Over the previous couple of days, Apple has launched a second beta of iOS 17.4, first for builders and now for members of the general public beta program to check out. Whereas the primary beta already revealed the larger modifications coming in iOS 17.4, Apple nonetheless has to refine a few of these issues, and as ordinary, subsequent betas make smaller tweaks and changes, too.
Whereas essentially the most important modifications in iOS 17.4 received’t have an effect on anyone outdoors of the European Union since they revolve round new App Retailer and app distribution guidelines, there are nonetheless some enjoyable new options coming for the remainder of us.
This consists of auto-generated transcripts in Apple Podcasts, 118 new emojis, and the flexibility to make use of SharePlay to create a celebration combine in your Apple TV or HomePod. We’ve additionally seen some smaller tweaks to iOS 17.3’s new Stolen Machine Safety, the flexibility to have Siri learn incoming messages in a number of languages while you’re within the automotive or carrying AirPods, and a few groundwork for the CarPlay 2.0 options coming to new autos later this yr.
What’s Modified in iOS 17.4 Beta 2
The excellent news is that the majority of these options seem like the identical within the second beta of iOS 17.4, with Apple largely making smaller modifications, comparable to bettering the accuracy of podcast transcriptions and cleansing up the listing of language picks underneath the brand new Messaging with Siri part.
However, just a few different fascinating issues have popped up in beta 2, together with a brand new Digital Clock Widget that permits you to see the time in a selected metropolis.
Apple added the Digital Clock widget in iOS 17.2, however in contrast to the analog variations, you could possibly solely see your native time. iOS 17.4 rectifies that with a brand new “Metropolis Digital” widget.
The App Retailer and Apple Music apps get new splash screens — or at the least deliver up the usual ones after putting in the beta. It’s unclear if the wording has modified, however Apple’s emphasis on the App Retailer as “a protected and trusted place” looks as if an indirect swipe on the new guidelines it’s being compelled to implement within the EU.
MacRumors contributor aaronp613 picked on some fascinating code modifications, though they don’t seem like absolutely carried out but. This features a Siri Compatibility Mode for coping with sure automotive mics and support for veteran status on Digital Drivers Licenses within the Pockets app.
In line with MacRumors, it might additionally quickly be attainable for particular person apps to show off gesture-based reactions on video calls, no matter whether or not the consumer has enabled them. Hopefully, it will assist forestall embarrassing moments in calls the place floating balloons or fireworks aren’t acceptable, comparable to telehealth apps or enterprise calls.
A brand new “Go Keys entry for net browsers” setting now seems within the Privateness & Safety part of the Settings app. Whereas the aim of this isn’t fully clear, we suspect it’s associated to the opening up of third-party browser engines within the EU, which is able to doubtless must request permission to entry this data.
In that case, it’ll doubtless disappear in different areas in a future beta. The primary beta additionally had a Contactless & NFC setting right here that’s since disappeared — at the least outdoors of the EU, the place third-party apps will quickly be capable to instantly entry the iPhone’s NFC {hardware}.
Naturally, the second iOS 17.4 additionally fixes just a few bugs from the primary one, together with issues with lacking stickers and a few in-app purchases, and likewise polishes issues up by eradicating some settings that appeared within the first beta, such because the “identifiable area” within the About display.