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Unveiling iOS 17.4: Apple’s Most Feature-Rich Mid-Cycle Update Yet
When Apple releases its next major iPhone update, iOS 17.4, it will be the most feature-rich mid-cycle release to date. New details are surfacing about its extensive feature set, exceeding expectations. Here are the latest updates and the anticipated release date, which will be revealed at the end.
In the EU, the Digital Markets Act is soon taking effect. Apple will introduce alternative app stores to meet the new requirements. This means you won’t only have to use the App Store anymore. Additionally, accessing different web browsers besides Safari will become simpler. While you can already choose other browsers, future updates will prompt you to make a choice. Moreover, other payment methods will be supported, and you can set default NFC and wallet apps in Apple Pay, among other changes.
The upcoming changes will have a significant impact on the iPhone, especially within the EU. However, it’s likely that governments beyond the EU, like those in the UK and the US, will closely observe these developments, considering whether similar measures should be implemented elsewhere.
One notable change resulting from the DMA is the removal of support for home screen web apps in the EU. This decision stems from concerns regarding security and compatibility with different browser engines.
Get ready for boosted message security with PQ3, Apple’s groundbreaking post-quantum cryptographic protocol. This advanced technology ensures end-to-end secure messaging, elevating your privacy to new heights. This protocol is designed to safeguard your messages against future hacking threats that haven’t even emerged yet. Read more about it here.
New Emoji
Apple’s introduction of new emoji is always exciting. Though there aren’t many this time, they’re a delightful addition. The standout is the phoenix emoji, with its fiery wings. Additionally, there are two smiley faces—one shaking its head and the other nodding—as well as a lifelike mushroom, a sharp-looking lime, and a breaking chain emoji, suitable for various contexts, from freedom to divorce celebrations.
Stolen Device Protection
One of Apple’s best new features is the stolen device protection, which debuted in iOS 17.3. It limits changes in specific locations to safeguard the phone. With iOS 17.4, users can extend these protections everywhere.
And More
The Battery menu has been upgraded for easier lifespan monitoring. iPhone 15 owners will be greeted with a new full-color welcome screen upon upgrading. Apple Podcasts now supports transcripts, and Siri can read messages in multiple languages. CarPlay receives an awaited upgrade for certain vehicles. German users can now use “Siri” instead of “Hey, Siri.”
Release Date
The release time for these updates is set for 10 a.m. Pacific time. Due to EU regulations, the release date is likely March 5th or earlier. Speculating on Apple’s habits, the update could drop on March 4th, Apple’s second-favorite release day, at 10 a.m. PT.
February 25 Update: Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman notes that iOS 17.4 brings unexpected enhancements, particularly in iMessage, with the new PQ3 update bolstering encryption. This update aims to fortify message security against potential future threats from quantum computers. Gurman highlights its “invisible” nature, ensuring enhanced protection for all messages without noticeable changes for users.
Gurman explains that the update enhances encryption to counter potential future attacks from quantum computers, which possess immense computing power. This preemptive measure aims to safeguard data from future decryption attempts. The Kyber algorithm, endorsed by the cryptographic community, is integrated into PQ3 for post-quantum cryptographic needs. Additionally, PQ3 introduces a novel periodic post-quantum rekeying mechanism, enhancing security for large-scale messaging protocols.
March 4 (or March 5) marks the release date for this significant update. Users are advised to maintain cautious messaging practices until then.
February 26 Update: The removal of support for web apps on iPhones in the EU, as part of iOS 17.4 to comply with the DMA, is causing controversy. The EU’s competition regulators are investigating the impact of this decision on developers and users. Apple’s rationale for cutting off progressive web apps is to mitigate security and privacy risks posed by non-Safari browsers, although it also restricts developers seeking to bypass Apple’s 30% commission fees on App Store purchases.
This development underscores the complexity of DMA compliance for both the EU and Apple. Progressive web apps, seemingly minor, have become a focal point. Apple acknowledges the potential impact on developers and users, attributing the change to DMA compliance efforts.
