Apple has released a new update, iOS 17.4 beta 2 that contains significant changes for iPhone owners in the EU.
One of the most significant changes is related to the installation of applications on iPhone devices. Starting in March, iPhone owners who are from the European Union will be able to install applications on iOS from third-party sources, not only App Store.
Related: You will be able to install apps on your iPhone from outside as well App Store (iOS 17.4)
Another major change that will be present on iOS 17.4 is related to setting the default internet browser. When you first open the browser Safari, users will have a list of alternative browsers that they can install and set as default browser for iPhone. And this change also comes as a result of a regulation imposed on the company Apple by the European Union.
Related: How to change the default browser on iPhone or iPad
Users who have installed iOS 17.4 beta 2 (or beta 1), can already see these new changes.
As for iPhone, iPad or Mac application developers, they will benefit from reduced fees for applications developed in the European Union.
EU iOS apps can now accept alternative terms with fees set at 17%, plus 3% if apps use the Apple, In-App Purchase. This is a significant reduction from the old 30% tax rate charged by Apple. Small businesses developing apps will pay a 10% commission, plus 3%, up from 15%. The fee for apps that are popular enough to sell more than one million units per year (The Core Technology Fee (CTF)), will be €0,50 per annual install. This fee will be both for applications from App Store, as well as for those that EU users can install from other sources.
