Apple has recently announced the upcoming release of iOS 17.4 in March, and it’s bringing along a host of exciting new features. This update includes major App Store changes in the EU, Apple Podcasts transcripts, SharePlay for HomePod, new emoji, and preparations for the launch of next-generation CarPlay. With these additions, iPhone users can expect an enhanced user experience and a range of new capabilities. Whether you’re an avid app user, a podcast enthusiast, or a music lover, iOS 17.4 has something for everyone. Stay tuned for more details about these exciting new features and changes!
App Store Changes in EU
To comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Apple has made significant changes to the App Store, Apple Pay, Safari, and more in the upcoming iOS 17.4 update. These changes specifically apply to iPhone users who reside in the 27 countries that belong to the EU.
First and foremost, Apple now allows alternative app marketplaces and alternative payment options on the App Store in the EU. This means that developers will have the option to distribute their apps through different channels and offer alternative payment methods to users. This change aims to promote competition and give users more choices.
In addition, Apple has introduced a new default web browser selection screen in Safari. Users will be able to choose their preferred web browser when they first launch Safari, allowing them to use a browser other than Safari as their default option.
Furthermore, third-party web browsers on the iPhone will now have the ability to use web engines other than Apple’s WebKit. This means that users can experience different browsing engines and potentially have access to unique features and capabilities.
Another significant change is the ability for third-party mobile wallet apps to access the iPhone’s NFC chip for contactless payment functionality. This opens up new possibilities for users to use their preferred mobile wallet apps for convenient and secure payments.
These are just a few examples of the changes that Apple has made to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. For more details on all the changes in iOS 17.4 for EU users, you can read our recap of all the EU changes in this update and Apple’s overview on their website.
Apple Podcasts Transcripts
Starting with iOS 17.4, the Apple Podcasts app will now offer transcripts for podcasts. This new feature allows listeners to read the full text of an episode, search for specific words or phrases, and even tap on the text to jump to a certain part of the episode. As an episode plays, each word is highlighted, similar to how Apple Music displays song lyrics.
Apple automatically generates these transcripts after a new episode is published. Currently, transcripts are available in English, French, German, and Spanish, and older episodes in a podcast’s catalog will have transcripts added over time. This is a great accessibility feature that allows users to consume podcast content in a different way and easily find specific information within an episode.
SharePlay for HomePod
With iOS 17.4, Apple has expanded SharePlay music control to HomePod speakers. This feature allows family and friends to control the music that is playing on your HomePod, with your permission. They can use their own devices to control the music, and they do not require an Apple Music subscription to participate.
To initiate SharePlay, simply play a song on your iPhone and tap the SharePlay icon at the bottom of the screen. This will bring up a QR code that others can scan with their iPhone or Android smartphone’s camera to request access to music playback controls. Even a screenshot of the QR code works, making it easy to grant access to people around the world.
This feature builds upon the existing SharePlay functionality that was introduced for CarPlay last year, which allows anyone in the car to control music playback with permission. Now, you can extend this sharing experience to your HomePod, making it even more enjoyable for gatherings and parties.
New Emoji
iOS 17.4 introduces a range of new emoji for users to express themselves in conversations. Some of the new additions include a broken chain, a brown mushroom, head shaking horizontally, head shaking vertically, a lime, and a phoenix. These emoji add more diversity and nuance to the emoji keyboard, allowing users to accurately convey their emotions and intentions.
Emoji have become an integral part of modern communication, and Apple continues to update their emoji library regularly to reflect the evolving needs and interests of users.
Next-Generation CarPlay Preparations
The upcoming iOS 17.4 update includes preparations for the launch of next-generation CarPlay later this year. The first beta of iOS 17.4 already contains the code for eight new CarPlay apps that will enhance the in-car experience.
The new CarPlay apps include:
- Auto Settings: This app will allow users to manage paired iPhones and adjust vehicle settings.
- Car Camera: This app will display the vehicle’s rear-view camera feed, providing additional visibility and safety.
- Charge: Designed for electric vehicles, this app will display battery level, charging status, time remaining until the battery is fully charged, and more.
- Climate: This app will provide access to a vehicle’s climate controls within CarPlay, allowing users to adjust temperature, fan speed, and other settings.
- Closures: This app will display if any of the vehicle’s doors are opened and may also show vehicle warning symbols.
- Media: This app will provide access to FM and AM radio station controls within CarPlay, as well as other media options like SiriusXM.
- Tire Pressure: This app will display the air pressure for each of the vehicle’s tires and provide warnings for low or high pressure.
- Trips: This app will provide various driving-related data, including average speed, fuel efficiency, total time elapsed, and distance traveled.
These new CarPlay apps will offer users more ways to interact with their vehicles and access important information while on the road. Apple has also confirmed that the first U.S. vehicle models with next-generation CarPlay will be released sometime in 2024.
More
In addition to the highlighted features above, iOS 17.4 includes several other changes and improvements. Some notable ones include Live Activities support for the Clock app’s stopwatch, allowing users to participate in live challenges and activities while using the stopwatch feature. Additionally, Apple has renamed the “Listen Now” tab to “Home” in both the Apple Music and Apple Podcasts apps, providing a more intuitive and cohesive experience.
This article provides just a glimpse of the new features and changes that iOS 17.4 brings to iPhone users. For a comprehensive list of all the features in this update, check out our full list of iOS 17.4 features.
Apple is committed to continuously improving and enhancing the user experience on their devices, and iOS 17.4 is another step forward in that journey. Stay tuned for the official release of iOS 17.4 in March, and get ready to enjoy these exciting new features and changes on your iPhone.
