Apple’s iOS 17.4 iPhone software program replace has been in beta testing for weeks, however it’s lastly now accessible for obtain by everybody. And whereas there are new options and modifications for all, these within the European Union will discover greater than most.
The iOS 17.4 software program replace is out there for all the identical iPhones that had been in a position to set up iOS 17 and subsequent releases, together with the most recent and best iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Professional fashions. The replace is in fact free to obtain and may be discovered within the Software program Replace part of the Settings app.
Whereas the largest modifications are in fact accessible to these within the EU, that does not imply that there is not one thing right here for everybody.
Large modifications for the EU
There’s just one place to start out and that’s undoubtedly with the modifications which are unique to those that are utilizing iPhones within the EU. With the Digital Markets Act about to return into drive, Apple has been pressured to make modifications to the best way the iPhone works in EU member international locations, not least permitting third-party app shops onto the iPhone for the primary time.
Whereas stopping wanting permitting sideloading in the best way some had anticipated, iOS 17.4 does enable third-party app shops, or marketplaces, to be launched throughout the EU. apps will then be downloaded by way of these marketplaces permitting apps to be made accessible exterior of the App Retailer in a approach that merely wasn’t potential earlier than — and stays not possible exterior the EU. Apps may even be capable to provide third-party cost choices, too.
One other EU-only change will see third-party internet browsers ready to make use of their very own engine, eradicating the requirement for them to make use of Apple’s WebKit. This might open the door to sooner internet browsers with totally different options, however it stays to be seen what number of browsers will provide two variations of their app — one within the EU utilizing a special engine and one other in the remainder of the world powered by WebKit.
Persevering with the EU modifications we now have the flexibility for third-party pockets apps to entry the iPhone’s NFC chip, permitting them to make contactless funds in a approach just like Apple Pay.
Podcast transcriptions
The Apple Podcasts app now helps transcripts, permitting individuals to observe together with their favourite present and skim what the hosts are saying as they go. The function works in a lot the identical approach as Apple Music’s lyrics function, with the phrases highlighting because the podcast progresses.
New emojis, and extra
Different notable enhancements embody a slew of recent emojis together with a mushroom, phoenix, damaged chain, and a slice of lime. New faces exhibiting horizontal and vertical motion can be used to point out a nodding and shaking of the top, too.
Apple has already introduced its new iMessage safety improve with PQ3 expertise, and that is a part of this iOS 17.4 replace. Designed to assist shield iMessage from future assaults utilizing quantum computing, the brand new function will not be seen to customers however is future-thinking to make sure Apple’s messaging protocol stays safe sooner or later.
Lastly, Apple has improved the Stolen System Safety function to permit individuals to at all times require a delay when altering safety settings whereas a Siri tweak allows the assistant to learn messages in further languages, not simply the default system language.
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