Apple releases iOS 17.4 beta 2 with big updates, here is everything new

Apple has started the beta testing of its iOS 17.4 update. The new beta OS version has been released along with the macOS 14.4 beta 2, watchOS 10.4 beta 2, and tvOS 17.4 beta 2 update and is currently available for iOS users enrolled in public beta testing and developers. Apple has introduced significant updates in the App Store and iPhone with the new iOS 17.4 in accordance with the Digital Markets Act in 27 European Union countries.

iOS 17.4 release date

Apple is reportedly planning to release the final version of iOS 17.4 in the first week of March 2024. The final reveal window is also scheduled following the legal obligations Apple has to follow in the European Union.

According to the Digital Markets Act, Apple has been directed to make some changes to the iPhone and the App Store, and the deadline for that is set to March 6. So, going by that Apple is bound to launch iOS 17.4 before or on March 6.

iOS 17.4 upcoming new features

As stated earlier, the new iOS 17.4 update brings significant changes to the App Store and iPhone. This includes support for other web browsers, availability of support for alternative app marketplaces and more.

Here is everything new in iOS 14 update:

• Alternative app marketplaces: For the first time, iPhone users can download apps from other sources than the App Store, such as Epic Games Store. This is a result of the EU antitrust ruling against Apple.
• Browser choice: iPhone users can now also choose their default browser from a pop-up message in Safari. Additionally users can now also use browsers that run on different engines than WebKit, such as Firefox or Chrome.
• Payment options: The new iOS 17.4 beta also allows iPhone users to pay for in-app purchases using different methods than Apple Pay, such as PayPal or Venmo. They can also set their default NFC and wallet apps for Apple Pay.
• Stolen Device Protection: iPhone users can now akso opt to always require a security delay when changing security settings, even when they are in familiar locations. This update will make it hard for thieves to disable Find My iPhone or erase the device.
• Podcasts transcripts: This new feature allows iPhone users to search transcripts of podcast episodes in the Apple Podcasts app. The transcripts are generated by Apple and are similar to the real-time lyrics feature in Apple Music. The Now Playing bar in the Podcasts app has also been redesigned to match the Music app.
• Siri upgrade: The iOS 17.4 beta update also allows iPhone users to ask Siri to read messages in different languages than the one they use for Siri for other tasks. They can add languages in the Settings app under Siri & Search > Messaging with Siri.
• New emoji: iPhone users can now also enjoy seven new emoji, such as a heart with a bandage, a face exhaling, and a face in the clouds. There are also new combinations of family emoji, such as different genders and skin tones.
• Vision Pro compatibility: Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 users can now disable Double Tap when they are wearing Vision Pro. This prevents conflicts between the Apple Watch and the Vision Pro gestures.

Additionally, there are also some minor changes in iOS 17.4, such as the renaming of the Listen Now tabs to Home tabs in the Podcasts and Music apps, the widening of the address bar in Safari, the addition of the Identifiable Region label in the Settings app, and the expansion of the Siri shortcut to Germany.

More to come? Notably, iOS 17.4 is still in beta testing, and Apple may release more updates before the official launch in March. If you are one of the beta testers, please note that the version might include potential bugs and glitches that may affect their iPhone performance and battery life. So before installing the latest beta update, backup your data.