iOS 17.4 is now available to download and has landed just as the deadline set by the EU to comply with the Digital Markets Act is about to expire. To install the update, go to Settings, navigate to General, and tap Software Update.
Many of the changes introduced with the update are meant for consumers residing in Europe and they are a direct result of the Digital Markets Act which aims to create a fairer business environment by imposing obligations and restrictions on tech titans with a dominant position in the market.
iPhone users in Europe will have more options than the App Store for downloading apps. Currently, iPhone owners can only use web browsers based on Apple's WebKit engine, but starting with iOS 17.4, this prohibition will be removed.
Apple's own browser Safari will now remind you that you are free to select a different default. And lastly, users in the EU will be able to use non-Apple Pay payment services to pay for stuff.
The update doesn't wholly revolve around the DMA and many of the changes are not location-specific. All users get some new emojis including mushroom, lime, and broken chain, and various people and body emojis have added the option to face them in either direction.
Transcripts are now available for Apple Podcasts, allowing users to read the full text of podcasts. This is a great option for users with hearing issues.
The Stolen Device Protection feature has been updated to add another layer of security in case a phone is stolen.
iPhone 15 users will see more context about the battery health of their device to help them decide whether it needs to be serviced. They will also see information like cycle count and manufacture date.
iOS 17.4 also fixes a couple of issues, including blank contact pictures in Find My and a bug faced by Dual SIM users that changed the phone number from primary to secondary.
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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.
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