iOS 17.4 changes your iPhone a lot: here’s the full list of new features

Apple supplied available to users iOS 17.4, a long-awaited and mandatory update. Especially in European Unionwhere Apple devices should allow installation app stores outside of the App Store. But that is not all. This is an update introduces several changes that Europe imposed on Apple, which we will discuss in detail below. As for the rest of the world, notable events are also taking place here.

So if you live in a country of the European Union, from now on your iPhone and iPad will change forever. Or let’s put it another way. Starting with iOS 17.4 and higher, you will have possibility of decision making If you want to install apps from other app stores, please use a different web browser with a navigation system other than the official one and change paid apps. Yes, indeed. Please note that this news exclusively in Europe.

So let’s take a look at all the new features that iOS 17.4 brings with it. An update that brings us closer to the release of the next Apple products. Especially the new iPad Pro and iPad Air. It also includes a long-awaited new feature in Apple Podcasts. And as usual, it includes security patches and updates to protect your iPhone from possible errors.

What’s new in iOS 17.4 if you live in Europe

Although iOS 17.4 brings changes for every tasteThe most notable of these relate to the European Union’s obligations to Apple regarding the ongoing functioning of its ecosystem of products and services. European organizations believe Apple should allow the user to choose which apps to use, whether you want to change your payment method, or which store you want to install apps from. This radically changes the way iOS works as we know it. But only within the European Union.

Starting with iOS 17.4 and subsequent updates, you will be able to:

• Install applications from alternative app stores. Or continue with the App Store.
• Install web browsers that use other navigation engines.
• Choose yours default web browser when you first open Safari.
• Set up application for contactless payments it’s not obligatory Apple Pay.
• Wear alternative payment methods within the applications themselves.
• Finally, web apps or PWAs are supported. They should use Webkit.

These changes may not be available immediately. For example, we will have to wait to see alternative app stores. Yes, we will see changes in Safari that will give us list of browsers to choose from. Otherwise, the affected developers are working on it, so sooner or later you will be able to make changes in this regard. Although, if you want, you can continue to use App Store, Safari or Apple Pay. But from now on you will have more options to choose from.

Apple Podcasts and Apple Music

Apple Podcasts It also adds new features to iOS 17.4. In particular, he introduces transcripts for you to read audio podcast episodes. While the audio is playing, you will see highlighted text. This feature is available in English, Spanish, French and German. Additionally, this change means that you will be able to “read full transcript from the episodes search for words or phrasestouch a specific part to play content from that point and use special abilitiessuch as changing text size, increasing contrast, and VoiceOver.”

In its turn, Apple Music includes option at the moment only available in Shazam. It’s about “adding recognized songs to your playlists and Apple Music library, as well as Apple Music Classical.” This way, you will not only know what song is playing around you at the moment, but you will also be able to make a list of the songs you find there.

CarPlay in iOS 17.4

If you use Apple CarPlay, when you update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 17.4 you will see changes to Apple Maps. Namely, in graphic indicators for displaying data. From now on, cars with built-in screens can switch the home screen. between street level view and route view. Until now, only the street view was available on the main screen.

Therefore, vehicles compatible with dual screen mode They will be able to switch between viewing Apple Maps on the dashboard or on the built-in screen. CarPlay users will be able to change screen type between the main screen and the instrument screen by clicking the map settings button located in the upper right corner of the main screen. Apple Maps.

Emoji and online gaming platforms

In addition to new features exclusive to the European Union, iOS 17.4 includes several changes that will affect iPhone and iPad users around the world. The most striking thing is related to adding new emoticons to the iOS directory. Specifically, a piece of sliced ​​lime, an edible mushroom, a phoenix, a broken chain, and two smiley faces that nod or shake their heads.

Another important innovation is related to games on iOS. Or rather, with streaming gaming platforms. Applications like Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce now They will be available for installation on your iPhone or iPad as a standalone application. Until now, you could only use them over the Internet, which limited the gameplay and prevented you from taking advantage of all the available features.

Other iOS 17.4 news

For its part, Apple has changed the name of the function for sending messages via Siri. From now on the function will be called Send messages using Siri. Also add a new ability to read app messages. Messages in a specific language different from the default one you have in iOS. You can choose from Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Arabic, Russian and many more. And if your iPhone is set to Spanish, German, or French, you can now activate the ability to call Siri using simple Siri instead of “Hey Siri”.

V security news, highlights the inclusion of PQ3 in the messages. This is an advanced cryptographic protocol. Except protection in case of theft “Now this device allows you to apply an additional level of security anywhere.” And in the section Battery statusYou’ll now see the number of charge cycles, manufacturing date, and first use for iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models. caller id will display, where possible, the names of Apple-verified companies.

In terms of bug fixes, Apple highlights two. The one that caused “contact photos in the app to appear blank.” Search” And the second bug fixed is related to an issue that “affected dual SIM devices and this resulted in the phone number changing from primary to secondary and being displayed to the groups to whom the message was sent.”