Today marks the release of iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 by Apple, which aligns with the impending enforcement of the European Union (EU's) Digital Markets Act (DMA). This version introduces support for third-party app stores and implements various alterations dictated by the DMA. It is important to note that the DMA-related features will exclusively be accessible within the EU.
Alongside the Apple App Store-related advancements, iOS 17.4 introduces a range of additional features and enhancements. Users can expect the inclusion of new emoji characters, transcripts for podcasts within the Podcasts app, and Stopwatch Live Activities, providing a more comprehensive experience. Furthermore, improvements to battery health reporting specifically tailored for iPhone 15 models have been implemented, says a report by MacRumors. Apple's comprehensive release notes for this update can be found below, detailing the full list of enhancements and optimisations.
What Is New In iOS 17.4
With the rollout of iOS 17.4, Apple introduces a significant shift by allowing alternative app stores on iPhones, expanding user options beyond the App Store. Noteworthy among these changes is the liberation of app developers from the previous constraints of exclusively utilising the App Store for in-app purchases. Now, alternative payment methods are fully supported, giving flexibility and choice for both developers and users alike.
In the iOS 17.4 update, third-party app developers operating within the EU will gain access to NFC services for their banking and wallet applications. This pivotal enhancement empowers these apps to facilitate seamless contactless payments independently of Wallet or Apple Pay. This move signifies Apple's commitment to fostering a more open ecosystem and providing developers with greater opportunities to innovate in the realm of digital payments.
In the EU, iPhone users will now have a newfound capability within Safari: the ability to designate a default browser of their choice. This empowering feature grants users greater autonomy over their browsing experiences, enabling them to seamlessly navigate the web using their preferred browser.