Following the recent release of iOS 17.3, Apple has confirmed that iOS 17.4 will be released in March, and the update includes several new features and changes for iPhone users.
One of the biggest changes in iOS 17.4 is the introduction of major App Store changes in the European Union (EU). To comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Apple will now allow alternative app marketplaces and payment options on the App Store in the EU. This means that iPhone users in the EU will have more choices when it comes to downloading and purchasing apps.
In addition to the App Store changes, iOS 17.4 also includes a number of other new features. For example, the Apple Podcasts app will now offer transcripts for podcasts, allowing listeners to read the full text of an episode and search for specific words or phrases. The transcripts will also be highlighted in real-time as the episode plays, similar to how song lyrics work in Apple Music.
Another new feature in iOS 17.4 is SharePlay for HomePod, which allows family and friends to control the music playing on your HomePod speaker. This feature is similar to the SharePlay feature that was introduced for CarPlay last year, and it allows multiple people to control music playback with permission.
iOS 17.4 also includes new emoji, including a broken chain, a brown mushroom, a head shaking horizontally, a head shaking vertically, a lime, and a phoenix.
In addition to these changes, the update also includes a number of security patches and bug fixes. For example, the update addresses an issue where certain characters in a password field could be obscured, and it also fixes a problem where some Bluetooth devices were unable to connect to the iPhone.
The update also includes improvements to the iPhone’s augmented reality capabilities, including support for more complex AR experiences and improved tracking accuracy.
Finally, the update includes preparations for next-generation CarPlay, which will be released in 2024. Eight new CarPlay apps will be introduced, including Auto Settings, Car Camera, Charge, Climate, Closures, Media, Tire Pressure, and Trips. These apps will provide additional functionality and convenience for drivers, such as displaying vehicle information, controlling climate settings, and accessing media controls.
Overall, iOS 17.4 promises to be a significant update for iPhone users, with new features and changes that will enhance the user experience. The update will be available for download in March, and it will be compatible with all iPhone models running iOS 17 or later.