As an iPhone user, you're in for some exciting updates with the latest release of iOS 17.4, primarily if you're based in the European Union. Apple has rolled out significant changes to comply with the EU's new digital market regulations, reshaping how you interact with your iPhone.
Embracing new EU regulations: Third-party app stores and more
If you're in the EU, you'll now have access to third-party app stores on your iPhone, thanks to iOS 17.4. This marks a significant departure from Apple's previous App Store exclusivity. Alongside this, developers can now implement third-party payment options, giving you more transaction flexibility.
Furthermore, web browser developers are no longer tied to using Apple's WebKit. This change opens the door for more diverse browser options on your iPhone. Another notable update is the opening up of the NFC chip for wireless payments, which are no longer restricted to Apple Pay.
New features for global users
For users outside the EU, there are still plenty of reasons to be excited about iOS 17.4. Apple Podcasts introduces automatic English, Spanish, French, and German transcriptions. These transcriptions are synchronised with the audio, making it easier to follow. This feature also allows you to search within the text and jump to specific audio segments.
The update also brings a fresh emoji set, including a mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain, and shaking heads. Apple has enhanced 18 people and body emojis, allowing them to face either direction.
Enhanced functionality and security
Your iPhone's functionality and security receive a boost with iOS 17.4. Updates include improvements in battery health monitoring, and Siri can now read messages in any supported language. Enhanced stolen device protection adds another layer of security, and virtual card numbers for Apple Cash introduce a new level of convenience in transactions.
The caller ID feature is more informative, displaying the name, logo, and department title of Apple-verified businesses. As always, there are a host of bug fixes to ensure smoother performance.
Expanding the update to other Apple devices
This wave of updates isn't limited to iPhones. iPad users will see similar changes with the release of iPadOS 17.4. These include App Store updates to align with the EU's Digital Markets Act. Moreover, Apple is on the verge of releasing visionOS 1.1 (for Apple Vision Pro), macOS 14.4, watchOS 10.4, and HomePod 17.4.
So, whether you're in the EU or elsewhere, these updates bring improvements that enhance your Apple devices' functionality, security, and flexibility.
