The iOS 17.4 version, which will be available for public download in March, brings several improvements and new features for iPhone and iPad users. I will highlight the main benefits of this update in this article.
Apple made significant changes to how the App Store and apps work in the EU. Although these changes are available in iOS 17.4, they are restricted to users in European Union countries
Alternative app stores
Apple now allows customers in the European Union to download apps outside the native App Store in order to comply with the Digital Markets Act. Although the first one million users are free, developers will have to pay Apple half a euro per user per year after that. In addition, Apple will no longer charge the thirty percent commission it previously took on app sale prices.
Third-party browsers
Users in the European Union who open Safari will see a pop-up window that lets them choose a new default browser after updating to iOS 17.4. Developers can also use alternative browser engines, such as Chrome or WebKit.
NFC access for third-party payments and banks
On the iPhone, banks and third-party payment apps in the EU can process contactless payments without using the Wallet app or Apple Pay.
Other additions
- Cloud gaming apps in the App Store: Apple now allows cloud gaming apps in the App Store. This means services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce NOW can now run natively on iPhone and iPad instead of being accessible only through the web.
- New emojis: iOS 17.4 also introduces new emojis, including a lime, a brown edible mushroom, a phoenix, a broken chain, a nodding head and a shaking head.
- Messages with Siri: The “Automatically Send Messages” option in Siri & Search has been renamed to “Messages with Siri,” and there is now an option that lets Siri read incoming messages in a specific language such as Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Chinese and others.
- Stolen Device Protection: In Settings there is now an option to always require a security delay, or only when you are away from familiar locations.
Apple’s next-generation CarPlay should arrive in the United States later this year, and iOS 17.4 code lists some new apps, including:
- Car Camera: shows the rear camera image.
- Battery: displays battery level, charging status, remaining time until fully charged and other information.
- Climate: allows adjustments to the vehicle’s climate controls.
- Locks: warns about any open doors or other vehicle warning indicators.
- Media: controls FM and AM radio stations along with other media options.
- Tire Pressure: shows the car’s tire pressure and alerts for low, high or flat tyres.
Finally, Trips provides various driving information such as average speed, fuel and energy efficiency, among other data. After the driver turns off the vehicle, CarPlay will likely display a “Goodbye” message on the screen.
