iOS 17.4 Update: Introduces New Emoji, Third-Party App Store Support for EU Users, and Additional Features

Apple rolled out the much-anticipated iOS 17.4 update on March 6th, introducing a host of enhancements and features for compatible iPhone models, alongside the corresponding iPadOS 17.4 for iPad devices. Among the standout additions is the long-awaited support for third-party app stores within the European Union, a move compelled by the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This significant change marks a departure from Apple’s traditional ecosystem, offering users in the EU greater flexibility and choice in app procurement while adhering to regulatory mandates.

Alongside the introduction of third-party app store support, iOS 17.4 delivers a slew of improvements and refinements designed to enhance the user experience across various facets of the operating system. Notable highlights include the integration of new emoji, updates to the battery interface specifically tailored for iPhone 15 models, and the addition of transcripts in Apple Podcasts, facilitating enhanced accessibility and usability. Furthermore, the Stolen Device Protection feature receives enhancements, bolstering device security and mitigating risks associated with loss or theft, underscoring Apple’s commitment to safeguarding user data and privacy.

In alignment with regulatory requirements, iOS 17.4 also introduces changes aimed at providing users in the European Union with greater autonomy and control over their digital experiences. This includes the option to select non-Apple Pay payment services, offering consumers a more diverse array of payment methods and fostering a competitive landscape within the digital payments sphere. Coupled with a series of security fixes and patches, iOS 17.4 represents a comprehensive effort by Apple to not only enhance functionality and usability but also to uphold regulatory compliance and elevate user empowerment within the EU market.

Apple is providing new emojis to iPhone users with iOS 17.4. New mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain, and shaking heads emoji are now available on the emoji keyboard. In the latest iOS version, users can avail automatic podcast transcriptions in English, Spanish, French, and German.

The patches in iOS 17.4 bring improvements to the Stolen Device Protection feature. It adds a new option in Siri to announce messages users receive in any supported language. Music recognition can now add songs you have identified to your Apple Music Playlists and Library, as well as Apple Music Classic.

Further, Battery Health in Settings will now show battery cycle count, manufacture date, and first use on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models. The update adds improvements to Call Identification, Business updates in Messages, and Apple Cash virtual card numbers. The iOS 17.4 update also fixes problems with contact pictures in Find My and an issue with dual SIM.

To download the iOS 17.4 update, go to Settings > General > Software Update> Install Now and follow the onscreen prompts. Users are advised to keep their iPhone units connected to a power source until the update completes installation.