Apple is releasing iOS 17.4 with new features and fixes among its most extensive OS updates in years. This global update, available to all iOS 17 devices from the iPhone XS to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, alters App Stores, the iPhone Browser Engine, iMessage encryption, and more.
Apple has kept several of these new capabilities EU-only, so many people worldwide won’t be able to use them. How other markets react to weaker iPhone experiences compared to the EU will be intriguing. Where this goes in the future will be intriguing.
Read also: Accessing iPhone 15, iPhone 16: 15+, upgrades
iPhone iOS 17.4 EU-Specific Changes
Apple’s iOS 17.4’s EU Digital Markets Act compliance is its highlight. This legislation seeks to democratise the digital market, challenging IT firms’ monopolies and levelling the playing field for businesses and consumers. According to the DMA, iOS 17.4 includes several EU-specific changes:
Other app shops, sideloading:
For the first time, direct downloads and third-party app stores are supported in iOS 17.4. A significant change allows developers to sell apps outside the iOS App Store. After 1 million annual downloads, developers must achieve Apple’s certification and pay a 50-euro cent “Core Technology Fee” per install. Apple has again set limits to deter developers and maximise earnings from improvements.
Browse Engines:
Another notable feature is the ability to download and utilise browser engines other than Apple’s WebKit. With this patch, iOS Safari’s first launch will prompt users to choose their default browser. Apple forced all iPhone browsers to use its engine, making them horrible for years. Change is coming. Although Chrome and Firefox launches are pending, this signals a more open and competitive iOS browser sector.
Paying Without Contact:
For years, only Apple could use the iPhone’s NFC chip, which is ridiculous. In iOS 17.4, third-party developers can use the NFC chip for contactless payments outside Apple Pay and Wallet in the European Economic Area. The NFC Chip will allow developers to create contactless payment systems. It opens the door for several contactless payment systems, with user settings listing apps requesting access.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs):
Apple will keep home screen web apps despite early EU PWA support suspensions. Despite this concession, these apps will use WebKit without third-party browser options.
EU legislation required some of these qualities, which is absurd. EU charger regulations forced Apple to switch from Lightning to USB Type-C. These features are progressive and should be available to more customers worldwide. Therefore, it’s absurd that Apple kept them EU-only.
Users’ feedback should make iOS 18 more open and provide these features to more people worldwide. Apple shouldn’t limit its app store access, browser options, NFC payment options, and sideloading to EU users, regardless of the law.
Everyone else receives iOS 17.4:
iOS 17.4 gives worldwide users many improvements and new functionality beyond EU-specific adjustments. Changes to your iPhone are expected worldwide. As soon as possible, update the update.
iPhone 15 battery health updates: To improve clarity, the iPhone 15 models’ battery section in Settings has moved cycle count information. iPhone 15 batteries should retain 80% of their capacity after 1,000 charge cycles under ideal conditions.
Music app improvements: The “Listen Now” tab is now “Home”. The Apple Music app’s revamp includes new Shazam song playlist additions to improve user interaction with their favourite music.
New emoji: Apple added a new emoji to iOS 17.4 to match the newest Unicode standard and make texting more expressive and diverse.
Encrypting iMessage PQ3: Apple is also proud of PQ3, a new iMessage encryption standard that promises to improve message security and protect personal and sensitive data. On the other hand, they have an entire paper.
Additional information: The following features are supported by Siri in multiple languages: reading messages, clock app widgets, updates for FaceTime and CarPlay, notes airdrop collaboration features and USB-C firmware updates for AirPods.
Apple’s iOS 17.4 upgrade is vast—their biggest iPhone market divide. Getting updates and using the same gear are divided. The company may struggle with device maintenance and customer service because it is ludicrous. Allowing customers to enjoy the same experiences is simpler.