iOS 17.4 is probably one of the most unusual iPhone updates. This is because Apple is revamping its in-house operating system at the insistence of the EU. Some new functions are also on board.
iOS 17.4 will fundamentally change the iPhone. Apple is implementing several EU requirements with the update. The background to this is the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which comes into force on March 7, 2024. The law is intended to ensure more competition and is forcing companies like Apple to break up their ecosystems to a certain extent.
iOS 17.4: Apple implements EU requirements
Apple is therefore implementing some changes with iOS 17.4. For example, iPhone users in the EU can now download apps from alternative app stores. In concrete terms, this means that in addition to Apple’s own App Store, the company must also allow other marketplaces in future.
The DMA also obliges the iPhone company to allow alternative payment methods. iOS 17.4 therefore allows mobile payment services to access the iPhone’s NFC interface. This means that Apple is opening up its in-house payment service Apple Pay to the extent that other providers will also be eligible for contactless payment in future.
Apple must also give iPhone users the option of setting a different default browser. After the update to version iOS 17.4, a selection dialog should therefore appear when Safari is opened for the first time, which can be used to specify a different browser.
iPhone update with new functions
In addition to the changes as part of the Digital Market Act, iOS 17.4 also has new functions on board. For example, Apple is introducing Transcript to its Podcasts app. This function allows users to read along while listening to podcasts, jump to specific sections and search for texts.
iOS 17.4 also brings some new emojis to the iPhone. Plus: the new messaging protocol PQ3 for iMessage. According to Apple, it has the strongest security features of any messaging protocol in the world. PQ3 is designed to strengthen encrypted end-to-end communication and ensure that even quantum computers have no chance of decrypting it.
Install iOS 17.4
iOS 17.4 has been available for free download since March 6, 2024. Apple traditionally recommends prompt installation. The new iPhone update is available for all models from the iPhone XS upwards. The version can be downloaded via the device settings under “General” and “Software update”.
With iPadOS 17.4, Apple has also presented a new update for the iPad. The new software is available for all devices from the second-generation iPad Pro (12.9-inch), the third-generation iPad Pro (10.5-inch), the first-generation iPad Pro (11-inch) and the third-generation iPad Air. This also applies to the normal sixth-generation iPad and the fifth-generation iPad Mini.
