Apple released iOS 17.4 to the general public on March 5, more than a month after iOS 17.3 was released to the general public. The latest iOS update brings new features, including major changes for people in the European Union and new emoji, as well as important bug fixes to your iPhone.
To download the update, go to Settings > General > Software Update, tap Install Now and follow the onscreen prompts.
Here’s what iOS 17.4 brings to your iPhone.
Downloading other app stores in the EU
Apple introduced a significant change to Safari, the App Store and iOS with iOS 17.4, but only for people in Europe. With iOS 17.4, people in the EU can download an alternative app store and apps from outside the App Store. As CNET’s Katie Collins reports, this marks one of the largest changes to the App Store since its inception in 2008. People in the EU will also be given new default app controls, giving them more ways to customize their iPhone experience.
Apple made these changes, which were announced in January, to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
Read more: Apple Will Allow Installation of Rival App Stores On iPhones In Europe
More options for in-app payments
Apple introduced more ways to make in-app payments with iOS 17.4. If you go to Settings > Privacy & Security, you’ll see an option called Contactless & NFC, or near-field communication. If you tap the new option, you’ll be taken to a mostly blank page that has a small disclaimer that says the page will show apps that have requested the ability to use contactless and NFC payments in the future. Apple announced these options alongside the changes for people in the EU, and there’s no word on whether this will be used by apps outside that region.
At least 100 new emoji
Apple introduced over 100 new emoji to iPhone users with iOS…
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