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Post: Exploring the Latest Innovations: A Deep Dive into iOS 17.4 Beta 4’s New Features and Enhancements

Exploring the Latest Innovations: A Deep Dive into iOS 17.4 Beta 4’s New Features and Enhancements. iOS 17.4 beta 4 introduces a number of changes and new features aimed at enhancing user experience and compliance with new regulations, especially in the European Union. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what’s new:

Personalized Welcome Screen and Battery Updates

Upon rebooting into iOS 17.4 for the first time, users will be greeted with a new welcome screen that is personalized with their profile picture. The update also introduces modifications to the “Battery” menu in the Settings app, making it easier to understand if an iPhone’s battery health is considered “normal”. Additionally, it’s mentioned that the iPhone 15 batteries are performing better than initially anticipated [❞].

New CarPlay Features

For drivers of certain vehicles, iOS 17.4 beta 4 adds a new CarPlay feature that displays information about upcoming maneuvers through a “new instrument cluster experience”. This allows users to swap the display type between the main and instrument cluster screen by tapping the map configuration button [❞].

Enhancements for EU Users

Significant updates have been made specifically for EU users, including the option to choose a new default web browser other than Safari, access to the NFC chip for third-party payment apps, and the allowance of alternative browser engines. These changes comply with the European Union’s regulations, providing users with more flexibility in their app choices and payment options [❞].

Gaming and App Store Changes

iOS 17.4 opens the door for streaming game apps like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce NOW to be offered as standalone apps on the iPhone and iPad. This marks a significant change from the previous policy that restricted these services to web apps. Furthermore, the App Store now allows mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots, and plug-ins to use the in-app purchase system, providing a broader range of content and services available to users [❞].

New Emoji and Siri Enhancements

The update adds new emoji characters, including a lime, an edible brown mushroom, a phoenix, and more, as part of the Unicode 15.1 update. Additionally, “Messaging with Siri” has been improved to allow Siri to read incoming messages in a specific language, enhancing the versatility of voice commands and interactions [❞].

Podcasts and Music Updates

The “Listen Now” tabs in Apple Music and Podcasts have been renamed to “Home”, and the Podcasts app introduces transcripts for episodes, similar to how lyrics are presented in the Apple Music app [❞].

Next-Generation CarPlay and SharePlay

iOS 17.4 references support for next-generation CarPlay apps, including new functionalities like Car Camera, Climate, Media, and Tire Pressure monitoring, indicating a deeper integration of iOS into the vehicle’s system [❞]. However, the SharePlay music control feature for HomePod and Apple TV, introduced in earlier betas, was removed in beta 2, and it remains unclear if it will be reintroduced before the official release [❞].

Miscellaneous Features

Other notable features include a Live Activity function for the Stopwatch feature, enhancements to the Apple TV app’s interface, a comprehensive purchase history in the App Store for an Apple ID, and a new City Digital Clock widget for the Home Screen or Lock Screen [❞].

Apple plans to release iOS 17.4 to the public in March, likely during the first week, bringing these updates and features to a wider audience [❞]. This update underscores Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience, embracing new regulations, and expanding the ecosystem’s capabilities. For more detailed information, you can visit the articles on 9to5Mac [❞] and MacRumors [❞].

iOS 17.4 beta 4 hands-on with new beta features and changes: new CarPlay updates, improved Hello Screen, PQ3 Encryption for iMessage, new Battery Health Settings, and more!

iMessage Quantum Security details: More info on PQ3 encryption: https://9to5mac.com/2024/02/21/imessa…​
Polestar 2 CarPlay hands-on: https://9to5mac.com/2023/09/19/hands-…​

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→ Chapters
00:00​ Introduction
00:21​ Quantum computer protection for iMessage
03:00​ Updated ‘Hello’ Screen
03:49​ Build number
04:03​ New CarPlay instrument cluster experience
05:23​ ‘Battery Health’ separated from ‘Charging Optimization’
05:38​ Battery Health Status
06:01​ Cycle Count moved
06:23​ iPhone 15 battery lifespan update
07:03​ Everything else

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About the Author: Bernard Aybout (Virii8)

I am a dedicated technology enthusiast with over 45 years of life experience, passionate about computers, AI, emerging technologies, and their real-world impact. As the founder of my personal blog, MiltonMarketing.com, I explore how AI, health tech, engineering, finance, and other advanced fields leverage innovation—not as a replacement for human expertise, but as a tool to enhance it. My focus is on bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical applications, ensuring ethical, responsible, and transformative use across industries. MiltonMarketing.com is more than just a tech blog—it's a growing platform for expert insights. We welcome qualified writers and industry professionals from IT, AI, healthcare, engineering, HVAC, automotive, finance, and beyond to contribute their knowledge. If you have expertise to share in how AI and technology shape industries while complementing human skills, join us in driving meaningful conversations about the future of innovation. 🚀