What’s coming in Apple’s next major software update, iOS 17.4

iOS 17.4 brings a major overhaul to Apple’s iPhone, introducing exciting new features such as app sideloading, alternative payment options, and more

Apple has just launched the initial beta of iOS 17.4 for compatible iPhones, bringing substantial changes that could profoundly impact how users interact with their iPhones, particularly in the European market. This update unlocks new possibilities for the iPhone by allowing support for third-party app stores, payment gateways, and more, breaking down the walled garden.

Here are some key changes that Apple is introducing to the iPhone in the upcoming iOS 17.4 update:

Capability to install apps and games from unofficial sources

Although users won’t have the ability to directly download and install apps from the web onto their iPhones, iOS 17.4 is a significant step toward enabling third-party app stores for iPhones. This development will permit users in the European Union to install apps from sources other than the official App Store. Since the iPhone’s inception, Apple has never permitted users to sideload or install apps from external sources without jailbreaking. However, this is set to change with the iOS 17.4 update.

Payment gateways provided by third-party services

This feature is exclusive to Europe, allowing app developers to integrate their own payment gateways. This means services like Spotify subscriptions could be more affordable, and platforms like Netflix could offer direct subscription options through their apps. This change could lead to lower prices for certain apps and games, as developers will no longer be required to pay up to 30%. Furthermore, this update should enable users in Europe to use alternative wireless payment services, similar to Apple Pay, for contactless payments.

Web browsers using third-party engines

With iOS 17.4, app developers will have the freedom to create web browsers without the constraints of WebKit, enabling brands to build fully customized web browsers for iPhones. Opera has already revealed plans to develop an AI-powered web browser, slated for release on iPhones soon.

Device theft protection

Apple is enhancing the security of your iPhone with iOS 17.4 by implementing new rules for “stolen device protection.” These rules may require both a PIN code and Face ID/Touch ID biometric authentication to remove an Apple ID from an iPhone or to factory reset the device.

Geographical region identifier

While changing the country or region on an iPhone has been relatively straightforward, iOS 17.4 might introduce a new regional identifier that could make it slightly more challenging. This identifier would allow Apple to automatically determine a user’s specific region, likely enabling the company to restrict several aforementioned features to the European region.

New emojis

Emojis play a vital role in expressing ourselves, and Apple is enhancing this experience with the iOS 17.4 update by introducing up to 100 new emojis. This diverse set includes emojis like a phoenix, lime slice, mushroom, broken chains, and others, which will undoubtedly enrich users’ ability to convey context in their texts.

Podcasts to receive automatically generated transcripts

The iOS 17.4 update includes a feature that will be welcomed by content creators. Apple will display auto-generated transcripts in the Apple Podcasts app, and creators will also have the option to upload their own transcripts. Apple assures that the auto-generated transcripts will be error-free.

Stopwatch in live activities

If you have an iPhone equipped with Dynamic Island, you can now access the stopwatch through the live activity feature. Simply open the Clock app, start the stopwatch, and return to the home screen to view the timer within Dynamic Island. To use this feature, you must have an iPhone 14 Pro or an iPhone 15 series.

Siri gains more capabilities

iOS 17.4 is enhancing Siri’s intelligence by enabling the personal assistant to message in multiple languages using the Message with Siri feature. This allows users to send messages via iMessage using simple audio prompts in multiple languages simultaneously.

Music app gets a makeover

With iOS 17.4, Apple is updating the UI of the Music app. The “Listen Now” button has been replaced by the “Home” button, which will now lead you to a new menu, particularly if you are a subscriber. This menu will feature recommendations and recently played music.