Tomorrow, it's anticipated that iOS 17.4 RC will be released ahead of the DMA deadline, according to reports.

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nce last month, iOS 17.4 beta has been accessible to developers and testers, introducing significant changes like App Marketplaces for installing apps outside the App Store in the EU. With the Digital Markets Act (DMA) deadline approaching, Apple appears poised to launch iOS 17.4 RC as early as tomorrow.

Reports from @aaronp613, a reliable source for Apple updates, suggest that Apple has quietly implemented backend changes to the App Store to support App Marketplaces officially. The EU's DMA deadline of March 6, 2024, necessitates tech companies' compliance.

Under the DMA, Apple must permit iPhone users to install apps from alternative app stores, a capability enabled by iOS 17.4. Additionally, the update allows web browsers to use their own engines instead of Apple's WebKit, meeting another DMA requirement.

Typically, Apple releases Release Candidate (RC) builds a few days before a major update to ensure functionality. If iOS 17.4 RC becomes available tomorrow for beta testers, the final version will likely be released to all users by next Monday or Tuesday.

For users outside the EU, iOS 17.4 introduces various changes and features, including improvements to Stolen Device Protection, new emoji, transcriptions in Apple Podcasts, and CarPlay enhancements.

Alongside iOS 17.4, Apple is expected to release watchOS 10.4, tvOS 17.4, and macOS Sonoma 14.4.