Apple has unleashed iOS 17.4, marking one of the tech giant’s most significant updates. The update aligns with the deadline set by the European Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into enforcement on March 6.
Catering to the requirements of the DMA, Apple implemented over 600 new APIs, expanded app analytics, third-party browser engines support, and the ability to handle payments and distribute apps outside the App Store. To clarify, these features are exclusively available to EU users. However, for European users and developers, this can be seen as a pivotal update to Apple’s mobile ecosystem.
Beyond EU borders, the iOS 17.4 update also offers several novel features for developers and users across the globe:
- An extended information panel about the iPhone 15 battery status has been added.
- Video call app developers can now disable default gesture responses.
- Support for spatial video shooting is now available with warnings about double the space requirements compared to two-dimensional video.
- Apple Wallet now has new permissions for providing Apple with anonymous transaction data.
- A new playback panel overlaying the user interface in the style of VisionOS has been added to Apple Podcasts.
- Apple Podcasts now offer automatic transcription of podcasts.
- Information is now available on CarPlay screens in compatible cars.
- The anti-theft mechanism now supports trusted locations.
- Siri now enables responses in multiple languages.
The update also includes support for post-quantum PQ3 encryption algorithm in iMessage. However, the “Journal” app is the lone exception, with no new features, neither for search nor the expanded filtering.
