iPhone owners – get ready to update: Apple is releasing this evening (Tuesday) the new iOS 17.4 operating system version which comes with new emojis, improvements to the stolen device protection features, podcast scripts, and other new practical functions. Here's everything you need to know:
New Emojis: Delighted and trembling faces, the desert bird, a mushroom, an unlocking chain, and a lime wedge: these are some of the new emojis showcased in the latest operating system update.
Podcasts: In the Apple Podcasts app, there will be transcripts with text highlighting synchronized with the audio in English, Spanish, French, and German. The text will also now be searchable. Users will also be able to customize accessibility by changing the text size.
Stolen Device Protection: This feature, which was already introduced in iOS 17.3, will have the option to enhance security in all locations. When the Stolen Device feature is activated, the thief will not be able to enter the device and lock the user out of it. The iPhone will require additional authentication to access certain information or to make changes.
Changes in the App Store in Europe: Apple has made changes to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act. Users on the continent will now be able to install applications from alternative app stores, receive support for other internet browser engines, and access different payment methods. This is a significant change to the iPhone and its operating system and may reach other countries as well.
Additional updates and bug fixes include displaying caller identification for verified Apple businesses including the company name and logo, music identification that will allow adding songs to the library or playlist, Siri announcing messages in every supported language, and new settings for battery health.