In late January, Apple confirmed that iOS 17.4 shall be launched in March. The replace consists of a number of modifications for the iPhone, together with new options.
New options in iOS 17.4 embrace App Retailer modifications within the European Union, a brand new transcripts function within the Podcasts app, new emoji, and extra. The brand new model additionally lays the groundwork for CarPlay 2.0, which can debut later this yr.
Adjustments to the European Union App Retailer
Apple shall be making a number of modifications to the App Retailer, Apple Pay, and Safari in iOS 17.4 to adjust to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. The modifications shall be carried out for iPhone customers residing within the 27 nations that belong to the EU.
Apple will now permit customers to put in apps from different app marketplaces, whereas additionally permitting different cost choices within the EU App Retailer. EU customers may also see a brand new default internet browser choice choice in Safari, whereas additionally permitting third-party iPhone internet browsers to be powered by internet engines apart from Apple’s WebKit.
Apple may also permit third-party cell pockets apps to have entry to the iPhone’s NFC chip to permit contactless cost performance.
Transcripts in Apple Podcasts
iOS 17.4 brings podcast transcripts to the Apple Podcasts app. Listeners will be capable of learn the complete textual content of an episode, seek for particular phrases or phrases, and be capable of bounce to a sure a part of the episode by tapping on an merchandise of textual content. As an episode performs, listeners will see every phrase highlighted, much like how Apple Music music lyrics work.
Transcripts shall be generated after every podcast episode is revealed, and Apple says transcripts shall be added to older episodes over time. Transcripts shall be out there for podcasts in English, French, German, and Spanish.
SharePlay for HomePod
iOS 17.4 additionally brings expanded SharePlay Apple Music management to HomePod audio system and the Apple TV, permitting household and associates to regulate the music that’s enjoying round your private home — for those who approve their management request.
Whereas a music is enjoying in your iPhone, you’ll be able to faucet the SharePlay icon on the backside of the display screen, which shows a QR code that may be scanned by one other consumer’s iPhone or Android smartphone, permitting them to request entry to playback controls.
New Emoji
iOS 17.4 brings new emoji, together with a phoenix, a lime, a mushroom, a shaking head vertically, a shaking head horizontally, a damaged chain, and lots of extra.
CarPlay 2.0 Groundwork
Apple has promised that its new CarPlay 2.0 infotainment system would debut in new automobiles by late 2024. As found by MacRumors, the present iOS 17.4 beta accommodates code for eight new CarPlay apps:
- Auto Settings – The app permits customers to handle their paired iPhones and regulate car settings.
- Automotive Digicam – Shows a car’s rear-view digicam feed.
- Cost – Show battery stage, charging standing, time remaining till the battery is totally charged, and extra for electrical automobiles.
- Local weather – Offers entry to a car’s local weather controls, permitting customers to regulate the air con or heating system, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and extra.
- Closures – This app will warn if any of the car’s doorways are ajar, and should presumably show different car warning symbols.
- Media – Offers entry to Sirius XM, AM, and FM radio station controls inside CarPlay.
- Tire Strain – Shows air stress for the car’s tires, offering stress and flat tire warnings.
- Journeys – Offers driving-related knowledge, together with gasoline/power effectivity, the car’s common velocity, complete time elapsed, journey distance, and extra.
As iOS 17.4 is presently in testing, options could possibly be modified or dropped fully from the replace earlier than it’s launched to the general public. So, keep tuned.