Apple has confirmed that iOS 17.4 will be released in March, bringing new features and improvements to the iPhone. Major updates include changes to the App Store in the EU, Apple Podcasts transcripts, SharePlay for HomePod, and new emoji. The update will also prepare for the launch of next-generation CarPlay later this year. Further details on new features and updates will be provided in the future.
Changes to the App Store in the EU
To comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Apple has announced significant changes to the App Store, Apple Pay, Safari, and more. These changes will be implemented with iOS 17.4 for iPhone users in the 27 EU countries. Notably, Apple now allows some app marketplaces and other payment methods on the App Store in the EU. Other changes include a new browser option in Safari, the ability for third-party browsers to use web engines other than Apple WebKit on the iPhone, and access for third-party mobile wallet apps to the iPhone’s NFC chip for contactless payment functionality, among other updates.
Articles about Apple Podcasts
Starting with iOS 17.4, the Apple Podcasts app will offer podcast transcripts, allowing listeners to read through the entire episode, search for specific words or phrases, and easily navigate to different parts of the episode. Each word is highlighted as the episode plays, similar to Apple Music songs. Transcripts are available for podcasts in English, French, German, and Spanish, and will be gradually added to older episodes in the podcast catalog.
SharePlay for HomePod
With iOS 17.4, Apple has expanded the SharePlay music control to HomePod speakers. This feature enables family and friends to control the music playing on your HomePod with your permission. Currently, it’s limited to the Music app, and allows users without an Apple Music subscription to participate. To grant access, users can tap the SharePlay icon at the bottom of the screen, which generates a QR code that others can scan with their iPhone or Android smartphone, allowing them to request control of the music playback remotely.
New Emoji
iOS 17.4 introduces new emoji, including a broken chain, brown mushroom, horizontal head shake, vertical head shake, lime, and phoenix.
Preparing for the Next Generation of CarPlay
The first iOS 17.4 beta includes code for eight new CarPlay apps: Car Settings, Car Camera, Charging, Climate, Locking, Media, Tire Pressure, and Trips. These apps provide various functionalities, such as managing paired iPhones, displaying the rear camera, monitoring electric vehicle battery levels and climate control, managing car locks, controlling radio channels, monitoring tire pressure, and accessing driving information. Apple has confirmed that the first US car models with next-generation CarPlay will be launched in 2024.
For more details on iOS 17.4 features, including Live Activities support in the Clock app, the “Listen Now” tab renamed to “Home” in the Apple Music and Apple Podcasts apps, and others, refer to the full list of changes and updates.
