple Support: Understanding iPhone 12 and SAR testing in France

Beta download: Operating Systems

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Apple adopts Chinese rules for App Store

Apple seems to finally adopted Chinese rules for App Store. Now proof of a Chinese government license is required to be listed on Chinese App Store. License could be acquired by having legal entity in China or by partnering with Chinese publishing company.

This regulation might affect app availability in China.

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Apple seems yet still to comply with Chinese App Store regulations

According to Reuters Apple is not yet listed as company which complies with new regulations on mobile app stores. Notably, Samsung is already on the list.

It is not yet known, if developers will need to provide additional information to Apple.

No comments from Apple were available at the time of writing.

Reuters: China lists mobile app stores that comply with new rule, but Apple missing

Reference: Apple still not complied with Chinese App Store law, as others do [U]

China is expected to require mobile developers obtaining government license

Speculations arise that China government will require application developers (publishers, to be more specific) to establish local business organization in China or partner with local publishing agency.

This might significantly impact indie developers and small businesses targeting China market from outside.

Apple might find a way to present itself as single publisher allowing developers to avoid this registration process. No comments are available so far on this topic.

Reference: China to Require Apps to Register With Government

France recommends to stop using Google Analytics

New EU regulations require personal data storage to be located within Europe. That might make some of the services illegal without infrastructure changes.

Google Analytics is one of the services that might be targeted by these regulations. Mobile apps using this platform might consider looking for replacements.

Reference: France demands firm stop using Google Analytics over US intelligence fears

Authority for Consumers and Markets of Netherlands did not approve Apple’s approach for dating apps external payments support

ACM did not approve Apple's proposal on support of external payment methods for dating apps. ACM now fines Apple €5m a week, with total fine of €50m.

Apple must adjust its conditions for access to the Dutch App Store for dating-app providers. In the App Store, dating-app providers must also be able to use payment systems other than Apple’s payment system. In addition, dating-app providers must have the ability to refer to payment systems outside of the app. This had been laid down in an order subject to periodic penalty payments that ACM imposed on Apple in August 2021. On December 24, 2021, the court ruled that this part of the order could be published.

ACM

It is not clear what conditions are to be changed, so more communication from Apple is expected soon.

ACM Press Release: Apple fails to satisfy requirements set by ACM

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