Apple has recently released iOS 17.4, the fourth major update to iOS 17, which brings some new features and changes to the operating system. If you have not updated your iPhone yet, you may be wondering whether you should do it or not.
In this article, we will give you some compelling reasons to upgrade your iPhone to iOS 17.4 right now, and also answer some frequently asked questions about the update.
Future-proof iMessage Security
One of the reasons to upgrade to iOS 17.4 is to enhance the security of your iMessage conversations. iOS 17.4 introduces a new encryption method called PQ3, which uses post-quantum cryptography to protect your messages from future attacks by quantum computers. According to Apple, this makes iMessages even more secure than messages sent with Signal, a popular encrypted messaging app. This means that you can rest assured that your iMessages will remain private and confidential, even if someone tries to decrypt them with advanced technology in the future.
Podcast Transcripts
Another reason to upgrade to iOS 17.4 is to access transcripts for podcasts. The Apple Podcasts app now offers transcripts for podcasts, allowing you to read the full text of an episode, search for a specific word or phrase, and tap on the text to jump to a certain part of the episode. Transcripts are available for podcasts in English, French, German, and Spanish, and they will be added for older episodes in a podcast’s catalog over time. This is a useful feature for the Podcasts app, as it can help you follow along with the audio, find relevant information, and improve your listening comprehension.
New Emoji
Who doesn’t like new emoji? iOS 17.4 adds new emoji, including a broken chain, a brown mushroom, a head shaking horizontally, a head shaking vertically, a lime, and a phoenix. There are also a whole bunch of existing emoji that get alternate facings, too. You can use these new emoji to express yourself better in your messages, social media posts, and other apps. They can also add some fun and color to your conversations.
Major App Store and Payment Changes (EU Only)
If you live in the European Union, you have another big reason to upgrade to iOS 17.4: the major changes to the App Store and payment options. To comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Apple now allows alternative app marketplaces and alternative payment options on the App Store in the EU. Users can also set their preferred alternative app store as the default app store on their device. Developers who use alternative app stores or payment options will pay a reduced fee to Apple or no fee at all, depending on their choice. For more details, read Apple’s overview of the changes. These changes can give you more choice and flexibility in your app purchases and subscriptions, and also support the developers who create the apps you love.
Other Improvements
iOS 17.4 also includes other improvements that can enhance your iPhone experience, such as:
- SharePlay for HomePod: This feature allows family and friends to control the music that is playing on your HomePod, if you approve their request. For now, it is limited to the Music app, and the other people do not require an Apple Music subscription in order to participate.
- Stolen Device Protection: This feature increases the security of your iPhone and Apple ID by requiring Face ID or Touch ID with no passcode fallback to perform certain actions, such as changing your device passcode or Apple ID password. It also requires an hour wait and an additional successful biometric authentication before sensitive operations can be performed.
- Updates to Journal, Action button, Camera, Music, AirPlay, Safari, and more.
For a complete list of new features and changes, read Apple’s support document.
How to Upgrade to iOS 17.4?
To upgrade your iPhone to iOS 17.4, follow these steps:
- Make sure your iPhone is compatible with iOS 17.4. The update is available for iPhone 6s and later models.
- Back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer, in case something goes wrong during the update process.
- Connect your iPhone to a power source and a Wi-Fi network.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap on Download and Install.
- Enter your passcode if prompted and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Wait for the update to download and install. Your iPhone will restart during the process.
- After the update is complete, you can enjoy the new features and changes in iOS 17.4.
