First developer betas of iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4 arrive with EU App Store changes

Apple has restarted the beta-testing process once again with the first developer beta builds of iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4, with the first compliance steps for the EU Digital Markets Act applied.

Developers taking part in the beta program can acquire the latest builds through the Apple Developer Center or by updating their iPhone or iPad via the Settings app. Public beta versions typically appear shortly after the developer versions, and public participants can sign up through the Apple Beta Software Program website.

The first builds of iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 take over from the release candidates of iOS and iPadOS 17.3, which were seeded on January 17, and the public releases on January 22.

The new build is number 21E5184i.

At this early stage, beyond the European Union Digital Markets Act changes, it is unclear what changes Apple will be making in the release. Other new features are likely to surface in the near future as developers try out the operating system.

AppleInsider and Apple strongly suggest users don't install test operating systems or other beta or RC software on "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the small chance of issues that could result in the loss of data. Testers should instead use secondary or non-essential hardware and ensure they have sufficient backups of their critical data at all times.

Find any changes in the new builds? Reach out to us on Twitter at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSU, or send Andrew an email at andrew@AppleInsider.com.