Apple today released the first beta version of its upcoming iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 updates to public beta testers, allowing non-developers to test the software before it is released. The public beta versions of iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 were released a week after Apple released beta versions for developers.
Apple also re-released the first beta version of iOS 17.4 for developers. The new version number is 21E5184k, which is the same version number used by the public beta version.
Public beta testers can open the "Settings" app, enter the "Software Update" section, click the "Beta Update" option, and then switch to the iOS17 or iPadOS17 public beta to get the beta. Registration on the Apple beta website is required.
The iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 betas introduce a series of changes for EU users that allow for alternative app stores and alternative payment methods.
iOS has new options for choosing the default browser when running on devices in the EU, NFC has been opened to banks and other financial institutions, and browsers are not forced to use WebKit.
In addition to these changes, the update also brings new emojis, podcast transcriptions, tweaks to Safari, hints for next-gen CarPlay, and more.