Apple releases iOS 17.4: the biggest iOS update in Europe

Over the past month, Apple has been beta testing iOS 17.4, the next big iOS update, among developers. Rumors suggested that this week we would see the final version released and that’s what happened. Apple officially released iOS 17.4 and all users can download and install this version which, for many, is the largest and most in-depth iOS update, at least in Europe. Remember that this update introduces profound changes to the iOS architecture to adhere and comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DML).

iOS 17.4 now available, the big (and long-awaited) update to iOS 17

iOS 17.4 is now officially available

In the whole world. However, we all know that the profound changes we have been talking about for some time will only reach the European Union to comply with the MDL. These changes include the arrival of alternative application stores, the compatibility of different web browser engines, the possibility of paying with different payment systems other than Apple Pay, etc. More than 300 changes introduced to the iOS architecture and available today for developers and users in the European Union.

In addition to these changes, Apple has introduced improvements and new features in iOS so that the update makes sense beyond EU borders. Among these functions we find the automatic transcription of podcasts in Apple Podcast, new emojis, the integration of the stopwatch like Live Activity or even the deactivation of automatic reactions from developers in their applications.

Remember that Apple took a step back with web applications since it was initially going to remove them from iOS 17.4. However, a few days ago it announced that the web applications would remain as they are currently in the new update already available a few minutes ago.

You can install the new version of iOS 17.4 by entering from your iPhone in Settings > General > Software Updates, and in a few minutes the update will appear which you can download via your Wi-Fi network. Otherwise, you c an do it by connecting your iPhone to your Mac or your Windows computer with iTunes and follow the steps to update to the new version.

An update full of good news

Beyond these main changes, below we leave you a list of the main new features that have been included in the relative betas and that have finally reached iOS 17.4, taken from an article that we published a few days ago in iPhone News.

• Third-party stores may be installed where we can purchase and download applications outside of the App Store. These app stores can be set as default instead of the App Store. (Europe only)
• Payment methods external to Apple will be permitted. Developers can include other payment methods and can even link to other websites to create them. (Europe only)
• Internet browsing applications will be able to use their own engines instead of being forced to use WebKit, the Safari engine. (Europe only)
• Banks and payment apps will have access to the iPhone’s NFC to be able to use their own payment platforms other than Apple Pay. These payment methods can be configured by default. (Europe only)
• Cloud gaming applications will be allowed. GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud and o ther platforms will be able to have their own applications without relying on Safari to function.
• New Emoji including: mushroom, lime, phoenix, broken chain, head saying ‘yes’ and head saying ‘no’.
• Ability for Siri to read messages in the language of your choice.
• The “Listen Now” tab is now “Home” in the Podcasts and Music apps.
• Podcasts will offer you automatic transcriptions of the podcast you are listening to.
• Safari’s navigation bar is longer.
• iPhone Theft Protection (released in iOS 14.3) lets you choose whether the one-hour delay for making certain changes is always required or only when you’re away from your familiar locations.
• CarPlay improvements (when the new version is released, for now only in the USA).
• SharePlay can now also be used on HomePod and Apple TV.
• The timer now has live activity on the lock screen.
• In the App Store, in your account, you have a purchase history that includes all purchases made, not just apps.
• Music Recognition lets you add songs you’ve identified to your Apple Music playlists and library, as well as Apple Music Classical.
• Siri has a new option to announce messages you receive in any supported language.
• Battery health in Settings shows the number of battery cycles, date of manufacture, and first use on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models.
• Caller ID displays Apple-verified company name, logo, and service name when available.
• Apple Cash virtual card numbers let you pay with Apple Cash at merchants that don’t already have Apple Pay by entering your wallet number or using Safari Autofill.
• Fixes an issue where contact images are blank in search.
• Fixes an issue for Dual SIM users where the phone number changes from primary to secondary and is visible to a group they have messaged.