Apple Releases iOS 17.4 Release Candidate - Everything New Here
Introduction
Apple has released iOS 17.4 Release Candidate (RC) with a plethora of new features to all supported iPhones, just one week following the iOS 17.4 beta 4 release. This software update is currently available to developers and soon to public beta testers.
A highly anticipated feature in iOS 17.4 is the introduction of App sideloading and additional App Stores coming exclusively in the European Union. Apple has officially unveiled these changes and it’s now up to developers to bring their own applications outside the App Store in the European Union. Apple is also introducing a set of 118 new Emoji’s based on Unicode 15.1, changes to Stolen Device Protection, new Clock Widgets and more. It’s worth mentioning that Apple doesn’t disclose any of the EU related changes in the iOS 17.4 RC Release Notes.
A notable addition is the release of visionOS 1.1 Beta 4, which is the fourth beta version of visionOS after the public release of Apple’s spatial computer on February 2. The rollout doesn't stop at iOS and visionOS – Apple has also seeded additional Release Candidate and beta versions of other operating systems.
Build Number for Every New Software Version
iOS 17.4 RC build number: 21E217
iPadOS 17.4 RC build number: 21E217
macOS Sonoma 14.4 beta 5 build number: 23E5211a
tvOS 17.4 beta 5 build number: 21L5225a
visionOS 1.1 beta 4 build number: 21O5203a
New Features
Here are the key updates in iOS 17.4. While some features are exclusive to European Union countries, others are available universally. For comprehensive details, refer to our complete iOS 17.4 guide.
Alternative App Stores & App Sideloading (EU only)
Alternative Payment Options & NFC Access (EU only)
Official Support for Game Streaming Applications in the App Store
New Default Browser Selector (EU only)
118 New Emoji Versions
Podcasts: Enhanced with Live Transcripts
Siri has a new option to announce messages you receive in any supported language
Optimizations for Stolen Device Protection
Shortcuts: Revamped ‘Add to Home Screen’ UI
New Home Screen Clock Widgets"
