iOS 17.4 Beta 2 - Apple is NOT Happy With the EU
**iOS 17.4 Developer Beta 2: New Features, Updates, and Changes**
Today, Apple released iOS 17.4 Developer Beta 2, and after spending the past hour and a half with this update on my iPhone, I wanted to share some of the initial new features and changes that have come across.
### Release Details
First off, it's important to note that this update is approximately 900 megabytes in size, which is quite large for a second beta release. The bill number for iOS 17.4 Developer Beta 2 is **21e 5195 e**. The letter "e" at the end of the build number indicates that there are still about two more betas before the Release Candidate (RC) and then the official release, which is expected to happen in early or mid-March. This gives us roughly a month and a half of testing time for iOS 17.4.
### Updates Across Apple Ecosystem
In addition to iOS 17.4 Developer Beta 2, Apple has also updated other platforms:
- **iPadOS**: iPadOS 17.4 beta 2 is now available.
- **macOS**: macOS 14.4 beta 2 has been released.
- **TV OS**: TV OS 17.4 beta 2 is now available.
- **Vision OS**: Vision OS 1.1 beta 1 is now available for those interested in exploring this new operating system.
- **watchOS**: watchOS 10.4 beta 2 is also available.
### Features and Changes in iOS 17.4 Developer Beta 1
Before diving into the changes in Beta 2, let's quickly recap what was introduced in iOS 17.4 Developer Beta 1:
#### New Emoji Unicode 15.1
Apple has added support for the new Emoji Unicode 15.1 standard, which brings over **100 new emojis** to the iPhone with this update.
#### Stolen Device Protection Submenu
A new submenu for "Stolen Device Protection" has been introduced under Settings > Face ID & Passcodes. This allows users to:
- Disable the feature if needed.
- Choose between two options for requesting a security delay on their device.
#### EU-Specific Changes: Sideloading
Apple has introduced **sideloading** capabilities for the EU, allowing users to install apps from third-party app stores. However, Apple emphasizes that the App Store remains the safest and most trusted place to download apps.
#### Podcasts with Transcripts
The Podcasts app now includes **transcripts**, similar to the lyrics feature in Apple Music. This makes it easier to follow along with podcasts.
#### SharePlay Support for HomePod and TV OS
**SharePlay** has been expanded to support HomePod and TV OS, allowing users to share their screen across these devices.
#### Updated Call UI and Default Browser Selection
The outgoing call UI has undergone a slight tweak, making the buttons appear more transparent. Additionally, users in the EU can now choose a **different default browser**.
### New Features in iOS 17.4 Developer Beta 2
Now, let's dive into what's new with iOS 17.4 Developer Beta 2:
#### City Digital Clock Widget
One of the standout features in this beta is the introduction of a **new digital clock widget** that includes city information and weather. This widget can be customized by long-pressing and selecting your preferred city. It's worth noting that Apple already offers a digital clock under the "Clocks" option, but this new one includes city info and is also available on the standby/lock screen.
#### App Store Splash Screen Message
Apple has introduced a **new splash screen** for the App Store, reminding users that it is the safest and most trusted place to discover apps and games. This message appears to be Apple's response to the introduction of sideloading in the EU, reinforcing their commitment to app safety.
#### Privacy Update: Passkey Access for Web Browsers
There's a minor privacy-related change in this beta. Under Settings > Privacy & Security, you'll now find an option for **Passkey access for web browsers**. This feature allows users to see which third-party web browsers are requesting access to their Passkeys.
#### Bug Fixes
In Beta 1, there was an issue with Emoji stickers (including Mimoji) not populating properly. Apple has addressed this bug in Beta 2, ensuring that sticker functionality works as expected.
### Conclusion
That's what I know so far about the new features and changes in iOS 17.4 Developer Beta 2. Stay tuned for my follow-up video where I'll continue digging deeper into the software. In the meantime, if you have any questions or want to discuss this update further, feel free to leave a comment below.
Thank you for watching, and I hope you enjoyed this video. See you all in the next one! Peace.