iOS 17.4 is probably one of the most extraordinary iPhone updates. Because at the urging of the EU, Apple is changing its own operating system. Some new functions are also on board.
iOS 17.4 fundamentally changes the iPhone. Because Apple is implementing several EU requirements with the update. The background is the so-called Digital Markets Act (DMA), which comes into force on March 7, 2024. The law is intended to ensure more competition and forces companies like Apple to break up their ecosystems to a certain extent.
iOS 17.4: Apple implements EU requirements
With iOS 17.4, Apple is therefore implementing some changes. In the EU, for example, iPhone users can now download apps from alternative app stores. Specifically, this means: In addition to Apple's own App Store, the company will also have to allow other marketplaces in the 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 its in-house payment service Apple Pay to the extent that other providers will also be eligible for contactless payment in the future.
Apple must also give iPhone users the ability to set a different default browser. After the update to version iOS 17.4, a selection dialog should appear when you open Safari for the first time, which can be used to specify a different browser.
iPhone update with new features
In addition to the changes as part of the Digital Market Act, iOS 17.4 also has new features 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.
With iOS 17.4, some new emojis are also coming to the iPhone. Also: 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 intended to strengthen encrypted end-to-end communication and ensure that even quantum computers have no chance of decryption.
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 starting with the iPhone XS. 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 generation available. This also applies to the normal sixth generation iPad and the fifth generation iPad Mini.
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Source: https://www.basicthinking.de/blog/2024/03/06/ios-17-4-das-steckt-im-neuen-iphone-update/
