Apple will change the iPhone forever. In iOS 17.4, there will be big updates, additional emojis, new features and improved security for everyone, everywhere.
Apple’s next big iPhone update is almost here.
And if you live in the European Union, Apple’s response to the new law, the Digital Markets Act, will make the iPhone look completely different. Here’s everything you need to know.
What DMA brings
EU law talks about increasing competition. WhatsApp, for example, will introduce the ability for competing messaging apps to appear on WhatsApp. And Apple was forced to open up the iPhone operating software to allow for competing app markets, browsers that aren’t based on Apple’s WebKit, and payment systems outside of Apple Pay—read a detailed analysis here.
To some, this sounds very appealing. To others, including Apple, it smacks of the Wild West, introducing privacy and security issues not currently found in the iPhone.
Of course, once you download iOS 17.4, you don’t have to go to external markets if you don’t want to, and in that sense the iPhone won’t change. But if you want apps that aren’t on the iPhone right now, like Fortnite, for example, DMA will bring that capability. For now, this will be for EU users, although other governments are likely to be watching closely and considering implementing similar changes.
It’s a fluid situation
Until it arrives, we may not know exactly what’s in iOS 17.4. Things are changing fast. For example, Apple removed progressive web apps from iOS 17.4, explaining that these web clip links that work almost like apps are incompatible with DMA. In recent days, Apple has performed a complete reversal and said that PWAs will continue to be supported.
Likewise, there will undoubtedly be small additions that have not yet been spotted.
Main features
Outside the EU there are many features that will apply globally. As well as new emoji, including a phoenix and a sweet lime, there’s also an easier way to check your battery health and improvements to the excellent Theft Protection, which was recently introduced. Developers can now turn off reactions in video calls if they are inappropriate (see here for full details). There are transcripts in Apple Podcasts, a new color welcome screen with your profile picture front and center. Messages future-proofing is also built in, along with updates to Appel Cash, an update to Apple Music’s design, and possible new ways to manage music on the HomePod. It’s a lot, isn’t it?
Release date
This is becoming clearer all the time. It was thought that Apple might release an update at some point last week, but that didn’t happen. Apple has until Wednesday, March 6, 2024 to comply with the DMA requirements. Since Apple releases its updates at or around 10am PT, which is 7pm CET, that date would likely be too late, though not impossible.
Only two dates remain: Monday, March 4 or Tuesday, March 5. I previously thought Monday would be the favorite, but recent changes, such as continued support for Progressive Web Apps, lead me to think Tuesday is the most likely.
As soon as it’s released, I’ll be covering it here on Forbes, so check back tomorrow, just in case.