Highlights

• iOS 17.4 introduces alternative app marketplaces in the EU, challenging App Store exclusivity.
• New support for non-WebKit browser engines and alternative payment methods in the EU.
• Global updates include Siri reading messages in multiple languages and CarPlay improvements.
• Seven new emojis and enhanced Stolen Device Protection feature in the latest iOS update.

Apple is gearing up to release iOS 17.4, a significant update expected to arrive in the first week of March.

This update is particularly noteworthy for users in the European Union, as it introduces major changes in compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The deadline for Apple to implement these changes is March 6, making the forthcoming release a crucial step for the tech giant to align with new regulations.

iOS 17.4: Compliance with EU’s DMA

iOS 17.4 is set to bring about the introduction of alternative app marketplaces, allowing companies like Epic Games to offer their own platforms for app distribution on iPhones.

This marks a significant shift from the App Store’s exclusivity.

Additionally, the update will enable support for browser engines beyond WebKit and introduce a new pop-up in Safari for selecting a default browser.

European users will also see support for alternative payment methods for in-app purchases and he ability to set default NFC and wallet apps for Apple Pay.

iOS 17.4: Other Key Features

But the changes aren’t limited to EU users.

iOS 17.4 packs a range of global enhancements, including upgrades to CarPlay, Siri improvements, and more.

The update promises to improve Stolen Device Protection by allowing users to always require a security delay when changing security settings.

Apple Podcasts gains an upgrade with support for automatically generated transcripts, making content more accessible and searchable.

The update also introduces seven new emojis, expanding the options for expression.

Siri receives an upgrade, allowing it to read messages in additional languages, enhancing its utility for multilingual users.

For Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 users, iOS 17.4 includes a toggle to disable Double Tap when wearing Vision Pro, avoiding gesture conflicts.

Among other enhancements, iOS 17.4 simplifies checking the battery health status in the Settings app and announces that iPhone 15 batteries perform better than initially expected.

CarPlay users can look forward to a new instrument cluster experience in Apple Maps, providing more information about upcoming maneuvers.

Additionally, the update maintains support for Home Screen web apps in the EU, built directly on WebKit.

FAQs

What major changes does iOS 17.4 bring for European Union users?

iOS 17.4 complies with the EU’s Digital Markets Act by introducing alternative app marketplaces, supporting non-WebKit browser engines, enabling new default browser choice pop-ups, alternative payment methods for in-app purchases, and allowing setting default NFC and wallet apps for Apple Pay.

When is iOS 17.4 expected to be released?

Apple plans to release iOS 17.4 in the first week of March, ahead of the March 6 deadline set by the Digital Markets Act in the European Union.

What are some global features included in the iOS 17.4 update?

Globally, iOS 17.4 adds enhancements such as Siri’s capability to read messages in additional languages, improvements to CarPlay, support for automatically generated transcripts in Apple Podcasts, and new emojis.

How does iOS 17.4 improve device security and user experience?

The update enhances Stolen Device Protection with a new security delay option and introduces a personalized welcome screen. It also simplifies battery health checks in Settings, indicating that iPhone 15 batteries have a longer lifespan than initially expected.

Will iOS 17.4 affect web apps on the Home Screen in the EU?

Despite initial concerns, iOS 17.4 will continue to support Home Screen web apps as before in the European Union, ensuring they’re built on WebKit and adhere to iOS’s security and privacy model.

What are the Home Screen web apps in iOS 17.4 ?

While Apple initially said that iOS 17.4 would remove support for Home Screen web apps in the EU, it has since reversed course.

Apple says that Home Screen web apps will continue to exist as they did pre-iOS 17.4 in the European Union. “This support means Home Screen web apps continue to be built directly on WebKit and its security architecture, and align with the security and privacy model for native apps on iOS,” Apple explains

What is Car Play upgrade in iOS 17.4?

iOS 17.4 includes an upgrade for cars equipped with dual-screen CarPlay implementations. Here’s how Apple describes the CarPlay update in iOS 17.4:

In iOS 17.4, with supported CarPlay vehicles, Apple Maps will present a new instrument cluster experience with information about upcoming maneuvers.

Users will be able to swap the desired display type between the main and instrument cluster screen by tapping the map configuration button on the upper right of the Maps main screen.

What are battery health changes in iOS 17.4?

In the Settings app, Apple has made changes to the “Battery” menu that make it easier to know if your iPhone’s battery health is “normal.” Simultaneously, Apple has also announced that iPhone 15 batteries actually perform better than initially expected.

iOS 17.4 makes it easier to know if your iPhone’s battery health is ‘normal’. Apple says iPhone 15 batteries have a longer lifespan than initially thought

What is Stolen Device Protection improvement in iOS 17.4?

iOS 17.4 includes a change for Stolen Device Protection. Now, users can choose to always require a security delay when changing security settings. Previously, the only option was to enact the delay when away from familiar locations.

What are Transcripts in Apple Podcasts in iOS 17.4?

These transcripts are automatically generated by Apple and are available shortly after an episode is published. The interface is similar to the real-time lyrics feature in Apple Music.

There’s support for searching in transcripts, tapping on specific words and jumping to that part of the episode, and much more.

The Now Playing bar along the bottom of the Apple Podcasts app has also been redesigned with iOS 17.4, matching the style of the Now Playing bar in Apple Music.

Which are the new emoji in ios 17.4?

There are seven brand new emojis included in iOS 17.4:
Head Shaking Horizontally
Head Shaking Vertically
Phoenix Bird
Lime
Brown Mushroom
Broken Chain
The image above gives a preview of these new emojis, courtesy of our friends at Emojipedia.

There are also changes to the family emojis included in iOS 17.4 as well, such as new combinations of family members.

What is Siri upgrade on iOS 17.4?

Siri has been upgraded in iOS 17.4 with support for reading messages in additional languages, not just the assigned language used for Siri for all other tasks.

The new option is available in Settings > Siri & Search > Messaging with Siri. Under the READ MESSAGES section, there’s a new Add Language… button that prompts of range of language options.

What is vision pro in iOS 17.4?

watchOS 10.4 and iOS 17.4 include a new toggle for Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 users that can disable Double Tap when you’re wearing Vision Pro.

The new setting is specifically to avoid a conflict between the Apple Watch and Apple Vision Pro when gesturing.

What is the new welcome screen ?

When you reboot into iOS 17.4 for the first time, you’ll see a new welcome screen that’s personalized with your profile picture.

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