Every New Feature Added with iOS 17.4
Introduction
Apple has released iOS 17.4 RC for developers. The major new feature in iOS 17.4 is related to the updated App Store framework for users in the European Union, which introduces alternative app stores, payment methods, and more. Let's dive into what's new with iOS 17.4.
Alternative App Stores & App Sideloading
Apple has announced some of the most significant changes in the history of iOS. To comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to prevent monopoly practices by gatekeepers, Apple is making substantial alterations to its platform. The EU's DMA requires Apple to allow alternative app stores on iPhones, unlocking app sideloading. This means that users will be able to install apps outside the App Store and offer alternative payment solutions right in their apps, among other changes. These updates are not yet visible with iOS 17.4, as developers need to utilize the new frameworks provided by Apple to bring their solutions to the iPhone.
Apple has established the frameworks enabling this, yet the fee structure for these alternative marketplaces appears unappealing to third-party developers. This raises questions about the financial viability of such marketplaces, particularly for free or freemium applications.
Starting with iOS 17.4, EU-based iOS users will see a notification before installing any application from the App Store, whether it's Apple's or an alternative one. Check an example below:
iOS 17.4 App Installation Message in the EU
Default Browser
iOS users already have the ability to set a third-party web browser, other than Safari, as their default. Reflecting the DMA’s requirements, Apple is also introducing a new choice screen that will surface when users first open Safari in iOS 17.4 or later. That screen will prompt EU users to choose a default browser from a list of options.
This option appears in the European Union users when they open Safari for the first time after updating to iOS 17.4. The screen shows the 12 most popular web browsers in the local App Store in random order and have the option to set any of these as their default browser with two options. Either select (and update if needed), a browser that is already installed on their device or even a browser from the list that is not installed in their device. This is how this looks like:
Default Browser Selector & Choose New Default Browser screens
New Emoji’s
Apple is also bringing 118 new emoji versions to the iPhone with iOS 17.4. These emoji’s are based on Unicode 15.1 and bring a lime, a brown mushroom, smileys shaking their heads, a phoenix, new family emoji’s, a series of direction-specifying people emojis and more.
Apple adds 118 new emoji’s with iOS 17.4
Stolen Device Protection Optimization
Apple is significantly enhancing the Stolen Device Protection feature, first introduced in iOS 17.3. This feature now has a dedicated sub-menu within the Face ID & Passcode section of the iOS Settings app. The major update focuses on the activation conditions of the security delay for enabling or disabling Stolen Device Protection. In iOS 17.3, the security delay was automatically enabled in all locations except for those recognized as familiar to the user. With the iOS 17.4 update, users gain more control, with the option to activate this security delay in any location, including previously familiar ones like their home or workplace.
Stolen Device Protection - New Setting
Apple Podcasts Transcript
Apple's iOS 17.4 brings a subtle yet significant enhancement to the Podcasts app: podcast transcripts. This feature, reminiscent of the Lyrics function in Apple Music, lets users access a transcript of the podcast they're listening to by tapping the 'Transcript Button'. A tap on any part of the transcript text will fast forward directly to that specific section of the podcast. Moreover, Apple has integrated a search function to locate specific words or phrases within the podcast transcript. This combination of search and direct navigation significantly improves user experience, making it more efficient and user-friendly. It's important to note that these transcriptions are auto-generated by the Podcasts app, not provided by the podcast hosts, and are not available in all languages.
Additionally, Apple has renamed the 'Listen Now' tab to 'Home' in both the Podcasts and Music applications.
Apple Podcasts Transcript
Siri Reads Messages in Multiple Languages
Apple has implemented a small yet practical update to Siri in iOS 17.4. Previously, Siri could read your messages only if they were written in the same language that Siri was set to. With the new update, users now have the option to add any additional language from those supported by Siri. This feature can be found in the "Messaging with Siri" sub-menu under "Siri & Search," where a new option titled "Read Messages" has been added. Users can select this to add extra languages. It's important to note, however, that this feature supports only the main Siri languages. Some languages, such as Greek, unfortunately, remain unsupported.
Call Screen UI
Apple has implemented a subtle yet noticeable UI update to the Call Screen in iOS. In versions from iOS 17.0 to 17.3.1, the call screen for numbers not saved in contacts or without an assigned 'Contact Poster' was consistently grey. However, starting with iOS 17.4, this screen now displays a blurred version of the user's set wallpaper, adding a personalized touch to the call interface.
Below, you'll find a comparison image of the Call Screen UI between iOS 17.4 and the previous versions of iOS 17.
Introduction of PQ3 Encryption
Apple has announced a monumental update to iMessage's cryptographic security: the introduction of PQ3, a post-quantum cryptographic protocol. This groundbreaking advancement elevates iMessage to what Apple calls "Level 3 security," a standard unmatched by any other widely deployed messaging app right now.
Apple will start to gradually roll out PQ3 Encryption to iMessage for devices running iOS 17.4, starting next week.
Alternative Payment Options & NFC Payments
Apple is now offering developers additional payment options for their apps on the App Store across the European Union in order to align with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), . This update, relevant for all of Apple’s operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS, introduces two major payment alternatives.
Firstly, the incorporation of Payment Service Providers (PSPs) allows developers to integrate alternative payment processing systems within their apps, enabling seamless in-app transactions.
Secondly, developers have the option to link out to purchase, directing users to external webpages to complete transactions for digital goods and services.
This new flexibility not only empowers developers but also enhances the buying experience for EU users, who can now benefit from promotions, discounts, and other deals more directly. These changes mark a significant shift in Apple's approach to app payments in the EU, eventually fostering a more open and competitive digital ecosystem.
Apple is also introducing enhanced contactless payments - for users in the EU again. This update brings new tools for app developers to integrate contactless payments directly into their banking and wallet apps. What does this mean for users? It will be more easier than ever to use your iPhone for contactless payments. Simply select your favorite banking or wallet app as your default for contactless payments and use it at any NFC-enabled terminal just as if you are using Apple Pay. Double-clicking the side button of your iPhone, or bringing it close to a terminal, and your payment is made, quickly and securely in the most familiar way. Developers, meanwhile, are being held to strict standards. They must follow rigorous security guidelines and have the proper certifications and licenses. This is to ensure that every transaction users are making is safe and secure.
Game Streaming App Stores
One of Apple’s recent announcements is related to Game Streaming platforms. Game streaming developers are now able to build their own native applications on iOS that are allowed to include their entire game catalogue that is available in their marketplace built for other platforms. More details are available here. This change is not restricted locally in the European Union, but is rolling out on a global scale.
This means that Apple has set the ground for alternative game streaming marketplaces such as the Epic Games Store (already announced its native iOS app), or the Xbox Cloud Gaming service.
Apple has recently announced a significant update concerning Game Streaming platforms. Developers of game streaming services can now create their own native iOS applications, which are permitted to feature their full game catalogues, identical to those available on other platforms. Further details are accessible here. Importantly, this change isn’t confined to the European Union; it's being implemented globally.
This development lays the foundation for alternative game streaming marketplaces to enter the iOS ecosystem, such as the Epic Games Store, which has already announced that its native iOS app is arriving later this year, and the Xbox Cloud Gaming service.
Shortcuts UI Changes
Apple continues to enhance the Shortcuts UI with a small yet handy update. Now, when users edit an existing Shortcut and choose 'Add to Home Screen', they are presented with a new interface. This interface offers two primary options: adding either an icon or an image as the Home Screen icon for the shortcut. This enhancement greatly benefits those who frequently use various shortcuts on their devices. Here's a comparison of how this new feature looks against the previous version in iOS 17.3.1:
Other Improvements
1. Shazam / Music recognition lets you add songs you have identified directly to your Apple Music Playlists and Library, as well as Apple Music Classical.
2. Battery Health in Settings shows battery cycle count, manufacture date, and first use on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models:
3. Call Identification displays Apple-verified business name, logo, and department name when available
4. Business updates in Messages for Business provide trusted information for order status, flight notifications, fraud alerts or other transactions you opt into
5. Apple Cash virtual card numbers enable you to pay with Apple Cash at merchants that don’t yet accept Apple Pay by typing in your number from Wallet or using Safari AutoFill
6. New City Digital Clock Widget for your Homescreen
City Digital Clock Widget (Top Right)
