Apple iOS 17.4: Features, Updates, Eligibility, And Much More

Apple has finally rolled out the iOS 17.4 update globally to all iPhone users. Apple iOS 17.4 brings a host of features, especially for those in the EU (European Union). 

The latest update is aimed at complying with Europe’s rigid DMA (Digital Markets Acts), including support for third-party app stores. Apple is offering several changes in the iOS 17.4 update, including: 

• Alternative app store for iPhones.
• The ability to sideload apps from third-party app stores.
• New emojis and Call identification.
• Choosing the default browser.
• Notarization for iOS apps.
• Post-quantum cryptography security upgrade.
• Transcription option on podcasts.
• Security patches and bug fixes.

Apple iOS 17.4 Features

The new Apple iOS 17.4 1.7GB update comes with complete value-added features, including call identification, a transcription option on podcasts, new emojis, and post-quantum cryptography, among many others. 

Here are some of the notable features of the new iOS 17.4 Apple update:

1. New Emojis

Apple is introducing support for 28 new emojis, including the nodding heads (vertically and horizontally), a broken chain, a slice of lime, a (different) mushroom, gender-neutral families, people facing right, and a phoenix. The latest emojis have the ability to face in any direction. Macrumors reported that these emojis were approved last year with the Unicode 15.1 update.

2. Post-quantum Cryptography (PQ3)

The Apple iOS 17.4 update brings the latest encryption protocol, known as Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQ3). It is specially designed to protect the iPhone’s iMessage app against cybercriminals using high-end quantum computers. PQ3 is acclaimed to have the most compelling and effective security attributes of any at-scale messaging treaty worldwide. With this significant upgrade, iMessage will be the safest messaging platform in the world.

3. Call Identification

The new Apple iOS 17.4 Beta also features the Call Identification tool. Each and every time a call pops up from an Apple-verified enterprise, the mobile app will display the business logo, name, and department name.

4. Battery Health

Now, the Battery Health in settings will feature more details, including first use, battery cycle count, and manufacture date. However, this feature is only exclusive to iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro.

5. Transcription On Apple Podcast

The Apple iOS 17.4 update also introduces a transcription feature to Apple’s podcast app. However, initially, it will only support four languages: German, English, French, and Spanish.

6. Side-Load Apps

Also, the iOS 17.4 Apple update will permit users to side-load apps from third-party digital marketplaces on iPhones. However, this will only be limited to European Union regions.

7. Digital Assistance In Local Languages

With the latest update of Apple iOS 17.4, the iPhone offers users the latest option, a digital assistant, Siri, to notify messages in local languages. In India, it supports Hindi, Kannada, Bengali, Gujarati, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Punjabi, and Marathi. 

8. Alternative App Store For iPhones

One noteworthy change with iOS 17.4 is the alternative app stores on iPhones. Offering users multiple choices beyond the traditional App Store. Also, app developers are no longer restricted to providing in-app purchases exclusively through the App Store, as alternative payment options are now supported.

9. Choosing Default Browser

iPhone users in the European Union are also experiencing the latest feature, which allows them to choose a default browser. When users open Safari, they have more control over their browsing experience.

10. NFC For Third-Party Apps

With the new Apple iOS 17.4 beta update, EU third-party app developers will also have access to NFC services for their wallet and banking apps. This enhancement also enables these apps to promote contactless payment. They will not have to rely on Apple or Wallet Pay.

11. Notarization For iOS Apps

Last but not least, Apple is introducing an extra protection called Notarization for iOS applications. It is meant to guard against potential scams, malware fraud, and harmful content. The latest feature is baseline review, applicable to all apps. It is also aimed at safeguarding users using a mixture of human review and automated checks. 

Additional Updates and Bug Fixes Include

Some additional bug fixes and updates of the new Apple iOS 17.4 update are:

• Music recognition allows users to add music to their playlists or libraries.
• Stolen Device Protection is for enhanced security in every location. 
• The new updates also include fixing an issue for Dual SIM users.
• The latest update of Apple iOS 17.4 also fixes an issue where contact photos are blank in Find My.

Apple iOS 17.4 Release Date

Apple introduced the iOS 17.4 update on March 6 (Wednesday). The latest OS version supports iPhone models alongside iPadOS 17.4. Check out the supported models of iPhones below. 

List of iPhones Eligible For Apple iOS 17.4

Check out the list of iPhones that are eligible for Apple iOS 17.4, including:

• Apple iPhone 15
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone15 Pro
• 15 Pro Max Apple iPhone
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus Apple iPhone
• Apple iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max 
• iPhone 13
• Apple iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• Apple iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• Apple iPhone XR
• iPhone SE (2nd Gen)
• iPhone SE (3rd Gen)

How to Install Apple iOS 17.4 Update On iPhone?

Via Over The Air (OTA)

Prerequisite: Those users who want to install the update directly onto the device through OTA have to make sure there is a lot of storage space. Also, make sure that the device has more than 50% battery before starting the download of the new iOS update.

Steps: Settings> General> Software Update

Via Manual Installation Through Apple iTunes

Prerequisite: Before initiating the download process, back up your iPhone with either iTunes or iCloud. Additionally, your PC must have the latest version of the iTunes application. If not, go to About and then scan for updates. You can also visit iTunes.com.

1. Launch iTunes on your PC or Mac.
2. If your iPhone is not inserted, then do it.
3. In the top left navigation, tap on the iPhone icon.
4. Click on the check for update icon in the first section containing details about your device. You can also click alternatively on the Restore button instead if you want to do a clean wipe with updated software.
5. An update should be identified. Now, click on Download and Update in the popup bar. Agree to the terms and conditions. 
6. To continue with the upgrade, unlock your device with your password.

Final Line

The Apple iOS 17.4 update brings long-awaited support for all the third-party app stores in the EU, where Apple has been compelled to follow the new Digital Markets Act (DMA). The latest update includes multiple security features and bug fixes. Additionally, it includes transcripts in Apple podcasts, new emoji, Stolen Device Protection, side-load apps, and call identification, among others. 

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