Apple enthusiasts, get ready for a tech feast. iOS 17.4 is gearing up to hit your iPhones this March, and it’s not just your run-of-the-mill update. Brace yourselves for a comprehensive dive into the world of innovation with a myriad of exciting features and changes. Explore the significant changes coming with iOS 17.4 for iPhones.
Unveiling before the onset of March 6, the imminent launch of Apple’s iOS 17.4 has already set the tech community abuzz, with the availability of the first beta of this revolutionary iPhone update. A flagship among iOS upgrades, version 17.4 redefines the user experience, ushering in a new era for iPhone enthusiasts, irrespective of their geographic location.
First on the list, let’s talk App Store revolution. In response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Apple is making substantial alterations to the App Store landscape. Buckle up, EU residents, because iOS 17.4 brings the liberty of alternative app marketplaces and payment options. It’s a game-changer, offering more choices and a new default web browser selection screen in Safari. Third-party web browsers can now spread their wings and soar with web engines beyond Apple’s WebKit on your iPhone. Plus, third-party mobile wallet apps get to tap into the iPhone’s NFC chip for seamless contactless payments.
iOS 17.4 New Features and Changes
Apple’s recent release of the iOS 17.4 for eligible iPhones signals a major shift. This update holds the key to redefining the iPhone experience, particularly in the European market. Let’s check the notable 15 key features:
1) Revamped Podcast Experience:
Dive into a reimagined podcast listening adventure with iOS 17.4. The Podcast app now supports transcriptions, allowing you to play back the text of your favorite podcasts. Easily search for specific segments or quotes with the convenience of a new search function within the transcriptions.
2) Enhanced Apple Cash Card Security:
Elevate your financial security with a significant update to the Apple Cash Card. The inclusion of a virtual card number adds an extra layer of protection. Concerned about card safety? No worries! You now have the option to request a new card number for added peace of mind during transactions.
3) The Phone App Gets a Facelift:
Experience a revamped Phone app interface with iOS 17.4. The call screen now showcases full-screen contact photos with enhanced clarity, thanks to transparent buttons. This subtle yet impactful change enhances both the visual appeal and usability of the app.
4) Access to Gaming Streaming Services:
Gaming enthusiasts, rejoice! iOS 17.4 opens the doors to gaming streaming services on the App Store. Download apps from major platforms like Xbox and seamlessly stream games directly from your iPhone.
5) CarPlay’s Thoughtful Addition:
CarPlay users are in for a charming surprise. A goodbye message now graces the car’s screen when the ignition is turned off, adding a personalized touch to the CarPlay experience.
6) App Store Purchase History Visibility:
Navigating your purchase history in the App Store is now more user-friendly. The updated App Store features a dedicated section for viewing all your purchases, including in-app ones. Filters make searching and organizing a breeze.
7) Improved Stolen Device Protection:
Building on the stolen device protection feature introduced in iOS 17.3, this update adds an extra layer of security. Set a delay for changing settings, enhancing protection against unauthorized access, regardless of the device’s location. To enhance iPhone security, iOS 17.4 introduces robust “stolen device protection” rules. Removing an Apple ID or factory resetting now requires both pin code and Face ID/Touch ID biometric authentication.
8) A Burst of New Emojis:
Infuse fun and expression into your messages with about 118 new emojis introduced in iOS 17.4. From a phoenix to a breaking chain, mushroom, and lime, expand your digital expression repertoire.
9) Safari’s Animation Control:
For a more controlled browsing experience, Safari now lets you play or pause animations on websites. Ideal for those who prefer a less distracting or more streamlined web browsing experience.
10) App Sideloading in the EU:
In a significant move, iOS 17.4 introduces app sideloading, exclusively in the 27 EU countries. Enjoy greater flexibility and choice in app selection by installing apps from outside the App Store. While direct web downloads remain a no-go, iOS 17.4 opens doors for third-party app stores. Users can now explore apps beyond the official App Store in the European Union, breaking free from previous restrictions.
11) Exclusive Payment Gateways:
A Europe-exclusive feature empowers app developers to integrate custom payment gateways. This move could translate to cost savings for subscriptions like Spotify and Netflix, with potential reductions of up to 30%. Users can also embrace alternative wireless payment services.
12) Regional Identification:
Changing regions becomes a tad more challenging with the introduction of a regional identifier. Apple automates the determination of a user’s specific region, potentially restricting certain features to the European region.
13) Smarter Siri:
iOS 17.4 elevates Siri’s intelligence, enabling the personal assistant to message in multiple languages via the Message with Siri service.
14) Stopwatch Integration:
For Dynamic Island users with an iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 15 series, the stopwatch now seamlessly integrates into live activities. Open the clock app, start the stopwatch, and witness it within Dynamic Island.
15) Music App Makeover:
Experience a UI overhaul in the music app. The “listen now” button makes way for the home button, leading to a new menu for subscribers with recommendations and recently played music.
Get ready for a tech revolution with Apple’s iOS 17.4, shaping the future of iPhone functionality. Stay tuned for these exciting updates and witness a new era of digital interaction unfold.
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