As per reports, the yet-to-be-launched iOS 17.4 is in developer and public beta testing at Apple as they gear toward a near-release date. The update brings about significant changes to the App Store and iPhone ecosystem regarding needs as singled out in the Digital Markets Act within the European Union.

iOS 17.4 Set for Early March Release, Prioritizing Digital Markets Act Compliance

Rumors indicate that iOS 17.4 will arrive the first week of next month, specifically on March 17, 2023, in time for Apple's deadline to abide by the Digital Markets Act by March 6.

This breaks with the secrecy with which Apple typically surrounded the release dates of the operating system, highlighting the importance of making the specified amendments.

The beta version of iOS 17.4 reveals crucial modifications to enhance the user experience and align with EU regulations. Although specifics about the update are still undisclosed, it is anticipated to resolve problems connected with how the App Store and iPhone work within European Union jurisdictions.

The driving force behind the accelerated release schedule is the Digital Markets Act, a legislative framework within the EU designed to foster fair competition in the digital sector.

Apple's swift response to meet the March 6 deadline underscores its commitment to complying with regional regulations and ensuring a seamless user experience for EU customers.

Meanwhile, beta testing is underway, allowing developers and public beta users to explore the upcoming changes firsthand. This collaborative testing phase enables Apple to gather valuable feedback, identify potential issues, and fine-tune the update for a smooth public release.

As iOS 17.4 unfolds, users can anticipate improvements tailored to the EU market and enhanced App Store functionalities. The update reflects Apple's responsiveness to regulatory requirements and underscores its ongoing commitment to refining and optimizing the iOS ecosystem.

Stay vigilant in anticipation of the formal debut anticipated in early March, introducing an enhanced and optimized iOS experience for patrons within and beyond the borders of the European Union.

iOS 17 Adoption Lags Behind Predecessor

The adoption rate data that Apple just released reveals a distinct pattern: the paths taken by iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 in comparison to their predecessors are different.

While iOS 17 adoption slightly trails behind iOS 16 at a comparable point last year, the new version has already secured a presence on 76% of iPhones introduced in the previous four years. In contrast, iOS 16 had achieved 81% adoption at a similar juncture. This marginal difference suggests that users may perceive iOS 17 and subsequent updates as less pivotal than the previous iOS 16.

Instantly, iPadOS 17 shows significant adoption, exceeding the predecessor's adoption rate a year ago. IPadOS 17 is installed on 61% of iPad models launched in the past four years, a notable increase from iPadOS 16, established on 53% of iPad models found last year.

These adoption rate metrics render a clear yet subtle image that iOS 17 is undergoing a sluggish adoption rate on iPhones. So, in this regard, iPadOS 17 has a respectable success on iPads, which confirms the very intense dynamics of the Apple ecosystem.