iOS 17.4 is expected to launch in March. (Image: News18)
Here’s a look at some of the top features coming to Apple iPhones when the stable build of iOS 17.4 launches around March.
Just days after releasing the stable build for iOS 17.3, Apple has released the iOS 17.4 developer beta with a slew of feel-good, functional, as well as regulatory changes.
Here, let’s have a look at some of the top changes coming to Apple iPhones when you download the iOS 17.4 developer beta or wait for the official stable build to hit your iOS 17-compatible device around March. But remember that most of these features are limited to the EU region.
iOS 17.4: Here’s What Is New
Sideloading and Third-Party App Stores
This update is big on regulatory changes that Apple made to comply with the EU’s DMA requirements. In iOS 17.4, iPhone users in EU countries will soon have the option to access alternative app stores, rather than relying solely on the App Store for downloading apps and games. This gives users the option to download apps from anywhere they wish to do so.
Choose a Default Browser
This is again for the EU only, but when these users update to iOS 17.4, Safari will allow them to choose a default browser on iOS. This can be handy for someone who prefers to use a browser other than Safari.
New Emojis
Emojis are always a fun addition to an update, and with iOS 17.4, users will get six new emojis—a mushroom, a phoenix, a nodding emoji, a life, and even a saying no emoji.
Stolen Device Protection
This feature brings an added layer of protection on top of the already existing measures that iOS has. These measures aid in safeguarding your phone when thieves attempt to steal your iPhone and access critical applications like iCloud, banking apps, private emails, and more. The effectiveness stems from the requirement that thieves not only enter your Lock Screen password but also scan your Face ID or Touch ID without the option of a password fallback when attempting to access vital apps or saved passwords.
Plus, you also have a 1-hour cooldown time, which follows an additional biometric authentication before you perform security-sensitive options.
Podcast Transcripts
Just like the Apple Music experience you get with the Music app, the Podcasts app now offers you a transcript for what is being talked about in the podcast. This can be a handy addition if you’d like to use some of it as text.
