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This week, Apple released iOS 17.4, making headlines for major changes for EU customers, but also for changes like Podcasts transcripts and plenty of new emojis. But in the focus on Apple’s most popular product, other updates slipped past the radar—specifically, to macOS, visionOS, watchOS, HomePod, and tvOS. The kicker? All these quiet updates contain patches for two dangerous security vulnerabilities.
What’s new with macOS 14.4
macOS Sonoma 14.4 is a remarkably similar update to iOS 17.4, minus some of the big EU features 17.4 rolled out. For those of us outside of Europe, these features are going to seem familiar. Firstly, macOS’ latest update rolls out new emoji to try, such as the mushroom, phoenix, and shaking heads. If you’re seeing question marks in iMessage on your Mac, it’s likely because you haven’t updated your software.
The next big change is another 17.4 feature: Podcasts transcripts. This is an awesome change for anyone that uses the app. Podcasts will automatically add transcripts for new episodes as they roll out, and will retroactively add transcripts to past episodes over time. To access them, right-click on an episode and choose View Transcript; or, choose Go to Episode, then scroll down and click Transcript. Unlike iOS 17.4, macOS’ Podcasts app won’t highlight the words being spoken in real-time, nor can you click on a phrase to jump to that point in the episode (although Apple’s release notes say you can), which is a bit disappointing; but you can still browse and search for specific words in the transcript.
Credit: Jake Peterson
In addition, you can now choose to only show icons in the Safari Favorites Bar, rather than the previous two options to show text and icons or only text. You’ll also notice text updates in Messages for Business when you’ve opted into them, so you can receive updates like order statuses, flight updates, and fraud notifications.
Finally macOS 14.4 comes with a laundry list of security patches, including for the two zero-day vulnerabilities patched with iOS 17.4. Apple released similar security patches for older versions of macOS, too, like macOS Ventura and macOS Monterey, so even if you aren’t running the latest software on your Mac, you should install these security patches ASAP.
visionOS 1.1 is Vision Pro’s first major update
If you have a Vision Pro, your headset got a big update this week. For starters, this update adds support for iMessage Contact Key Verification, the security feature available on other Apple devices that ensures you’re really messaging the contact you think you are. Plus, Apple Immersive Video, Apple’s new video format that places you in the middle of what you’re watching, now supports anchored closed captioning.
Personas, Vision Pro’s digital representation of you used for video calls, also received an upgrade. Apple says it improves hair, makeup, neck, and mouth representation, and lets you create a Persona hands-free. The virtual keyboard, which was a bit of a buggy mess at launch, is tightened up in this update, but it’s likely still not a viable typing option for long writing sessions.
Mac Virtual Display also received some bug fixes to make connectivity and discovery more reliable, and Universal Control should work better than before. You are also now able to set up a Vision Pro with “captive wifi,” meaning the type of wifi you find in public places like hotels, airports, and shops.
Vision Pro also received a bunch of new security patches, including for those two zero-days, so make sure you update your headset as soon as possible.
What’s new with watchOS 10.4
Your Apple Watch has an update, too. That said, it’s a pretty minor one. When you update your Apple Watch Series 4 or newer, you’ll notice that the Tap to Show Full Notification setting now lets you double tap to expand a notification. In addition, if you use Apple Pay with Confirm with AssistiveTouch, you now need to enter your passcode, and you won’t be able to double-click the side button to pay. Apple says this is a security measure.
It also ships with two bug fixes: The first squashes an issue that could cause false touches on the display. If you noticed weird actions you didn’t take happening on your watch face, this could be why. Second, watchOS 10.4 fixes an issue that would stop contacts from syncing with your Apple Watch.
Finally, watchOS 10.4 also comes with a long list of security patches, including for those same two zero-day vulnerabilities. Make sure you update ASAP to protect your watch and your data.
One thing new with HomePod 17.4
If you have a HomePod, you have an update for it. HomePod 17.4 enables Siri to learn your media preferences when requesting music and other audio playback. That way, you don’t need to request “Hey Siri, play Taylor Swift on Spotify” every time: Going forward, you should be able to say “Hey Siri, play Taylor Swift,” and the assistant should pull up Spotify by default.
This is the one update that doesn’t contain security patches.
tvOS 17.4 is a security update
There’s nothing new on the surface with tvOS’ latest update, but it does include the security patches we’ve discussed. I’d stress the importance of updating, but in all likelihood, you have Automatic Updates enabled, so your Apple TV will install on its own. If not, however, head to Settings > System > Software Updates and hit Update Software.
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