Key Highlights:
- App marketplace enhancements for users in the European Union, allowing access to alternative app stores.
- Introduction of new emojis, including a mushroom, phoenix, lime, and more.
- Podcast transcripts feature added to Apple Podcasts for easier navigation and accessibility.
- Detailed battery health information for iPhone 15 series users, including charge cycle count and manufacturing date.
- Enhanced security updates and bug fixes to improve system protection.
In the latest iOS 17.4 update, Apple introduces a host of innovative features, enhancing user experience and functionality across its devices. Let’s delve into the key highlights of this eagerly anticipated update.
iOS 17.4 Update: Enhanced App Marketplaces and Payment Options
App Marketplaces: Users in the European Union now have the freedom to explore and download apps from alternative app stores, providing them with a broader selection and increasing competition among developers.
Web Browsers: The update grants users the ability to install web browsers powered by different engines, allowing for greater customization of their browsing experience. Additionally, users can now select their preferred default web browser during setup or later.
Contactless Payments: With the new update, EU users can conveniently set their preferred contactless payment app as the default choice, streamlining the payment process and enhancing efficiency.
Alternative Payment Methods: Apps featuring the “external purchases” badge offer users the option to utilize alternative payment methods within the app, offering more flexibility and choice in payment processing.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| App Marketplaces | Users in the EU can now download apps from alternative app stores alongside the App Store. |
| Emoji Enhancements | New emojis introduced, allowing for more expressive communication. |
| Podcast Transcripts | Transcription feature added to Apple Podcasts for audio content, supporting multiple languages. |
| Battery Health Details | iPhone 15 series users gain access to comprehensive battery health information for better insights. |
| Security Updates | Various security patches and bug fixes included to enhance system security. |
Exciting Additional Features
New Emojis: iOS 17.4 introduces a fresh array of emojis, including a mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain, and shaking heads, enriching users’ expression and communication possibilities.
Emoji Enhancements: Users now have the ability to manipulate emojis within conversation messages, allowing for playful and creative interactions. Furthermore, emojis and stickers can be seamlessly integrated into photos using built-in editing tools.
Podcast Transcripts: Apple Podcasts gains a new transcription feature, enabling users to access text transcripts of audio content in English, Spanish, French, and German languages. This feature facilitates easy browsing of podcast episodes.
Battery Health Details: iPhone 15 series users can now access comprehensive battery health information, including charge cycle count, manufacturing date, and first use date, providing valuable insights into battery performance and longevity.
Security Updates: As expected, the update includes various security patches and bug fixes to bolster system security and safeguard user data.
While some features are exclusive to EU users, such as expanded app store options and alternative payment methods, the iOS 17.4 update brings significant enhancements and improvements for users worldwide.