- By Vikas Yadav
- Fri, 26 Jan 2024 12:04 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Apple, a Cupertino-based tech giant, announced the latest iOS 17.3 update for users a few days ago. And the upcoming updates are set to introduce major changes in iPhones in the European Union. These changes will debut on iOS, Safari, and App Store to comply with the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA).
According to Apple's press release, the changes include 600+ new Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), expanded app analytics, alternative browser engines and changes within the app payments process and distribution of iOS apps. The company cautioned that the new options for payments and app downloads may "open new avenues for malware, fraud and scams, illicit and harmful content, and other privacy and security threats."
Apple will aim to keep these threats at a minimum (via new protections) but did not promise the "most secure" environment. The tech giant noted that developers can start testing the capabilities in iOS 17.4 beta now. These capabilities will begin rolling out in 27 EU countries for users starting March 2024. Here are a few user-centric changes that will come into effect:
Upcoming Changes in iOS (EU)
The company will introduce "new options for distributing iOS apps from alternative app marketplaces" via new APIs and tools to allow downloading of iOS apps from marketplaces other than the App Store. Apart from the new framework and APIs (for alternative marketplaces and browser engines), developers can submit requests for interoperability with iPhone and iOS hardware/software features.
Plus, the company will allow API access to developers to let them use the Apple device's Near-Field Communication (NFC) in banking apps in the European Economic Area. To minimise the risks associated with these changes, the company will introduce Notarization (a combo of human and automated checks) for iOS apps, app installation sheets (to offer details about the apps), compliance for marketplace developers, malware protection and more.
However, "Apple has less ability to address other risks — including apps that contain scams, fraud, and abuse, or that expose users to illicit, objectionable, or harmful content," the company said. Apart from the possible compromises, App Tracking Transparency will work with these third-party apps.