After weeks of beta releases, Apple has finally released the iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 software updates to the public. The new update brings some big changes to iPhone and iPad (especially for European users), including the ability to install third-party apps and the App Store, new emoji, some improvements to Messages, and more. Here, we take a look at all the new features in iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4:
Support for EU third-party apps and app stores
As the Digital Markets Act (DMA) comes into effect on March 6, 2024, Apple has added support for sideloading third-party apps and app stores in the EU. This means that users can now install alternative app platforms on their iPhones and iPads for the first time ever. Apple’s decision to align with the DMA comes as the EU aims to create a fairer environment for all companies, developers and apps in Europe.
For the App Store, Apple has also adopted a new system in which developers pay nothing for the first 1 million installs and then pay a standard fee of €0.50 per user per year. Additionally, commissions are reduced to 17% for apps distributed through the App Store and 10% for apps in the Small Business plan. As expected, no commission will be charged on apps distributed through alternative app stores.
Apps installed outside of the Apple App Store will go through a security verification process to ensure they are free of malware. Users can even set a specific app store as their preferred app store in settings. However, for those wondering, this will still only be available to EU users, and we don’t expect it to arrive in other regions like Asia and North America.
Apple allows apps outside the App Store: What does this mean to you?
Apple will enable sideloading on iPhones as early as 2024, allowing millions of EU users to download games and apps outside of the App Store
Other EU-specific changes
Source: Unsplash
In addition to support for third-party app stores, Apple is also allowing developers to use alternative payment methods in their apps – apps are no longer forced to use Apple’s in-app purchase system. Developers can integrate third-party payment methods directly into the app or redirect users to their website to make payments. However, Apple is forcing developers to use well-known and secure third-party payment platforms.
Additionally, Apple will allow users to choose their default web browser. After installing iOS 17.4, when EU users open Safari, a pop-up window appears asking them to choose their preferred web browser. Users will be able to choose Google Chrome, Firefox or any other browser as their default browser.
Additionally, application developers no longer need to use Apple’s WebKit engine in their browsers. The change means developers like Google and Mozilla can now use their own browsing engines instead of Apple’s. Finally, Apple has also opened NFC access to developers in the EU, which means that third-party applications and services can now provide contactless payment methods on iPhone, and users are no longer forced to use Apple Pay for contactless payments.
New emoticons
Apple also added some new emojis to iOS in the latest update. The list of new emojis includes a lemon slice, a brown mushroom, a broken chain, a shaking head emoji and a dragon. Additionally, there are now over 15 character and body emojis that can be chosen to face in any direction.
Podcast Transcript
The Apple Podcasts app now offers transcripts on iOS 17.4. It works similarly to the lyrics feature on music apps, syncing with audio playback. Transcripts are available in English, Spanish, French and German and can be searched for specific words or phrases.
New iMessage security protocols and features
Apple has further improved the security of the Messages app by integrating a new “state-of-the-art” protocol called PQ3. New protocol protects users from phishing attacks using quantum computers. Apple also changed the wording of the messaging settings under Siri to “Send messages using Siri.” Now you can also set Siri to read messages in specific languages, including Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and more.
iPhone 15 battery health changes
In iOS 17.4, Apple changed the way battery health is displayed on iPhone 15 models. The battery health label will now read “Normal” instead of showing the actual battery health percentage. In addition to this change, the Battery Health section now displays statistics such as battery cycle count, manufacturing date, and first use.
iOS 17.4 includes a new City Digital Clock widget, perfect for those who prefer digital clocks to analog ones. Apple has also finally added a stopwatch live activity feature that will appear whenever you start the stopwatch. It appears on the dynamic island and lock screen, and you can control the stopwatch with the pause, clear, or start new lap buttons.
Should you upgrade to iOS 17.4?
If you’re in the EU, iOS 17.4 is a must-have update. The option to add third-party apps is a game-changer, and while there aren’t any alternative app stores yet, they are emerging. Thanks to these changes, Fortnite is ready to return to iOS. If you’re outside the EU, the update might not be as exciting, but the added iMessage security, Apple Podcasts transcripts, and new emojis are still worth it, so we recommend updating your device as soon as possible.
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