If you own an Apple smartphone, you should always make sure you’ve got the latest iPhone update. While new updates introduce new features and functionalities, they also bump up the security and do away with any software faults, making the iPhone experience even cleaner for day-to-day use. In this guide, we’ve got all the details on the latest iOS 17.4 update, as well as how you can download it for yourself.
For more help to get around your Apple hardware, we’ve got guides on how to scan with iPhone, how to delete apps on iPhone, how to delete albums on iPhone, and how to use an iPhone flashlight. Or, if you’re looking for something fun to get into once the update is complete, check out our picks for the best iPhone games.
How do I get the latest iPhone update?
You can the latest iOS iPhone update, version 17.4, providing it’s part of the iPhone XR range or a more recent model. Unfortunately, any model pre-dating the iPhone XR isn’t able to update to the latest software, so if you want the freshest iOS, you may need to get a newer device. You can see the full list of compatible devices on the Apple support site.
If you have an iPhone capable of upgrading to the most recent software update, follow these simple steps to update your Apple device.
- Plug your iPhone into a charger (updates can take a long time and drain a significant amount of battery)
- Unlock your iPhone
- Head to the ‘settings’ menu
- Select the ‘general’ option
- Hit ‘download and install’ at the bottom of the screen
What’s new to iPhone update 17.4?
With the iOS 17.4 update mainly addressing Apple’s issues with EU law, the new version of the software didn’t introduce quite as many features as the iOS 17 update. Still, outside of new emojis, there are a few things of note that we’ve listed below.
Podcast transcripts
One of the big new features of iOS 17.4 is the introduction of podcast transcripts. No longer do you need to keep repeating the last 15 seconds to try and that quiet bit of dialogue, with your iPhone doing the hard work for you. It’s only a little thing, but it’s very useful if you want to quote your favorite podcaster.
Battery health for iPhone 15
While this feature is exclusive to iPhone 15 users, it’s still a pretty useful one. You can now get more information on the battery health of your device, including when it was made and first used, to keep on top of when it might be time to get a replacement phone. It’s not the most exciting of inclusions, but it can be useful for those looking to pick up a pre-owned iPhone 15 in the future.
Game streaming apps
While most of the changes as part of the iOS 17.4 update are exclusive to Europe, this one is worldwide. Now, you can use apps like Xbox Cloud Gaming and others on your iPhone. It might not seem like it, but this is a pretty significant change in tact from Apple.
With that, you’re up to date on the latest iPhone update for iOS 17.4. To find some fun titles to try on your newly updated device, see our picks for the best mobile MMORPGs. Or, if you can’t wait to get your hands on the next Apple device, check out our guide to everything we know about the iPhone 16.