The impending iPhone update feels imminent, with changes on the horizon that are hard to miss. From a significant iMessage security enhancement to enhancements in Stolen Device Protection, there’s a lot to anticipate. However, Apple has recently made a surprising announcement, completely reversing its stance on a crucial aspect: Progressive Web Apps.
The alterations within the EU are a direct response to the Digital Markets Act. Apple must adhere to the new regulations by March 6 to evade fines, suggesting that iOS 17.4 will likely debut on or before that date. Apple had previously announced in a press release last month that iOS 17.4 would indeed be launched sometime in March.
Updates to the App Store in the European Union
In order to adhere to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Apple has unveiled significant modifications to the App Store, Apple Pay, Safari, and other services. These updates will be rolled out with iOS 17.4 specifically for iPhone users residing in the 27 countries comprising the EU.
Foremost among the changes, Apple has begun permitting alternative app marketplaces and payment options within the EU’s App Store. Additionally, EU-specific alterations include the introduction of a new default web browser selection screen in Safari. Moreover, third-party web browsers on the iPhone can now utilize web engines beyond Apple’s WebKit. Furthermore, third-party mobile wallet applications are now granted access to the iPhone’s NFC chip for contactless payment functionality, among other adjustments.
Apple Podcasts Transcripts
With the introduction of iOS 17.4, the Apple Podcasts app now features transcripts for podcasts. This new functionality enables listeners to access the complete text of an episode, facilitating word or phrase searches, and allowing users to tap on the text to navigate to specific parts of the episode. Similar to the display of song lyrics in Apple Music, each word is highlighted as the episode plays.
iMessage Security Upgrade
Apple recently unveiled PQ3, a new post-quantum cryptographic protocol for iMessage, which the company describes as “groundbreaking” and “state-of-the-art.” PQ3 offers robust defenses against even highly sophisticated quantum attacks, providing enhanced security for iMessage users.
While iMessage already boasts end-to-end encryption, security experts acknowledge that current cryptographic protocols used in messaging apps could potentially be vulnerable to future quantum computers. Although such computers are not yet a reality, Apple is proactively addressing future threats with PQ3’s advanced protections.
The rollout of PQ3 will commence gradually for supported iMessage conversations, beginning with iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4, and watchOS 10.4. Apple plans to fully replace iMessage’s existing cryptography protocol in all supported conversations later this year. To benefit from PQ3, all devices involved in an iMessage conversation must be updated to the specified software versions or later.
New Emoji
iOS 17.4 introduces a range of new emoji, featuring additions like a broken chain, a brown mushroom, horizontal and vertical head shaking emojis, a lime, and a phoenix.
Next-Generation CarPlay Preparations
The initial iOS 17.4 beta includes code for eight new CarPlay apps:
- Auto Settings: This app enables users to manage paired iPhones and adjust vehicle settings conveniently.
- Car Camera: This app displays the vehicle’s rear-view camera feed for enhanced visibility.
- Charge: Designed for electric vehicles, this app showcases battery level, charging status, remaining time until full charge, and other pertinent information.
- Climate: Accessible within CarPlay, this app allows users to control the vehicle’s climate settings, including A/C or heating, fan speed, heated seats, and heated steering wheel.
- Closures: This app indicates if any of the vehicle’s doors are opened and may also display vehicle warning symbols for added safety.
- Media: Providing access to FM and AM radio station controls within CarPlay, this app offers additional media options like SiriusXM. It’s uncertain if SiriusXM will include satellite connectivity or remain limited to internet streaming. Users can select from various music genres such as Top 40 and Rock.
- Tire Pressure: This app provides real-time air pressure readings for each tire, issuing alerts for low pressure, high pressure, and flat tires as necessary.
- Trips: Offering diverse driving-related data, this app presents information such as average speed, fuel efficiency or energy efficiency, total trip duration, distance traveled, and more to enhance the driving experience.
Apple has recently confirmed that the initial vehicle models equipped with the next-generation CarPlay will be launched sometime in 2024.