Apple has updated its terms to clarify how third‑party app stores can be used on iOS 17.4 and newer. The new rules apply to Apple ID holders who are registered in any EU country and who remain within the European region. The information comes from a findings portal and current Apple documentation.
The policy allows temporary use of alternative app stores while users travel outside the EU for short durations. If an individual stays outside Europe for a prolonged period, the option will be disabled until they return. Importantly, app updates cannot be performed through these third‑party sources.
Geolocation data on iPhones continues to be processed on the device to determine a device’s location, with Apple noting that this information is not uploaded to Apple servers.
In early March, Apple released iOS 17.4, extending support for alternative app stores to residents and visitors in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Spain, Ireland, and an additional set of countries. Users can access the App Store and benefit from new features, including the ability to install game streaming services on compatible devices.
Earlier reports touch on broader social observations, noting shifts in device ownership patterns among different groups, though these remarks are bystanders to the official policy update and feature set described above.