iOS 17.4 Beta: AI Playlists, Podcasts & What’s New!
Apple recently unveiled the latest iteration of its mobile operating system, iOS 17.4, packed with exciting new features. This update introduces a significant leap forward in music personalization with AI-powered playlist generation in Apple Music, enhances the podcast experience with video support, strengthens messaging security with end-to-end encryption for RCS, and much more. Currently available as a public beta, the official release is anticipated in March or April, promising a substantial upgrade for iPhone users. This article dives deep into the key features of iOS 17.4, exploring how they will reshape your mobile experience and what you can expect from this highly anticipated release.
Apple Music’s AI-Powered Playlist Playground
One of the most talked-about additions in iOS 17.4 is the “Playlist Playground” feature within Apple Music, powered by Apple Intelligence. This innovative tool allows users to effortlessly create custom 25-song playlists simply by entering a text prompt. Imagine requesting an “upbeat workout mix” or a “calm evening” playlist – and instantly receiving a tailored selection. Users can then refine the generated playlist, adjusting the song choices and even selecting matching cover art to perfectly capture the mood. This feature represents a significant step towards a more personalized and intuitive music experience.
Image Credits: Apple (screenshot)
Beyond the AI playlist generation, Apple Music’s user interface has received a refresh, showcasing full-screen artwork for albums and playlists. This visual enhancement provides a more immersive and engaging listening experience, allowing users to fully appreciate the artistry behind their favorite music.
Discover Live Music with “Concerts Near You”
Apple Music is further enhancing its offerings with a new “Concerts Near You” section. This feature helps users discover live shows from their favorite artists, making it easier than ever to experience music in person. Users can filter by date and genre, and even switch locations if they’re traveling, ensuring they never miss a performance. This integration seamlessly connects the digital music experience with the excitement of live events.
Image Credits: Apple (screenshot)
Apple Podcasts Embraces Video
Following in the footsteps of Spotify, Apple’s Podcasts app is now supporting video episodes. iOS 17.4 makes it incredibly easy to switch between audio and video playback within the same episode, offering a more versatile listening experience. Creators can publish video podcasts using HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), and listeners can seamlessly transition to a full horizontal display when viewing video content. This addition caters to the growing demand for visual podcasting and provides creators with a new medium to engage their audience.
Image Credits: Apple
At launch, video episodes will be integrated with existing Apple Podcasts features, including personalized recommendations and editorial curation. HLS also incorporates an automatic quality adjustment feature, ensuring optimal playback quality regardless of Wi-Fi or cellular connection. Users can also download video episodes for offline viewing, providing convenience and accessibility. Currently, HLS is supported by leading podcast platforms like Acast, Amazon’s ART19, Triton’s Omny Studio, and SiriusXM.
Furthermore, creators will have the ability to dynamically insert video ads, including host-read spots, into their podcasts. While Apple doesn’t charge creators for podcast distribution, participating ad networks will be required to pay an impression-based fee for the delivery of dynamic ads in HLS videos, starting later this year. This represents a new monetization opportunity for podcast creators.
Enhanced Security with Encrypted RCS Messaging
Messaging security receives a significant upgrade with the introduction of encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS) in iOS 17.4. End-to-end encryption for RCS conversations will eventually ensure that messages between iPhone and Android users are as secure as iMessage. Currently, testing is limited to iPhone-to-iPhone conversations within the beta program. These conversations are clearly labeled as encrypted and cannot be read while in transit. Apple plans to release this feature publicly in a later software update for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS, expanding its reach to a wider user base.
Stolen Device Protection Now Enabled by Default
Security improvements are a key focus of iOS 17.4. Stolen Device Protection is now enabled by default, adding an extra layer of biometric authentication for sensitive actions, such as accessing saved passwords or making account changes. By requiring Face ID or Touch ID authentication in more scenarios, Apple significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access if a device is stolen and the passcode is compromised. This proactive security measure provides peace of mind for iPhone users.
Image Credits: Apple
CarPlay Gets a Major Upgrade
Drivers using Apple CarPlay will experience several enhancements in iOS 17.4. CarPlay now supports in-car video playback for select apps, including the Apple TV app, but only when the vehicle is parked to prioritize safety. This feature introduces new entertainment options for passengers during stops or waiting periods. (A welcome addition for parents during school pick-up!).
For the first time, CarPlay will also offer access to third-party AI services like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude. This integration allows drivers to leverage the power of AI for tasks like navigation, information retrieval, and communication, all while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Other Notable Features in iOS 17.4
iOS 17.4 includes a host of smaller, yet impactful, features:
- Audio Zoom in Camera App: When recording video, the microphone focuses on the subject as you zoom in, reducing background noise and enhancing clarity.
- Ambient Music Widget: The Ambient Music feature is now accessible through a widget on the Home Screen, providing instant access to soundscapes for focus, sleep, or relaxation.
- “Urgent” Reminders: A new “Urgent” section in the Reminders app groups high-priority tasks and triggers more prominent alerts.
- Unified Apple Account Hub: A new hub in the App Store, Apple Music, and other Apple apps replaces the previous “profile” feature.
- Messages Animation: A new animation has been added to the Messages app when drafting a message.
- Updated Wallpaper Gallery: The Wallpaper Gallery has been redesigned with new categories, similar to the Apple Watch Face Gallery.
- Multi-Playlist Song Addition: Apple Music now allows users to add songs to multiple playlists simultaneously.
- Health App Updates: The Health app adds a new metric: Average Bedtime, and updates the Vitals section with blood oxygen level tracking.
- Freeform Content Hub: Freeform adds a Content Hub for Creator Studio subscribers, providing access to new AI features and high-quality art.
- Personal Hotspot Data Usage: The Personal Hotspot feature now includes a Data Usage section, showing data consumption by connected devices.
- Live Captions Language Support: Live Captions now supports Chinese (Taiwan).
- Shortcuts Action: A new “Set Battery Charge Limit” action has been added to Shortcuts.
- App Store Search Bar: The Search bar has been moved back to the top of the screen in the App Store.
- iCloud.com Link: The link to iCloud.com now receives a larger, featured section within the iCloud settings.
One notable omission from this release is a next-generation Siri experience. While Apple has signaled its ambitions for a more intelligent voice assistant, those larger changes appear to be delayed once again.
iOS 17.4 promises to be a significant update for iPhone users, bringing a wealth of new features and improvements. From AI-powered music personalization to enhanced security and a more versatile podcast experience, this release demonstrates Apple’s commitment to innovation and user experience. Keep an eye out for the official release in March or April and prepare to experience the future of mobile technology. Stay tuned to GearTech for further updates and in-depth analysis of iOS 17.4.