Apple releases iOS 17.4, macOS 14.4, more

Tuesday and Thursday this past week Apple released updates across all of their operating systems. The updates include many minor features as well as bug, security, and performance improvements.

I do recommend everyone install these updates as soon as they are able because they contain security fixes for problems that hackers have reportedly taken advantage of.

Some of the biggest features do not affect customers outside of the EU: iOS 17.4 for EU customers gets support for alternative app stores, alternative browsers, and alternative wallet apps. Yes, you've been able to download browsers such as Chrome and Firefox for years, but those have always simply been Safari wrapped up with Chrome and Firefox features.

But there are many other features added with these updates such as:

• New emoji: mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain, and shaking and nodding heads, as well as options to change the direction some emoji are facing.
• Apple Podcasts now gets transcripts, allowing you to search or follow along.
• Siri can announce messages, translating into the language of your choosing.
• Stolen Device Protection now has an option to require increased security in all locations.
• Battery Health has a lot more data.
• Apple Cash now has a virtual card number so you can spend your money in places that does not offer Apple Pay.
• iMessage now supports PQ3 encryption aimed at protecting against decryption by quantum computers.
• New City Digital clock widget.
• Improved CarPlay display for cars that have instrument panel support.
• Fix for a few bugs such as accidental touches in Apple Watch and dual-SIM problems.
• HomePod can more easily learn your preferred third-party music service.

The software versions released this week:

• iOS 17.4
• iPadOS 17.4
• watchOS 10.4
• HomePod 17.4
• tvOS 17.4
• macOS 14.4 Sonoma
• macOS 13.6.5 Ventura
• macOS 12.7.4 Monterey
• iOS and iPadOS 16.7.6 (only for devices unable to update to iOS 17)