Check your iPhone now to get one of the biggest free Apple upgrades in years
Anyone with an iPhone in their pocket might want to check for the latest update from Apple. iOS 17.4 was pushed out to millions of devices overnight and features some dramatic changes including being able to sideload apps for the very first time. Adding applications away from Apple's locked-down App Store has never been an option for iPhone owners but that changes from today.
It basically makes these devices feel much more like Android with owners of Galaxy and Pixel phones having long been able to install software not found on Google's Play Store.
The changes to iPhone are due to the EU's Digital Markets Act and currently only affect those living in Europe. However, it's expected that the UK could follow soon due to the upcoming Digital Markets Bill which is currently being pushed through Parliament. Once announced your iPhone will be ready for the changes if you have iOS 17.4 installed.
It's not just apps getting a boost, iOS 17.4 also comes packed with a number of other updates including new emojis such as mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain and shaking heads.
Apple Music has been boosted to include music recognition which easily lets you add songs you have identified as tracks you like.
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If you're worried about your expensive iPhone being pinched, Apple has made Stolen Device Protection even better. This feature makes sure important settings - such as passwords changes and content deletion - can't be performed without additional biometric security. It previously only worked when the device was in an unfamiliar area but iOS 17.4 changes that to make sure the security is increased in all locations.
Another nice change is an update to the Battery Health options in Settings. This now shows battery cycle count, manufacture date and first use on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models. This should give users a better understanding of how their power pack is holding up.
Other changes arriving in iOS 17.4 include some bug fixes including an error where contact pictures were appearing blank in Find My.
WHICH PHONES GET iOS 17.4?
All of the latest devices from Apple including the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14 and new iPhone 15 series can access this update.
HOW TO INSTALL iOS 17.4
To check your iPhone, simply head to Settings, General and Software Update. Here you'll see if iOS 17.4 is available. If it is, tap Update Now for instant access or Update Tonight if you want things installed when you are tucked up in bed.
Just be aware that iOS 17.4 is a big 1.7GB file so it's best to download when connected to Wi-Fi and not a 4G/5G data connection.
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