Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Short Answer
  3. CarPlay Toolkit Experience
  4. New Emoji Icons
  5. Text in Apple Podcasts
  6. iMessage Security Updates
  7. App Store Changes for EU Users
  8. Other Minor Changes
  9. Conclusion

Introduction

iOS 17.4 is not just a major update but also one that you shouldn’t overlook. It introduces numerous features and enhancements to improve your iPhone experience. This includes texts in the Podcasts app, security improvements for iMessage, and more. Let’s take a closer look at all the changes iOS 17.4 brings to the table.

Short Answer

iOS 17.4 includes a variety of enhancements such as an updated CarPlay toolkit experience, access to 118 new emoji icons, text support in Apple Podcasts, advanced security updates for iMessage, App Store changes for EU users, and several other minor modifications that enhance the user experience.

CarPlay Toolkit Experience

The Apple CarPlay system now offers more control over your vehicle’s toolkit in specific cars equipped with CarPlay dashboard screens. This includes choosing which screen displays information during navigation to enhance your driving and navigation experience.

New Emoji Icons

iOS 17.4 New Emoji Icons

iOS 17.4 also grants access to 118 new emoji icons, expanding the ways you can express yourself with various new forms of existing emojis, including the notable additions of the phoenix, broken chain, lemon, and brown mushroom emojis.

Text in Apple Podcasts

Your Apple Podcasts app experience on your iPhone also gets a quality-of-life update with the addition of text support, making all podcast files on the platform automatically available with texts for an enhanced listening experience.

iMessage Security Updates

With iOS 17.4, iMessage receives encryption enhancements to protect against future quantum computer threats, ensuring your privacy with Apple’s new PQ3 encryption algorithm, making your conversations more secure.

App Store Changes for EU Users

EU iPhone users are no longer restricted to the App Store and can now use alternative app stores to install applications, with the option to download marketplaces directly from their websites, pending Apple’s approval process.

Other Minor Changes

Additional updates in iOS 17.4 include modifications to the Battery Health section for iPhone 15 models, enhanced security settings, the new City Digital Clock widget, and live activity support for the Stopwatch feature in the Clock app.

Conclusion

Upgrading to iOS 17.4 is highly recommended as it brings several quality-of-life changes and continues Apple’s commitment to providing a seamless and secure iPhone user experience.