Apple released the latest iteration of its operating system, iOS 17.4, on Wednesday. The update brings some major changes to iPhone users in Europe to comply with the European Union's (EU) Digital Markets Act.
App developers in the EU will now have the option to offer alternative app stores or let users install their apps through other app stores, which also comes with
a new payment structure.
Apple is also allowing app developers to set alternative payment methods within their apps with iOS 17.4 — again, only in the EU — and are no longer required to use the in-app purchase.
After updating to iOS 17.4, when EU users open Safari, they will be greeted with a pop-up asking them to choose a new default browser option from a list of popular browsers on iOS.
The features that will be available to users worldwide include new emoji including additions of a mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain, and shaking heads emoji. Furthermore, users will find increased flexibility with 18 people and body emojis, offering the option to face them in either direction. Another welcome change is to the call interface.
After the rollout of iOS 17, for incoming or outgoing calls to contacts without posters, the interface used to be a drab, grey colour. Now, the interface reflects the colour of your iPhone's wallpaper.
The Apple Podcasts app now has transcripts that enable users to seamlessly follow podcast episodes through synchronised text, available in English, Spanish, French, and German.
Users can not only read episode transcripts in full, but also search for specific words or phrases, tap to play from a desired point and leverage accessibility features such as Text Size, Increase Contrast, and VoiceOver.
The "Listen Now" tab on Apple Music is now Home. Apple is also now allowing users to add identified songs from Music Recognition to their Apple Music Playlists and Library, including Apple Music Classical selections.
Users can now also view their Battery Health insights in Settings for
iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, which will display battery cycle count, manufacture date, and first-use information.
Other features included in the update are:
Siri's new capability to announce received messages in any supported language enhances hands-free communication.
Stolen Device Protection, offering increased security options across all locations.
Enhanced Call Identification, displaying Apple-verified business names, logos, and department names when available.
Business updates in Messages for Business, providing trusted information for order status, flight notifications, fraud alerts, and other transactions.
Apple Cash virtual card numbers, enabling seamless payment with Apple Cash at merchants yet to adopt Apple Pay, through Wallet or Safari Auto Fill.
Various bug fixes, including issues with contact pictures in Find My and Dual SIM functionality.The update started rolling out on Tuesday night and is available to download for all iPhone models supported by iOS 17.
