iOS 17.4 is currently in beta testing with developers and public beta users. It brings significant changes to the App Store and iPhone ecosystem in the European Union. Here’s an overview of what’s new in iOS 17.4, whether you reside in the EU or elsewhere. It is scheduled for release in the first week of March. This is due to the Digital Markets Act in the EU, which necessitates important changes to the iPhone and App Store. Apple must comply with this act by March 6, meaning iOS 17.4 must be released by this date. Updates to the App Store in the EU include support for 3rd-party markets, browser engine support, new Safari pop-up messages, additional payment methods for in-app purchases, and the ability to set default NFC and wallet apps other than Apple Pay.
One of the most notable changes in iOS 17.4 is the support for third-party markets for the first time, allowing companies like Epic Games to market their apps to iPhone users. Additional changes in the EU include support for browser engines other than WebKit, new Safari pop-up messages prompting users to choose a default browser, the capability to use alternative payment methods for in-app purchases, and the ability to set default NFC and wallet apps apart from Apple Pay. Stolen Device Protection has also been enhanced in iOS 17.4, allowing users to choose whether to delay security by modifying security settings as needed.
Support for podcasts in Apple Podcasts is a key addition in iOS 17.4. These exclusive documents from Apple are accessible after being published, offering features such as text search, word tapping, and jumping to specific parts of a section. The Now Playing bar at the bottom of the Apple Podcasts app has also been updated to match the style of the feature in Apple Music. Furthermore, seven new emojis have been introduced, and there are changes to family emojis, as well as Siri improvements to support reading messages in other languages.
iOS 17.4 includes a new update for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 that allows users to disable Double Tap while wearing Vision Pro, aiming to prevent conflicts between the Apple Watch and the Apple Vision Pro for gestures. Other tidbits in iOS 17.4 include changes to the “Listen Now” tabs in the Podcasts and Music apps, larger addresses in Safari, a new “Area Recognition” icon in the Settings app, and expanded usage of “Siri” instead of “Hey Siri” in Germany.
As of now, only one beta version of iOS 17.4 has been released, and more betas are expected before the official launch in March. It is likely that Apple has more updates planned for the upcoming betas. What are your favorite things about iOS 17.4? Let us know in the comments. [Full Disclosure: We may earn a commission for purchases made using our links. More information.]
