iOS 17.4 update will soon bring these features to iPhone users: All the details

Just a few days after releasing the stable build for iOS 17.3, Apple has released the iOS 17.4 developer beta with feel-good, functional as well as regulatory changes.

Here, let’s take 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 arrive on your iOS 17-compatible devices around March. But remember that most of these features are limited to the EU region.

iOS 17.4: What’s new here

Sideloading and third-party app stores

This update builds on the regulatory changes Apple has 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, instead of relying solely on the App Store to download apps and games. It gives users the option to download apps from anywhere they want.

Choose a default browser

This is again only for the EU, but when these users update to iOS 17.4, Safari will allow them to choose a default browser on iOS. This may be useful for those who prefer to use a browser other than Safari.

new emoji

Emojis are always fun with updates, 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 additional layer of security on top of the measures iOS already has in place. These measures help keep your phone safe when thieves try to steal your iPhone and access important applications like iCloud, banking apps, private email, etc. 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 trying to access important apps or saved passwords.

Plus, you also have a 1-hour cooldown time, which is followed by an additional biometric authentication before you can perform security-sensitive options.

podcast transcript

Much like the Apple Music experience you get with the Music app, the Podcasts app now offers you a transcript of what’s being talked about in a podcast. This can be a useful addition if you want to use part of it as text.