When Will Apple Release iOS 17.4?

Paras Rastogi February 27, 2024

The stable iOS 17.4 update is around the corner, packing several significant changes. Apple has been beta testing the OS for a few weeks, with the Release Candidate also out for developers. This indicates the OS’s public release is not far away. So, when will Apple release iOS 17.4? And what major changes does it pack?

Apple is introducing significant changes in iOS 17.4 in response to new regulations under the EU’s Digital Markets Act. It will introduce third-party app store support and open the platform for alternative browser engines. Apple will also open the NFC to third-party banking and payment apps. So, if you have been using Apple Pay to make payments, you will be free to make contactless payments using other apps.

Sadly, these changes are only coming to the EU, not the US and other parts of the world. Interestingly, iOS 17.4 removes support for PWAs (Progressive Web Apps) in the EU. Apple says it has done so to comply with the DMA requirement while it works out a more secure solution.

On the other hand, iPhone users worldwide will enjoy new emojis, improved language support in Siri, enhanced stolen device protection, virtual card support in Apple Cash, improved iMessage security, notarization of iOS apps, and more in iOS 17.4.

iOS 17.4 Release Date

Apple must comply with the European Union’s DMA by March 6th, 2024, failing which it will face hefty fines. Therefore, we anticipate Apple to release its stable iOS 17.4 update on or before this deadline. History indicates that Apple prefers Tuesday to announce new products and updates, so you can expect a stable rollout as soon as a day before the deadline expires.

The company has also seeded the RC build of iOS 17.4, meaning the OS is almost ready for public release. So, you can expect iOS 17.4 to drop on March 5th or by March 6th, 2024. Apple typically releases new OS updates at around 9 am PT. So, that’s when the update should go live for your phone.

Wondering why Apple is making such significant changes in the first place? The answer lies in the EU’s recently adopted Digital Markets Act. It aims to establish fair competition in the digital space, empower consumers, and prevent tech giants from monopolizing the market.

Apple doesn’t offer alternate channels for app distribution besides the App Store and charges a hefty commission for app purchases. This directly violates the DMA. Hence, iOS 17.4 is Apple’s response to comply with the new changes for iPhone users in the EU.

These EU-specialized changes are uncertain for the rest of the world, and it’s unlikely that Apple will willingly introduce them in other countries. As for the EU, it’ll be interesting to see how Apple strives to provide the best experience while coping with new privacy and security challenges.

iOS 17.4 is compatible with all existing iPhones that are running iOS 17. So, all iPhones, from iPhone Xs to iPhone 15 Pro, will get the update. Alongside iOS 17.4, Apple should release watchOS 10.4, iPadOS 17.4, and macOS 14.4 for all compatible devices on the same day. Make sure to free up storage space on your iPhone so you can install the update without any issues.