Apple’s iOS 17.4 Set for March Release: Major EU App Store Changes, Emoji, and CarPlay Updates

Apple stated last month that iOS 17.4 will be released in March, including various new features and modifications to the iPhone.

Apple Will Release iOS 17.4 in March, With New Features and Changes

iOS 17.4 introduces big App Store changes in the EU, Apple Podcasts transcripts, SharePlay for the HomePod, and new emoji. The update also contains plans for the release of next-generation CarPlay later this year, as per MacRumors.

Apple's press release confirms that iOS 17.4 will be out in March:

“Inevitably, the new options for developers' EU apps create new risks to Apple users and their devices. Apple can't eliminate those risks, but within the DMA's constraints, the company will take steps to reduce them. These safeguards will be in place when users download iOS 17.4 or later, beginning in March.”

App Store Changes in the EU

To comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act, Apple announced significant modifications to the App Store, Apple Pay, Safari, and other services. These modifications will be applied with iOS 17.4 for iPhone customers in the EU's 27 member countries.

First and foremost, Apple now supports alternative app marketplaces and payment methods on the App Store in the EU. Other changes in the EU include a new default web browser selection screen in Safari, the ability for third-party web browsers to use web engines other than Apple's WebKit on the iPhone, and the ability for third-party mobile wallet apps to access the iPhone's NFC chip for contactless payment functionality, among others.

Apple Podcasts Transcripts

Beginning with iOS 17.4, the Apple Podcasts app now includes transcripts for podcasts, allowing listeners to read the entire text of an episode, search for a specific word or phrase, and tap on the text to go to a specific point of the program. As an episode plays, each word is highlighted, similar to Apple Music song lyrics.

According to Apple, transcripts are generated automatically after each new episode is published. Podcast transcripts are available in English, French, German, and Spanish, and they will be added to the database of earlier episodes over time.

SharePlay for HomePod

Beginning with iOS 17.4, Apple added SharePlay music control to HomePod speakers.

This function allows relatives and friends to manage the music playing on your HomePod if you authorize their request. For the time being, it is only available through the Music app, and other users do not need an Apple Music subscription to participate.

While playing a song on your iPhone, hit the SharePlay symbol at the bottom of the screen to display a QR code that another user can scan with their iPhone or Android smartphone's camera to gain access to music playback settings. A screenshot of the QR code is sufficient to offer remote access to anyone all over the world.

Apple introduced a similar function for CarPlay last year, allowing anyone in the car to control music playback via SharePlay with authorization.

New Emoji

iOS 17.4 introduces new emojis, including a broken chain, a brown mushroom, a skull swaying horizontally and vertically, a lime, and a phoenix.

Next-Generation CarPlay Preparations

The first iOS 17.4 beta includes code for eight new CarPlay apps:

• Auto Settings: This app will let you manage paired iPhones and adjust vehicle settings.
• Car Camera: This app will display the vehicle's rear-view camera feed.
• Charge: For electric vehicles, this app will display battery level, charging status, time remaining until the battery is fully charged, and more.
• Climate: This app will provide access to a vehicle's climate controls within CarPlay, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the A/C or heating system, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and more.
• Closures: This app will display if any of the vehicle's doors are opened and might also display vehicle warning symbols.
• Media: This app will provide access to FM and AM radio station controls within CarPlay, along with other media options like SiriusXM. It is unclear if SiriusXM will offer satellite connectivity, or remain limited to internet streaming. Users will be able to select from a list of music genres, such as Top 40 and Rock.
• Tire Pressure: This app will display air pressure for each of the vehicle's tires and provide low-pressure, high-pressure, and flat tire warnings.
• Trips: This app will provide a variety of driving-related data, including the vehicle's average speed, fuel efficiency or energy efficiency, the total time elapsed and distance traveled on a trip, and more.

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