Apple has released the iOS 17.4 update for iPhone users, bringing some major changes and new features to the operating system.
In this article, we will cover what’s new in iOS 17.4, how to install it.
What’s New in iOS 17.4?
iOS 17.4 introduces several new features and changes for the iPhone, some of which are limited to users in the European Union. Here are some of the highlights:
- App Store Changes in EU: To comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Apple now allows alternative app marketplaces and alternative payment options on the App Store in the EU. Users can also set their preferred alternative app store as the default app store on their device. Developers who use alternative app stores or payment options will pay a reduced fee to Apple or no fee at all, depending on their choice. For more details, read Apple’s overview of the changes.
- Apple Podcasts Transcripts: The Apple Podcasts app now offers transcripts for podcasts, allowing listeners to read the full text of an episode, search for a specific word or phrase, and tap on the text to jump to a certain part of the episode. Transcripts are available for podcasts in English, French, German, and Spanish, and they will be added for older episodes in a podcast’s catalog over time.
- SharePlay for HomePod: This feature allows family and friends to control the music that is playing on your HomePod, if you approve their request. For now, it is limited to the Music app, and the other people do not require an Apple Music subscription in order to participate. While playing a song on your iPhone, tap the SharePlay icon at the bottom of the screen to bring up a QR code, which another person can scan with their iPhone or Android smartphone’s camera to request access to music playback controls.
- New Emoji: iOS 17.4 adds new emoji, including a broken chain, a brown mushroom, a head shaking horizontally, a head shaking vertically, a lime, and a phoenix.
- Stolen Device Protection: This feature increases the security of your iPhone and Apple ID by requiring Face ID or Touch ID with no passcode fallback to perform certain actions, such as changing your device passcode or Apple ID password. It also requires an hour wait and an additional successful biometric authentication before sensitive operations can be performed.
- Other Improvements: iOS 17.4 also includes updates to Journal, Action button, Camera, Music, AirPlay, Safari, and more. For a complete list of new features and changes, read Apple’s support document.
How to Install iOS 17.4?
To install iOS 17.4 on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Make sure your iPhone is compatible with iOS 17.4. The update is available for iPhone 6s and later models.
- Back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer, in case something goes wrong during the update process.
- Connect your iPhone to a power source and a Wi-Fi network.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap on Download and Install.
- Enter your passcode if prompted and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Wait for the update to download and install. Your iPhone will restart during the process.
- After the update is complete, you can enjoy the new features and changes in iOS 17.4.
