In the spring of 2024 we can expect various software updates, including iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4 and watchOS 10.4 for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. The updates fix several bugs, but also add new features.
For example, in the EU you can install apps outside the App Store using sideloading, the NFC chip has been opened to other payment methods, new emoji have been added and more. The final version is expected in March. The trial version of these software updates are now available for download and installation. We list all the new options for you.
App sideloading in the EU
If you want to install apps on your iPhone or iPad, you must download them from the App Store. This will change with iOS 17.4. Apple users in the EU will soon be able to install apps outside the Apple App Store through sideloading.
Users can then download and install applications for iPhone or iPad via an alternative App Store. The applications are still subject to limited checks by Apple for malware so that the risks remain limited.
The tech company thus complies with European legislation that requires multiple installation options. Apple has already announced the changes so that developers are aware of what to expect. The new capabilities will be available to users in the 27 EU countries from March 2024.
NFC chip in iPhone opened up
In accordance with the Digital Markets Act, Apple is opening up the NFC chip on the iPhone for the first time. Users in the EU can then use Apple Pay alternatives from iOS 17.4.
This would allow other payment services and wallets to be used instead of Apple Pay. Consider Google Pay. A banking app could also immediately build in the option to link their payment card to Apple’s NFC chip.
Developers of banking and wallet apps can apply to Apple for permission to support these features. To get approved, developers will have to meet various industry and regulatory requirements.
Emoji update 15.1
Emoji lovers pay attention, because the new emoticons announced last summer by Unicode Consortium will be added to the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac in the spring of 2024.
The update is limited to 10 brand new emojis that you will soon be able to send and use, including Lime, Shaking Head (vertical and horizontal), Brown Mushroom, Fenix ​​and more. The new emoticons were added in iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, watchOS 10.4 and macOS Sonoma 14.4.
Play music together with HomePod and Apple TV
Delayed for now and no longer available in recent beta
Just like CarPlay, the HomePod and Apple TV will support playing music together. From iOS 17.4, HomePodOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4, SharePlay in Apple Music can also be used in combination with the HomePod and Apple TV. Users can join the listening session while listening to music with Apple Music. This is a temporary collaboration and not a shared playlist.
In the Music app, the owner can tap the SharePlay icon to generate a QR code for participants to scan. Trusted iPhone and iPads are automatically invited to the session.
Users can then control the music from their own device, even if they do not have a subscription to Apple Music. This feature is compatible with the Music app for both iPhone, iPad and Android devices.
Check iPhone battery condition and status
From iOS 17.4, iPhone 15 (Plus) and iPhone 15 Pro (Max) users can request extensive information about the battery condition of their device. This not only shows the maximum capacity, but also charging cycles, production date and more.
This information has been present since iOS 17.0, but was hidden in Settings â–¸ General â–¸ About â–¸ Battery. From iOS 17.4 you can find this information directly in the battery settings on your iPhone.
Other innovations
- Payment outside the App Store is (limited) permitted by Apple in the EU
- Users in the EU must set default browsers
- Web engine for browsers opened in the EU, apps based on Safari are no longer an issue
- Podcasts supports automatically generated transcriptions
- Replace Listen Now tab with ‘Home’ in Podcasts and Music app
- Siri can read messages in different languages
- Ability to always enable Face ID, Touch ID and/or security delay when protecting for stolen device
- Live activity support for Stopwatch in Clock app
- In Germany, users can say ‘Siri’ instead of ‘Hey Siri’ to activate the assistant
- View purchase history in the App Store, found under ‘Account’