Apple is set to release iOS 17.4, the most comprehensive iPhone update ever, in March. The update will bring major changes to the App Store, Safari, Apple Pay, and more, especially for users in the European Union. It will also introduce new features such as Apple Podcasts transcripts, iMessage security upgrade, and new emoji. Here’s what you need to know about iOS 17.4 and how it will affect your iPhone experience.
App Store Changes in the EU
One of the biggest changes in iOS 17.4 is the support for alternative app marketplaces and payment options on the App Store in the EU. This is in response to the Digital Markets Act, which aims to promote fair competition and consumer choice in the digital sector. Apple has until March 6 to comply with the new regulations, or face fines.
With iOS 17.4, iPhone users in the EU will be able to download apps from third-party app stores, such as Epic Games Store, without having to jailbreak their devices. They will also be able to use alternative payment methods for in-app purchases, such as PayPal or cryptocurrency, instead of Apple’s own payment system. This could potentially lower the prices of apps and digital content, as developers will not have to pay Apple’s 30% commission fee.
Other changes in the EU include a new default web browser selection screen in Safari, which will let users choose their preferred browser from a list of options. Third-party web browsers will also be able to use web engines other than Apple’s WebKit, which could improve the performance and compatibility of some websites. Additionally, third-party mobile wallet apps will be able to access the iPhone’s NFC chip for contactless payment functionality, which could increase the convenience and security of transactions.
Apple Podcasts Transcripts
Another new feature in iOS 17.4 is the addition of transcripts for podcasts in the Apple Podcasts app. This will allow listeners to read the full text of an episode, search for a specific word or phrase, and tap on the text to jump to a certain part of the episode. As an episode plays, each word will be highlighted, similar to Apple Music song lyrics.
Apple says it automatically generates transcripts after a new episode is published. Transcripts are available for podcasts in English, French, German, and Spanish, and they will be added for older episodes in a podcast’s catalog over time. This feature could enhance the accessibility and discoverability of podcasts, as well as provide a new way to enjoy them.
iMessage Security Upgrade
iOS 17.4 also brings a new post-quantum cryptographic protocol for iMessage called PQ3. Apple says this “groundbreaking” and “state-of-the-art” protocol provides “extensive defenses against even highly sophisticated quantum attacks.” iMessage already supports end-to-end encryption, but security researchers recognize that existing cryptographic protocols used by messaging apps rely on mathematical problems that could potentially be solved by future quantum computers. While these computers do not exist yet, Apple is preparing for the future with PQ3’s new protections.
PQ3 will be gradually rolling out for supported iMessage conversations starting with iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4, and watchOS 10.4, according to Apple, and the company says it will fully replace iMessage’s existing cryptography protocol within all supported conversations starting later this year.
New Emoji
iOS 17.4 also adds new emoji, including a broken chain, a brown mushroom, a head shaking horizontally, a head shaking vertically, a lime, and a phoenix. These emoji are part of the Unicode 15.0 standard, which was approved in January. The new emoji will be available in the emoji keyboard, as well as in messages, emails, and other apps that support emoji.
More iOS 17.4 Features and Changes
There are many more features and changes in iOS 17.4, such as:
- Apple Cash virtual card numbers, which enable you to pay with Apple Cash at merchants that don’t yet accept Apple Pay by typing in your number from Wallet or using Safari AutoFill
- Music recognition, which lets you add songs you have identified to your Apple Music Playlists and Library, as well as Apple Music Classical
- Siri, which has a new option to announce messages you receive in any supported language
- Stolen Device Protection, which supports the option for increased security in all locations
- Battery Health in Settings, which shows battery cycle count, manufacture date, and first use on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models
- Call Identification, which displays Apple-verified business name, logo, and department name when available
- Business updates in Messages for Business, which provide trusted information for order status, flight notifications, fraud alerts or other transactions you opt into
- Home Screen web apps, which can now be added to the Home Screen from Safari and launch in full-screen mode
- Bug fixes and performance improvements
iOS 17.4 is expected to be released to all users in the first week of March. It is compatible with the iPhone XS and newer models. To update, go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the instructions.
