Apple has released iOS 17.4, bringing big changes to your iPhone. Please note, because one iOS 17.4 function only works within the European Union.
Apple releases major iOS 17.4 feature
A new update is available for your iPhone! Apple released iOS 17.4 last night, which mainly brings big changes for users in the European Union. As of today, new European legislation applies, which is intended to limit Apple’s great position of power. Therefore, several iOS 17.4 features have been added as a result of this new law.
Also read: iOS 17.4 is out: these big changes are coming to your iPhone
One of those features is the ability to install alternative app stores. Previously, Apple only allowed its own App Store, third-party digital stores were prohibited. This has now changed, because from iOS 17.4 you can also install alternative app stores. It now appears that the iOS 17.4 function does not always work, because Apple only allows it if you are physically in the European Union. That is how it works.
Alternative app stores only in EU
From iOS 17.4 it is possible for the first time to install apps that are not in the App Store. Apple itself is not happy with this, the company has been forced by the EU to add this option. The iOS 17.4 feature is therefore only available in areas within the European Union. Are you traveling to countries outside the EU? Then it is not possible to use the alternative app stores.
To use the iOS 17.4 feature, your Apple ID must be set to a country within the European Union. That’s not all, because you also have to be physically located in one of these countries. Apple keeps track of the location of your iPhone (or iPad), but that data is not shared or stored in the company’s servers. If you are outside the EU for an extended period of time, you can no longer use the alternative app stores.
Longer trips possible problem with iOS 17.4 feature
Apple has indicated that it is not a problem if you are abroad for a shorter period. It only becomes a problem if you stay in an area outside the EU for a longer period of time. For example, are you traveling through the United States or Switzerland for two months? Then you will probably no longer be able to use the alternative app stores. The iOS 17.4 feature will then be deactivated and you will no longer be able to update apps if they were installed via an alternative app store.
Also read: Installing apps outside the App Store will soon require extra steps
It is not clear how long it will take for Apple to block the iOS 17.4 feature on an iPhone or iPad abroad. In any case, shorter holidays should not cause a problem, so there is little chance that it will bother you. Are you traveling for a longer period of time? Then make sure you are not dependent on apps from alternative app stores, because you can no longer update them abroad.
No alternative app stores available yet
There are no third-party app stores available yet. For now you still have to rely on Apple’s App Store, but that will change soon. Several developers have already indicated that they are working on a new app store. So it’s just a matter of time until you can use the new iOS 17.4 feature.
You’ve probably noticed by now that changes have been made to the App Store. If you want to install an app in iOS 17.4, you must give permission to download the software. This is also necessary if you install a new app from the Apple App Store. Want to know more about the new iOS 17.4 features? Then read here what big changes are coming to your iPhone with the update!
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