Apple iOS 17.4: These new features are coming in March
Apple confirmed last month that iOS 17.4 would be released in March. The update includes several new features and changes for iPhone. Key new features include major changes to the App Store in the EU, Apple Podcasts Transcripts, SharePlay for HomePod, and new emoji. The update also includes preparations for the launch of next-generation CarPlay later this year.
Apple has already published the appropriate press release, which also confirms that iOS 17.4 will be released in March:
“Inevitably, the new options for developers’ EU apps create new risks to Apple users and their devices. Apple can’t eliminate those risks, but within the DMA’s constraints, the company will take steps to reduce them. These safeguards will be in place when users download iOS 17.4 or later, beginning in March.”
App Store changes in the EU
To comply with EU digital markets law, Apple has announced important changes to the App Store, Apple Pay, Safari and more. These changes are rolling out with iOS 17.4 for iPhone users in the 27 countries of the EU. First and foremost, Apple now allows alternative app marketplaces and alternative payment options in the App Store in the EU. Other EU changes include a new default web browser selection screen in Safari with third-party options. You can also use web engines other than Apple’s WebKit on the iPhone. Mobile payment apps via third-party NFC and much more are also available.
Apple Podcasts Transcripts
With iOS 17.4, the Apple Podcasts app now offers transcripts for podcasts. This allows listeners to read the full text of an episode, search for a specific word or phrase, and tap the text to skip to an episode. As an episode plays, each word is highlighted, similar to Apple Music lyrics. Apple says it automatically creates transcripts after a new episode is published. Transcripts are available for podcasts in English, French, German, and Spanish, and will be added to a podcast’s catalog over time for older episodes.
SharePlay for HomePod
With iOS 17.4, Apple has expanded SharePlay music control to the HomePod speakers. This feature allows family and friends to control the music playing on a HomePod if you approve the request. While playing on the iPhone, tap the SharePlay symbol at the bottom of the display. A QR code will then appear that someone can scan with their iPhone or Android smartphone camera to access music playback.
Even a screenshot of the QR code is enough to give access to people around the world. Apple introduced a similar feature for CarPlay last year, allowing anyone in the car to control music playback via SharePlay if they have permission to do so.
New emoji in iOS 17.4
iOS 17.4 also adds new emoji, including a broken chain, a brown mushroom, a horizontal shaking head, a vertical shaking head, a lime, and a phoenix.
Apple CarPlay update
The first iOS 17.4 beta also includes code for eight new CarPlay apps. In the USA, the first vehicle models should receive the next generation of CarPlay later this year.
- Automatic settings: This app can be used to manage paired iPhones and adjust vehicle settings.
- Car Camera: This app displays the feed from the vehicle’s rear camera.
- Charging: For electric vehicles, this app displays battery level, charging status, time remaining until battery is fully charged, and more.
- Climate: This app provides access to a vehicle’s climate controls in CarPlay, allowing adjustment of the air conditioning or heating system temperature, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and more.
- Closures: This app shows whether any of the vehicle’s doors are open and may also display vehicle warning symbols.
- Media: This app provides access to FM and AM radio station control in CarPlay, as well as other media options such as SiriusXM. It’s unclear whether SiriusXM will offer satellite connectivity or remain limited to internet streaming. Users can choose from a list of music genres such as Top 40 and Rock.
- Tire Pressure: This app displays the air pressure for each tire on the vehicle and provides alerts for low pressure, high pressure, and flat tires.
- Trips: This app provides a variety of driving-related data, including average vehicle speed, fuel consumption or energy efficiency, total elapsed time and distance traveled on a trip, and more.
Apple recently confirmed that the first cars with next-generation CarPlay will hit the US market sometime in 2024.
Further information about the functions of iOS 17.4 can be found here.
