In tandem with the development of iOS, iPadOS 17.4 has undergone crucial updates to align with the European Digital Markets Act (DMA). The release of both iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 strategically coincided with the EU’s March 6 deadline, showcasing Apple’s commitment to regulatory compliance.
DMA Integration and System Innovations:
While both platforms received updates, the lion’s share of significant enhancements landed on iOS 17.4. Apple introduced over 600 new APIs, featuring advanced app analytics and support for alternative browser engines. Notably, these changes extend to both iOS and iPadOS, fostering an ecosystem that aligns seamlessly with the DMA. Furthermore, developers now have the flexibility to distribute apps outside the Apple App Store through alternative app marketplaces.
Platform-Specific Highlights:
Primarily impacting the iPhone, iOS 17.4 boasts augmented protection against device theft, support for spatial video shooting, and notable updates to Apple Wallet, CarPlay, and Battery Health. Meanwhile, iPadOS sees noteworthy changes, such as the option for application developers to disable default reactions during video calls, podcast transcripts integrated into Apple Podcasts, and multilingual capabilities for Siri, enabling reading and responding to messages. iMessage has introduced PQ3 post-quantum encryption, enhancing communication security, notes NIXSolutions.
Apple’s meticulous approach to complying with the EU’s DMA deadline is evident in the simultaneous release of iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4. While the core changes are witnessed in iOS, iPadOS benefits from specific enhancements catering to a seamless user experience.