Apple has released iOS 17.4, ushering in a new era for iPhone users in the EU. The update was rolled out early in March to comply with the EU’s deadline of March 8th. This update brings significant changes to Safari, the App Store, and iOS for users in the 27 EU member countries.

Here are some key highlights of the iOS 17.4 update:

– Users in the EU can now use a browser with a non-WebKit engine.
– They can select a third-party default contactless payment app.
– Choose an alternative third-party app store to install apps from and much more.

Developers will benefit from this update as well:

– In-app purchases can now be processed by alternative payment platforms.
– The so-called Apple Tax has been reduced from 15%-30% to 10%-17% in the EU.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is responsible for these changes in the EU. Users outside the EU can hope for similar regulations in their countries soon.

iOS 17.4 also enhances the Stolen Device Protection feature:

– It makes it harder for passcode thieves to take control of your phone.
– Face ID and Touch ID are required to verify your identity before making any changes.
– Some changes are put on hold for an hour before becoming official, giving you time to alert Apple if your phone is stolen.

To download the iOS 17.4 update, simply go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone and follow the instructions provided.

Other notable updates in iOS 17.4 include:

– The ability to read transcripts of podcasts on Apple Podcasts.
– Improved security for iMessage against quantum attacks with PQ3 cryptographic protocol.
– New emojis like a brown mushroom, phoenix, broken chain, lime, and shaking heads have been added.

Stay up-to-date with all these exciting changes by updating your iPhone to iOS 17.4 today!