iOS 17.4 RC is Out! - What's New?

Summary

In this update, Aaron from Zollotech introduces the release candidate (RC) of iOS 17.4, highlighting its availability to developers and soon to public beta testers. This update, which is potentially the final version before public release, includes significant new features such as full-featured sideloading for the EU, alternative in-app payment methods, and updates to default browser options. Additionally, iOS 17.4 brings new emoji, improvements to battery health reporting for iPhone 15 models, and enhancements to the Podcasts app with transcriptions in multiple languages. The video also covers updates across various Apple OS platforms, anticipated changes, and bug fixes, alongside performance insights and benchmarks for iOS 17.4 RC.

Takeaways

• 😎 Apple released iOS 17.4 RC (Release Candidate) to developers and public beta testers, likely to be the final version before public release.
• 🌐 Side loading is now fully supported in the EU, allowing users to install third-party app stores, apps, and use streaming apps.
• 🖥️ New features include alternative default browsers, in-app payment methods, new emoji, updated battery health information, and podcast transcriptions.
• 🚗 CarPlay now allows switching between Apple Maps on the center screen or the instrument cluster.
• 🧩 The EU now requires users to verify app information before installing.
• 🐞 Several bugs have been fixed, including notification issues, stock wallpaper bugs, and contact picture issues.
• 🔧 However, some bugs persist, such as wallpaper dimming and issues with default browser choices.
• 📆 If no RC2 is released by the end of the week, iOS 17.4 is expected to be released to the public on March 4, 2024.
• 🧠 Apple has reportedly canceled its electric car project and will shift focus to generative AI teams.
• 🔄 iOS 17.5 beta 1 is expected soon after the iOS 17.4 public release, potentially addressing some missing features.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video discusses the release of iOS 17.4 Release Candidate (RC) by Apple for developers and public beta testers.

What is the size of the iOS 17.4 RC update?

The update size for iOS 17.4 RC on the iPhone 15 Pro Max is 6.46 GB.

What is the build number for iOS 17.4 RC?

The build number for iOS 17.4 RC is 21B217.

What is the new feature regarding third-party apps and app stores in iOS 17.4?

iOS 17.4 introduces full-featured side loading for the European Union (EU), allowing users to install third-party app stores, third-party apps, and use streaming apps.

What are the new updates for contacts in iOS 17.4?

iOS 17.4 includes new updates for contacts with payments and NFC.

What are the new emoji introduced in iOS 17.4?

iOS 17.4 introduces new emoji such as a mushroom, lime, phoenix, broken chain, nodding and turning heads, a motorized wheelchair, walking stick, and 18 different people emojis with various facial expressions.

What is the new feature for businesses in the Messages app?

iOS 17.4 allows businesses to provide information about order status, flight notifications, fraud alerts, and other transactions directly through text messages.

What is the change in battery health information in iOS 17.4?

In iOS 17.4, the battery health section has been updated to show "normal" instead of a percentage, along with the maximum capacity and cycle count. Additionally, the iPhone 15 models are now good for 1,000 cycles down to 80% battery health.

What is the new feature related to podcasts in iOS 17.4?

iOS 17.4 introduces full transcriptions for podcasts, allowing users to search for specific keywords and jump to the corresponding audio point. This feature supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and German.

What is the new feature related to Siri in iOS 17.4?

iOS 17.4 adds a new option for "Messaging with Siri," which allows Siri to read messages in additional languages and respond in a combination of languages, such as English and Hindi, based on the user's primary language.