Apple releases iOS 17.4 in March with these new features and changes

Apple confirmed last month that iOS 17.4 will be released in March, and the update includes several new features and changes for iPhone.

Key new features in iOS 17.4 include major App Store changes in the EU, Apple Podcasts transcripts, SharePlay for HomePod, and new emojis. This update also includes preparations for the launch of next-generation CarPlay later this year.

Apple’s press release confirms that iOS 17.4 will be released in March.

Inevitably, new options for developers’ EU apps introduce new risks to Apple users and their devices. Apple cannot eliminate these risks, but will take steps to reduce them within the constraints of the DMA.These safeguards will be in place If users downloaded iOS 17.4 or later after March.

Here are details about the new features and changes in iOS 17.4.

App Store changes in the EU

To comply with EU digital market laws, Apple announced major changes to the App Store, Apple Pay, Safari, and more. These changes will be implemented in iOS 17.4 for iPhone users in the 27 EU countries.

First and foremost, Apple now allows alternative app marketplaces and alternative payment options in the App Store in the EU. Other changes in the EU include a new default web browser selection screen in Safari, the ability for third-party web browsers to use web engines other than Apple’s WebKit on iPhone, and the ability for third-party mobile wallet apps to access NFC on iPhone. and so on. Chips for contactless payment functions, etc.

For more information, read our summary of all EU changes in iOS 17.4 and Apple’s overview.

Apple Podcasts Transcript

Starting with iOS 17.4, the Apple Podcasts app now provides a transcript of your podcast, allowing listeners to read the full episode, search for specific words or phrases, or tap text to jump to a specific part of the episode. Now you can. As the episode plays, each word is highlighted, similar to song lyrics on Apple Music.

Apple says a transcript will be automatically generated when a new episode is published. Transcripts are available for English, French, German, and Spanish podcasts, and are gradually added to older episodes in the podcast catalog.

SharePlay on HomePod

Starting with iOS 17.4, Apple extended SharePlay music controls to HomePod speakers.

This feature allows your family and friends to control the music playing on your HomePod if you approve their request. For now, it’s limited to the Music app, and others don’t need an Apple Music subscription to participate.

While playing a song on your iPhone, tap the SharePlay icon at the bottom of the screen and a QR code will appear. Others can scan this code with their iPhone or Android smartphone camera to request access to music playback controls. Even a screenshot of a QR code is enough to grant access to people around the world remotely.

Apple already introduced a similar feature to CarPlay last year, allowing anyone in the car to control music playback via SharePlay with permission.

new emoji

iOS 17.4 adds new emojis including broken chain, brown mushroom, horizontal shaking head, vertical shaking head, lime, and phoenix.

Preparing for next generation CarPlay

The first iOS 17.4 beta includes code for eight new CarPlay apps.

• Automatic configuration: This app lets you manage your paired iPhone and adjust your vehicle’s settings.
• In-vehicle camera: This app displays the vehicle’s rear view camera feed.
• charging: For electric vehicles, the app displays battery level, charging status, time remaining until the battery is fully charged, and more.
• climate: This app gives you access to your vehicle’s climate controls within CarPlay, allowing you to adjust A/C or heating system temperature, fan speed, heated seats, steering wheel, and more.
• Closure: This app will appear when the vehicle door is open and may also display vehicle warning symbols.
• media: This app provides access to FM and AM radio station controls within CarPlay, along with other media options such as SiriusXM. It’s unclear whether SiriusXM will offer satellite connectivity or be limited to Internet streaming. Users can choose from a list of music genres such as Top 40 and Rock.
• Tire pressure: This app displays the air pressure for each tire on your vehicle and provides low, high, and puncture warnings.
• trip: The app provides a variety of driving-related data, including your vehicle’s average speed, fuel consumption or energy efficiency, total elapsed time and distance covered during your trip, and more.

Apple recently confirmed that the first U.S. car models with next-generation CarPlay will be released sometime in 2024.

more

read our article Complete list of iOS 17.4 features Learn about other changes, including support for stopwatch live activities in the Clock app and the Listen Now tab in the Apple Music and Apple Podcasts apps being renamed to Home.