The trial version of the next update marks a change of direction, following Apple's decision to open the doors to new alternatives.
Apple recently released the first version of iOS 17.4 intended for testing purposes.
The developers have had access to the beta of the next update, which, in line with past speculation, will contain all the changes required by the EU under the Digital Markets Act.
Apple has time until March 6th to comply with the necessary changes, and the latest beta confirms that the update will bring about a change in the way users download and manage apps on iPhone.
Among the numerous new features introduced, there is one that is particularly evident, if only because it will end up involving all users at least once: during the initial configuration process, iPhones with iOS 17.4 will ask to select your default web browser.
No more default Safari, but the opportunity to choose the web client from the first moments of coexistence with the new version of the system made by Apple.
Additionally, Apple has opened up the possibility for third-party developers to create browsers that can be used as default apps.
Drastic update
This feature will sound familiar to Mac users, where third-party browsers operate similarly.
After the update, users will be faced with a flashing screen when opening Safari, giving them a choice.
According to reports, the system will ask you to select one from a list of 12 most popular browsers available on the App Store in each geographic area.
Recently, we've also seen the unveiling of the NFC chip on iPhone, allowing third-party banking and digital wallet apps to offer tap payment alternatives outside of Apple Pay.
Although this demonstrates a certain propensity for openness, it should be remembered that Apple always adopts these changes with caution, introducing targeted limitations ensure safety data and user privacy.
Entrance list
In this new phase, third-party clients such as Firefox, Opera, Chrome, Microsoft Edge and others will have the freedom to use navigation engines other than WebKit, thus impacting the experience in both browsers and apps.
Additionally, Epic Games will make it available again Fortnite on iPhone and iPad, as it will now be possible to install the Epic Games Store on those devices, despite the legal dispute with Apple.
It's important to note that iOS 17.4 is still in the early beta phase, with subsequent beta releases introducing further changes to the App Store.
Apple has specified that the list of available browsers will be presented to users in random order, avoiding both alphabetical order and order based on popularity.
The company has anticipated the list of 12 browsers that will be offered to Italian users during the initial configuration of stable iOS 17.4.
Here is the list of 12 browsers offered to Italian users:
- Aloha
- Ecosia
- Firefox
- Well done
- Onion Browser
- Opera
- Web@Work
- Safari
- DuckDuckGo
- You.com AI Search Assistant
- Edge
- Chrome
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