First Siri, Then The App Store: Apple is more Arab-friendly with new iOS 13

Tech giant Apple - if it still sounds fair to call it just that - has finally launched its long-awaited Arabic version of its App Store ... but not for everyone, yet. The launch came along the development of the newest iOS software, iOS 13, and has been anticipated by fans and developers since June. 

As of Monday, the software became available on iPhones and iPads with the release of the Public Beta 2. (Beta is the early version of a software that's generally offered for developers and users - from outside the company of creation - to test before the official release.)

Many users jumped on the wagon and downloaded the software after its first Public Beta launch in June. Despite the feeling of privilege and exclusivity, Public Beta users always face a few bugs and hiccups, as these versions are not at their best at the beginning. 

iOS 13 enthusiasts - just like fans of other softwares - were encouraged to back up their data before downloading the first beta version as some applications may malfunction and jeopardize their phones. As for those who wished to use the Arabic App Store in the initial beta release, they had to change their phone's settings to Arabic.

Until the new software is fully released to the general public in September of this year, Apple users will only be able to download the most recent iOS 13 beta if they are part of the Apple Developer Program - meaning they need a paid developer account, costing $99/year. Yet, that cost does not seem to be phasing people at the least.

An Arabic App Store is not the only interesting new update Apple has launched with the software. 

The latter allows for easier accessibility. Some of its main features are allowing users to save different commands used for shortcuts, simple hand gestures used to navigate through the phone, automatic language selection in dictation, and improvement of Siri's intelligence.

Arabic wasn't the only language added to the App Store, as Hebrew was also introduced in June. Now, the total languages people can choose from when navigating the application haven is 40. 

The aim of widening the circle is to localize content, helping Arab developers create work for the people of the region. 

"Apple promises a seamless experience in its transition to the full Arabic App Store. The move would also encourage the pool of local developers - which has grown exponentially over the years - to participate further and expand the Apple ecosystem," Khaleej Times wrote.