Apple launches iOS 17.4 | Find features, how to download

Apple has released iOS 17.4 with a host of key new features that will change the game for the elite US phone maker. The OEM has forsaken some of its control regarding the use of its default App Store and payment options in the EU. Additionally, the new OS update also brings many security enhancements and features.

Before we dive in! Previously, Apple released iOS 17.3 as its major update in the iOS 17 umbrella. The iOS 17.4 beta 4 build brought some features that are further emboldened with the iOS 17.4.

Check out: Apple iPhone Price in Nepal | Latest 2024 Update

Apple iOS 17.4 features

Here, we list down the best iOS 17.4 features:

Support for contactless payment provider bypassing Apple’s own

Thanks to the iOS 17.4 feature which allows Contactless Payment, third-party payment apps can use NFC chips to allow contactless payments via iPhones in the EU Economic Area. This means users can bypass the need to use Apple Pay or the Wallet app. Users in the EU will have the ability to select their choice of contactless payment service provider.

Stolen device protection gets better

The iOS 17.4 further solidifies anti device protection feature. Building on from iOS 17.3, now, iOS 17.4 requires Face ID or Touch ID to gain access to passwords in the iCloud Keychain, Last Mode settings, etc. With this feature, your iPhone is more secure from possible rogue hands.

In addition, the feature also delays Apple ID password change by an hour. Using this feature, you can protect your device away from home if need be.

In one of the most remarkable features, iOS 17.4 brings several battery-related information to iPhones. After updating to this OS, users will get information on their iPhone’s battery cycle count, manufacturing date, and when the battery was first used. While it’s strictly not to the point such as how much battery cycle is remaining till the battery needs a replacement, it’s still a good start. However, the feature remains exclusive to iPhone 15 devices. Let’s hope that Apple rolls out this feature to more iPhones in the coming days.

This may interest you as well: Android phones will show battery health percent like iPhone

Podcast transcript

With iOS 17.4, Apple has added audio transcripts to its Podcasts app. It means while listening to the podcast, you can also read along with what’s being said. If you have a knack for not being conscious of what’s being said during a podcast, you will greatly benefit from this feature. In the meantime, the feature also lets you search podcast transcripts with certain words or phrases and jump right to that segment. Apple will generate audio transcripts for various languages such as French, German, Spanish, etc.

cryptographic security feature (PQ3)

The latest iOS update adds a new layer of security to Apple’s popular iMessage. Called PQ3, it’s a cryptographic security feature that protects the users against sophisticated quantum attacks. coupled with end-to-end encryption, the PQ3 protocol will elevate users’ privacy and elevate their iPhone experience.

CarPlay support

The iOS 17.4 brings support for a new host of apps. This includes tire pressure, EV charging status, climate control, etc. Available on the Next-generation CarPlay later in 2024, the feature shall be available on cars from Audi, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, etc.

Siri can read your messages in a different language

One of the best features of iOS 17.4 is that the OS enables Siri to read your messages in a different language. It’s a vital feature if you are familiar with another language or not and want to learn the trade in a new language.

Stolen device protection gets better

In addition, the feature also delays Apple ID password change by an hour. Using this feature, you can protect your device away from home if need be.

Streaming gaming apps

The iOS 17.4 has many crucial features and one has to be the ability to allow streaming gaming apps on the App Store. That is you can get Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming as a separate iPhone and iPad app. If you are into games and love to watch their streams, this Cloud Gaming support will be your source of joy. No more need for a web page anymore!

Supports App Store alternatives

To adhere to the new law in the EU, Apple has now allowed Alternative Apple Store apps which basically means users in the European Union can also install apps via another platform than Apple’s own. If you happen to be in the EU, you can see the option to switch to a different App Store in the Settings app. Additionally, this also means that iPhone users in the EU zone can sideload their iPhone apps. It’s something too common in the Open Source Android system, however, a new era in the Apple system.

Additionally, the update brings new emojis like broken chain, shaking heads, and phoenix lime, etc. The OS also lets you select your default browser.

How to download iOS 17.4 in Nepal and compatible devices

You can download the iOS 17.4 from Settings>General>Software Update>Install Now. The OS is compatible with all the iPhones running iOS 17. This includes iPhone Xr, iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone 14, to the latest iPhone 15 series. The iOS 17.4 should also be available in Nepal. Do check out the steps mentioned earlier for this.