Are you ready to hear about the exciting new iOS 17.4 features? Apple’s latest iOS 17.4 update has rolled out many new features that excite iPhone users.
The update is rumored to be released in March and will bring numerous changes and improvements to the iPhone user experience. Let’s take a closer look at the new iOS 17.4 features.
New iOS 17.4 features: What’s new?
Below, you can see what’s new with the update, which will be available in March:
- App Store changes
- Apple Podcast Transcripts
- SharePlay for HomePod
- New Emoji
- Next generation CarPlay
Let’s take a closer look at these innovations.
App Store changes
One of the most important changes in iOS 17.4 is an update to the App Store. The update includes a new default web browser selection screen in Safari that allows users to choose their preferred browser. In addition, third-party web browsers can now use web engines other than Apple’s WebKit on iPhone. It also provides more flexibility and competition between web browsers, giving users more choice.
Another notable change in the App Store is that third-party mobile wallet apps can now access the iPhone’s NFC chip for contactless payments. This allows users to make payments easily and efficiently, providing a more seamless payment experience.
Apple Podcast Transcripts
The Apple Podcasts app has also changed with iOS 17.4. The app now offers transcripts for podcasts, allowing users to read the full transcript of an episode. Apple automatically generates transcripts after a new episode is released. Transcripts are available for English, French, German, and Spanish podcasts.
SharePlay for HomePod
iOS 17.4 also extends SharePlay music control to HomePod speakers. If you approve their requests, this feature allows family and friends to control the music playing on your HomePod.
To use SharePlay, tap the SharePlay icon at the bottom of the screen while a song is playing on your iPhone. This will bring up a QR code that another person can scan with the camera of their iPhone or Android smartphone to request access to music playback controls. Even a screenshot of the QR code is enough, allowing you to grant remote access to people worldwide.
New Emoji
iOS 17.4 adds new emojis such as broken chain, brown mushroom, horizontal bobblehead, vertical bobblehead, linden, and phoenix. These new emojis give users more options to express themselves and add some fun to their online interactions.
Next generation CarPlay
iOS 17.4 also includes preparations for the next generation of CarPlay. The update includes several new apps for CarPlay, including Auto Settings, Dash Cam, Charging, Climate, Shutdowns, Media, Tire Pressure, and Trips.
These apps will give users more control over their car’s settings and features. For example, the Auto Settings app will allow users to manage paired iPhones and adjust vehicle settings. The Dash Cam app will show the vehicle’s rearview camera feed. The Charging app will show battery level, charging status, time remaining until the battery is fully charged, and more.
Other innovations
The Climate app will provide access to the vehicle’s climate controls from within CarPlay, allowing users to adjust the temperature of the air conditioning or heating system, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and more. The Closings app will indicate whether any of the vehicle’s doors have been opened and can also display vehicle warning symbols.
The Media app will provide access to FM and AM radio station controls within CarPlay and other media options such as SiriusXM. The Tire Pressure app will display the air pressure for each vehicle’s tires and provide low-pressure, high-pressure, and flat tire alerts.
Finally, the Trips app will provide various driving-related data, including the vehicle’s average speed, fuel efficiency or energy efficiency, total time taken, distance traveled, and more.
All in all, iOS 17.4 brought many new features and changes that enhanced the iPhone experience. The update includes changes to the App Store, Apple Podcasts transcripts, SharePlay for HomePod, new emojis, and preparations for the next generation of CarPlay.
These changes give users more flexibility, control, and fun. Whether you’re a podcast, music, or emoji fan, iOS 17.4 has something for everyone. So, update your iPhone to the latest version to enjoy these exciting new features.
Featured image credit: Pixabay
