Apple rolls out iOS 17.4 update for iPhone

Apple’s operating system update for iPhones, iOS 17.4, is official. It includes improvements for iPhone users worldwide and changes unique to the European market. The company’s intention is to adapt the operation of the software to the requirements of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The regulatory framework requires, among other things, that the design of operating systems allows for the installation of app shops other than those of the manufacturer. Thus, services such as Google Play or Apple’s App Store must coexist with other shops on users’ devices if they choose to do so. In addition, alternative payment options for in-app purchases should be allowed.

iOS 17.4 includes modifications and new features that will be widely available worldwide. The Podcast app now performs automatic audio transcriptions for English, French, German and Spanish content. Users will be able to search for specific phrases or words that the tool will identify within the episode.

Siri gained a new option to read aloud incoming messages in any supported language. The assistant accepts Spanish, French, German, Chinese and others. The system is known as PQ3 and promises to strengthen end-to-end encryption against possible quantum computing attacks.

The emoji gallery was expanded with 100 new digital icons and a new cryptographic protocol was added to iMessage. The music recognition feature now lets you add songs from your Apple Music library and playlists.

iPhones that are updated to iOS 17.4 will display new info cards on battery health, settings and usage status. Among the additions are cycle counts, date of manufacture and when the battery was first used.

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