Improvements to Stolen Device Protection
iOS 17.4 brings enhanced protection against device theft. Users can now mandate security delays before settings change, even when in familiar locations.This prevents thieves from quickly disabling tracking or wiping devices.
Enhanced security for iMessage
iOS 17.4 update includes an advanced security feature for iMessage that uses unbreakable encryption against quantum computers. Quantum computing, a new type of processing, has the potential to crack conventional encryption. But now, with PQ3 encryption, texts, and media sent and received on iMessage are protected.
Major App Store changes for users in Europe
Arguably, the most notable change is a complete revamp of the App Store for users in the European Union. This redesign aims to comply with new antitrust regulations under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Some notable changes include allowing third-party app stores, sideloading apps, alternate in-app purchase systems, and more browser engine options beyond WebKit. This will fundamentally alter the closed iOS ecosystem and provide users more choice and control.
While limited to EU region iPhones for now, the impact of these changes could spread more widely depending on their reception. It represents Apple’s biggest concession yet to loosen control over iOS.
A more personalised welcome screen
A redesigned personalised welcome screen when rebooting iOS aims to add delight and further customization. Featuring the user’s profile picture and fun bubble animation, it refreshes the user experience and makes an iPhone feel more uniquely on its own.
Tweaks to battery health
Apple has made some changes to the “Battery” menu in the Settings app. The changes make it easier for users to determine if their iPhone’s battery health is “normal.” Additionally, Apple has announced that the iPhone 15 batteries are performing better than initially anticipated.
Transcripts come to Podcasts
In a long-awaited move, Apple is bringing transcriptions to its industry-leading Podcasts app. Just like song lyrics in Music, the transcripts allow for searching inside episodes, jumping to specific sections, and following along with text while listening.
Other changes in iOS 17.4
Beyond those headline items, iOS 17.4 brings tweaks across the interface. There are new emojis like brown head shaking, mushroom, lime, and phoenix bird, among six new emojis. And CarPlay should work better on dual-screen car displays.
While some things are coming new, some are going as well. In the EU, the web apps will no longer be supported on iOS, as Apple makes changes ahead for the Digital Markets Act.
Although the sweeping App Store changes may be the most talked-about feature of iOS 17.4, Apple has also made significant efforts to improve the overall user experience with this release. The update aims to give iPhone users a feeling of freshness, security, and personalization that will last well into 2024. We will have a better idea of how successful these changes are once the public launch takes place next month.