The long-awaited has finally arrived with the official release of iOS 17.4. This latest update, launched yesterday, introduces several new features and includes a major overhaul to the App Store in the Europe region. iOS 17.4 could be seen as a significant step towards breaking Apple’s renowned walled ecosystem, as it now allows users to sideload apps on iPhones. Here’s a rundown of everything exciting and new in iOS 17.4.
iOS 17.4 New Emojis
iOS 17.4 brings a range of new emojis, including a lime, mushroom, nodding head, and broken chain, among others. Apple has added a total of 18 new emojis in this update. To access these new emojis, open the Messages app, start a conversation, tap on the text box, and then access the Emojis section. Here, you’ll find all the new additions.
Sideloading – But Only in EU
iOS 17.4 marks a significant milestone for Apple as it introduces the long-awaited feature of sideloading apps from third-party app stores. This functionality, anticipated since the release of iOS 17, is now a reality for users to sideload with iOS 17 in the Europe region. With iOS 17.4, users can download apps from alternative app stores.
In a notable development, MacPaw has launched Setapp Mobile, the first alternative App Store for iPhones. Although currently in beta, users can join the waitlist for access. Setapp Mobile is slated for release in April 2024 and will operate on a subscription-based model, although pricing details have not yet been disclosed.
For users outside the EU region, the sideloading feature is not yet available. It’s possible that Apple is awaiting the resolution of antitrust lawsuits in these regions. Notably, the changelog for iOS 17.4 varies for users outside the EU region.
New Clock Widget in iOS 17.4
iOS 17.4 introduces a new clock widget called City Digital, which is now available in the Clock widget section. This widget dynamically adjusts its appearance based on the time of day, displaying a digital clock for your selected location. It’s a subtle but useful addition to iPhone widgets. Here’s how you can add the City Digital widget to your iPhone home screen with the latest iOS 17.4 update.
Improvements to Stolen Device Protection
In iOS 17.4, there are improvements to the Stolen Device Protection feature, which helps prevent compromised data if your iPhone passcode is stolen. When enabled, this feature requires Face ID verification in addition to your passcode for actions like changing your Apple ID password, viewing saved KeyChain passwords, or turning off lost mode when not at a familiar location.
iOS 17.4 introduces two new options for Stolen Device Protection: “Away from Familiar Locations” and “Always.” These options give you the flexibility to decide when the feature should be active – either all the time or only when you’re not at a familiar location. However, the ability to add or remove a location from the list of familiar locations would have been more useful. Nonetheless, it’s a valuable option, especially if you frequently travel the same route and Apple recognizes those locations as familiar. Now, you have the option to enable Stolen Device Protection at all times.
Other iOS 17.4 Features and Bug Fixes
In addition to the features mentioned earlier, iOS 17.4 introduces several other changes. These include the new PQ3 iMessage security protocol, new features for Message Business accounts, and a new capability for Siri to read messages in multiple languages. Passkey support for web browsers and a blurred wallpaper background in the call screen are also included.
One significant bug fix in iOS 17.4 addresses the notification bug where expanding and contracting notifications with a single swipe on the lock screen would cause them to fill up the entire screen for some users. This bug has been resolved in iOS 17.4. For more details, you can refer to the iOS 17.4 release notes.
Should You Update to iOS 17.4?
It’s strongly recommended to update your iPhone to iOS 17.4, particularly if you reside in the EU. This update marks a significant milestone by introducing the ability to sideload apps from third-party app stores, a feature that was previously restricted by Apple. For users outside the EU, the addition of the new clock widget, new emojis, and improvements to the Stolen Device Protection feature make iOS 17.4 a worthwhile upgrade.
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