iOS 17.4 introduces a plethora of updates, such as the addition of new emoji characters and podcast transcriptions.
9to5Mac reports that the update also complies with the regulatory requirements of the Digital Markets Act in the European Union (EU), incorporating support for alternative app marketplaces and implementing necessary changes. But of course we are not living in the EU, so we don’t get those updates.
The new iOS update adds new emoji characters, allowing you to express your emotions. The new emoji characters are also available in macOS 14.4 on the Mac, watchOS 10.4 for Apple Watch, and iPadOS 17.4 for iPad.
Apple also added Podcast Transcriptions that let you follow a podcast with text that highlights in sync with the audio in English, Spanish, French and German.
Full podcast transcripts are accessible for comprehensive reading, can be searched for specific words or phrases, and allow users to initiate playback from a designated starting point with a simple tap.
Moreover, these transcripts are compatible with various accessibility features, including Text Size adjustments, Increased Contrast settings, and VoiceOver functionality.
The iOS 17.4 update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
- Music recognition lets you add songs you have identified to your Apple Music Playlists and Library, as well as Apple Music Classical
- Siri has a new option to announce messages you receive in any supported language
- Stolen Device Protection supports the option for increased security in all locations
- Battery Health in Settings shows battery cycle count, manufacture date, and first use on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models
- Call Identification displays Apple-verified business name, logo, and department name when available
- Business updates in Messages for Business provide trusted information for order status, flight notifications, fraud alerts or other transactions you opt into
- Fixes an issue where contact pictures are blank in Find My
- Fixes an issue for Dual SIM users where the phone number changes from primary to secondary and is visible to a group they have messaged
