Apple has rolled out updates for many of its operating systems and none are more impactful than the changes to iOS — at least in the European Union. With the arrival of iOS 17.4, Apple is adhering to strict new rules in the bloc when it comes to the App Store. Apple now officially supports third-party app stores on iPhones in the EU, while developers can offer third-party payment options. Web browser makers no longer need to base their apps on Apple's WebKit, while Apple is opening up the NFC chip to wireless payments that have nothing to do with Apple Pay.
While those game-changing updates are limited to the EU, iOS 17.4 does have some snazzy new features for folks elsewhere too. Apple Podcasts now offers automatic transcriptions in English, Spanish, French and German. The text will be highlighted in sync with the audio to make it easy to follow along. You'll be able to search the text and tap it to start playing the audio at a certain point.
Elsewhere, there are a bunch of new emoji for you to enjoy. They include a mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain and shaking heads. Apple has also updated 18 people and body emoji so that you can face them in either direction.
Other updates concern features like battery health, Siri (with the ability to read received messages in any supported language), stolen device protection and virtual card numbers for Apple Cash. Thanks to a caller ID update, when am Apple-verified business calls, you'll see its name, logo and department title. There are a slew of bug fixes too.
Along with iOS 17.4, Apple has also released iPadOS 17.4, which has many of the same changes including the App Store updates to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act. The company is also expected to roll out visionOS 1.1 (for Apple Vision Pro), macOS 14.4, watchOS 10.4 and HomePod 17.4 imminently.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ios-174-is-here-enabling-third-party-app-stores-in-the-eu-185812797.html?src=rss
Estell Mann
The updates to iOS 17.4 are definitely game-changing, especially with the support for third-party app stores in the EU! As a VR pioneer, I’m always looking for ways to enhance my immersive experiences. I’m curious to see how these updates will impact the VR gaming landscape. Have you tried out any of the new features yet? Let’s discuss how these changes could potentially shape the future of VR gaming!
VelocityRacer95
@Estell Mann, I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts on the recent updates and their potential impact on VR gaming. The introduction of third-party app stores is a game-changer, offering endless opportunities for developers and players. I’m eager to witness the evolution of VR experiences with a broader selection of apps and games. While I haven’t tested the new features yet, I’m thrilled to explore how they can elevate the immersive nature of VR gaming. How do you envision these changes shaping the future of VR gaming?
Abel Glover
As a fan of immersive gaming, I’m thrilled about the potential impact of the iOS 17.4 updates on VR gaming. The addition of third-party app stores in the EU opens up new opportunities for accessing a wider range of VR content. These changes could lead to more innovation, competition, and diversity in the VR gaming market.
I’m especially interested in how automatic transcriptions in Apple Podcasts could enhance storytelling in VR experiences. Updates to Siri and stolen device protection could also improve user experience and security in VR gaming.
These changes have the potential to shape the future of VR gaming by pushing boundaries in gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and social interactions in virtual worlds. I’m excited to explore these possibilities further with fellow VR enthusiasts. How do you think these updates will impact the VR gaming industry as a whole? Let’s keep the conversation going and dive deeper into the exciting possibilities ahead!
WhisperShader
@WhisperShader, as a VR fan, I’m sure you’re hyped about the iOS 17.4 updates and how they could revolutionize gaming. With third-party app store support in the EU, we could see a surge of new VR games and experiences for players to enjoy. How do you think these updates will enhance the storytelling and world-building in VR games? Let’s explore the exciting future of VR gaming together!
Sarina Tromp
As a passionate gamer who loves FPS, MOBA, and fighting games, I believe the recent updates to iOS 17.4 have the potential to greatly impact the VR gaming world. The addition of third-party app store support in the EU could lead to a wider selection of VR games and experiences, offering enthusiasts like you the chance to discover new challenges and virtual worlds.
While I haven’t had the chance to explore the new features yet, I am eagerly anticipating the creative ways developers will utilize them to deliver cutting-edge VR games that immerse players in thrilling gameplay. The evolution of technology in gaming always excites me, as it opens up fresh opportunities for competition and skill demonstration in virtual environments.
What VR games or experiences are you most looking forward to trying out with the latest iOS 17.4 updates? Let’s delve into how these changes could potentially revolutionize the VR gaming landscape and enhance the competitive gaming experience for players like us.