The release of iOS 17.4 is expected this week for all iPhone users, with the new update including a wealth of new features and improvements.
iOS 17.4 includes major changes to the App Store, Safari, and Apple Pay in the EU, upgrades to Apple Podcasts, and renewed security in iMessage. It also adds new emoji, Apple Cash virtual cards, prepares for the launch of next-generation CarPlay, offers bug fixes, and more.
Read also: iOS 18: It is still believed to be the biggest software update in iPhone history!
The EU changes are in line with the Digital Markets Act. Apple has until March 6 to comply with the new regulations to avoid fines. As such, iOS 17.4 is expected to be released earlier than expected. According to an announcement from Apple last month, iOS 17.4 will be available in March.
Changes to the App Store in the EU
To comply with European digital purchase laws, Apple has announced significant changes to the App Store, Apple Pay, Safari and other services. These changes will take effect with iOS 17.4 for iPhone users living in one of the 27 EU countries.
First, Apple is now allowing alternative app purchases and alternative payment methods in the App Store in the EU. Other changes being implemented in the EU include a new default web browser screen in Safari, the ability for third-party web browsers to use web engines other than Apple's WebKit, the ability for third-party apps to access the iPhone's NFC chip for contactless payments, and more.
Apple Podcasts Transcriptions
With the iOS 17.4 update, the Apple Podcasts app now offers podcast transcripts. This allows listeners to read the full text of an episode, search for specific words or phrases, and jump to a specific point in the episode by clicking on the text. When playing an episode, each word is highlighted, a detail reminiscent of the emphasis placed on Apple Music.
Apple says it automatically creates transcripts after new episodes are published. Transcripts are available for podcasts in English, French, German, and Spanish, and will be integrated into a podcast's catalog for older episodes over time.
Renewed security in iMessage
Apple recently announced a new post-quantum cryptographic protocol for iMessage called PQ3. Apple says this “groundbreaking” and “modern” protocol provides “extensive defenses against even highly sophisticated quantum attacks.”.
iMessage already supports end-to-end encryption, but security say that existing cryptographic protocols used in messaging apps rely on mathematical problems that could be solved by future quantum computers. While those computers don't exist yet, Apple is preparing for the future with new PQ3 protections.
See more: iOS 17.4: New emoji are coming to the iPhone
PQ3 will be gradually rolling out to supported iMessage conversations, starting with iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4, and watchOS 10.4, Apple announced. The company says it will fully replace the existing iMessage in all compatible conversations later this year. All devices in an iMessage conversation must be updated to the aforementioned software versions or later to be compatible.
New Emojis
The new version of iOS 17.4 includes new emoji, such as a broken chain, a brown mushroom, heads that move horizontally and vertically, a lime, and a palm tree.
Next-generation CarPlay
The first beta of iOS 17.4 includes improvements for eight new apps in CarPlay.
- Automatic Settings: With this app, you can manage paired iPhones and customize vehicle settings.
- Car camera: This application will display the car's rear view with a camera.
- Charging: For electric vehicles, this app will display the battery level, charging status, remaining time until the battery is fully charged, and more.
- Climate Control: This app will allow you to access a vehicle's climate controls through CarPlay. You can adjust the climate control temperature, heater, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and more.
- Door Lock: This app will display if any of the vehicle doors are open and will also display vehicle warning symbols.
- Media: This app will allow access to FM and AM radio stations through CarPlay, including media options like SiriusXM. It's unclear whether SiriusXM will offer satellite connectivity or remain limited to internet streaming. Users will be able to choose music from a variety of genres, including Top 40 and Rock.
- Tire Pressure: This app will display the air pressure for each tire on the vehicle and will alert you to low, high pressure, and flat tires.
- Driving: This app will include a wealth of driving-related data, such as the vehicle's average speed, fuel efficiency and energy efficiency, the total time and distance of a trip, and other important information.
Read more: iOS 18: Design changes expected
Apple recently confirmed that the first vehicle models with the next generation of CarPlay will be released sometime in 2024.
Source: macrumors
