Apple has finally released its much-awaited iOS 17.4 update for iPhones, bringing new features, including the ability to download apps from third-party app stores in select markets. You also get better Stolen Device Protection and Caller ID for verified business, among many other features. Here is everything you need to know about the iOS 17.4 Update
iOS 17.4 Update Brings Ability To Install Apps From Third-Party App Stores
The iOS 17.4 update is rolling out to all eligible devices and requires at least 7.96GB of storage space to install. Make sure you have adequate storage and battery for a successful installation.
The iOS 17.4 update adds a new prominent feature: the ability to install apps from alternative app stores in EU countries. This is to comply with the DMA mandate of the European Union, which will also require Apple to offer new app controls and alternative app payment options.
The ability to install apps from third party apps store brings iOS 17.4 one step closer to Android in terms of openess however this feature is currently available only in the EU. Furthermore, EU users will also get the option to choose from non-Apple Pay services and change their default browser from Safari.
iOS 17.4 Features For Global Users
For users in the rest of the world, you get new emojis, including mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain and shaking heads. Moreover, there are also new automatic podcast transcriptions in the iOS 17.4 update for English, Spanish, French and German.
The Podcast app now offers transcription options, the ability to highlight text with audio sync apart from sizeability, text size change and VoiceOver.There are also improvements to Stolen Device Protection, including more authentication so the thief cannot lock the original user by making changes.
The iOS 17.4 update also brings caller ID for Apple-verified businesses, better details about battery health in settings, the ability to add songs to the library via music recognition, and a new Siri feature to announce messages in select languages.