Apple has released iOS 17.4, bringing the biggest changes to iOS in a long, long time, especially for EU based iPhone users, where the iOS 17.4 upgrade includes huge changes to comply with the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA), allowing sideloading on iPhones for the first time ever.
Stolen Device Protection
First released in iOS 17.3, Stolen Device Protection is a a fantastic new security feature for your iPhone, because it helps stop thieves in their tracks. If your device is stolen, it means criminals can’t get hold of any of your data because it requires you to authenticate via Face ID and Touch ID to access apps and turn off Lost Mode.
In iOS 17.4, Apple takes this new feature a step further. Previously, you needed to authenticate via biometrics to change important settings such as your Apple ID when in unfamiliar locations. In iOS 17.4, you can change this setting to be enabled in any location.
App Sideloading For EU Users
One of the biggest changes in iOS 17.4 is the ability to side load apps via alternative marketplaces. Apple reluctantly had to implement to comply with the EU regulation before 6 March—and the company has been very vocal about its “negative impact” on security.
However, this is not straightfoward sideloading as any ANdroid user will be familiar with. Apple being Apple have made this long and complex and also lucrative to Apple.
Apple says it is continuing to protect users with notarization of apps and is vetting app marketplaces it allows on iOS. However, the move makes it important to check what you download more carefully, acting more like a Google Android user.
These changes will only apply in the EU, but it is a major change to the iPhone and its operating system and could influence similar changes in the U.S. or other countries in the future.
Apple Podcast transcripts
Podcast episodes in the Apple Podcast app will have transcripts, with text highlighting in sync with the audio, in English, Spanish French and German.
The text also will be searchable and can be used with other accessibility features, such as changing the text size or using the VoiceOver feature.
New emoji
A lime wedge, nodding and shaking heads, a phoenix and a mushroom are among some of the new emoji being introduced in iOS 17.4.
Additional updates and bug fixes include:
- Caller ID will display information for Apple-verified businesses, including name and logo, if available
- Music recognition allows you to add songs to your library or playlists
- Siri can announce messages in any supported language
- Battery health will have more details in Settings
iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 Security Fixes
iOS 17.4 fixes at least four security issues, two of which are already being used in real life attacks.
Accessibility
Impact: An app may be able to read sensitive location information
Description: A privacy issue was addressed with improved private data redaction for log entries.
Kernel
Impact: An attacker with arbitrary kernel read and write capability may be able to bypass kernel memory protections. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited.
Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved validation.
Apple has also fixed this single issue in iOS 16.7.6 for users of older devices.
RTKit
Impact: An attacker with arbitrary kernel read and write capability may be able to bypass kernel memory protections. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited.
Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved validation.
Safari Private Browsing
Impact: A user’s locked tabs may be briefly visible while switching tab groups when Locked Private Browsing is enabled
Description: A logic issue was addressed with improved state management.
iOS 17.4 Supported Devices
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone Xs
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
As normal, to update to iOS 17.4 go to your iPhone Settings > General > Software Update and install iOS 17.4 as soon as you possibly can.
