Apple Updated Your Other Devices This Week
Apple released iOS 17.4 this week, making headlines for major changes for EU customers , as well as changes like podcast transcripts and a slew of new emojis . But with the focus on Apple’s most popular product, other updates have slipped under the radar, particularly for macOS, VisionOS, watchOS, HomePod and tvOS. Kicker? All of these silent updates contain fixes for two dangerous security vulnerabilities.
What’s new in macOS 14.4
macOS Sonoma 14.4 is a very similar update to iOS 17.4, with the exception of some important EU features introduced in version 17.4. For those of us outside Europe, these features will seem familiar. For starters, the latest macOS update introduces new emojis like the mushroom, phoenix, and bobble heads. If you see question marks in iMessage on your Mac, chances are you haven’t updated your software.
The next big change is another feature in version 17.4: podcast transcripts. This is an amazing change for everyone who uses the app. Podcasts will automatically add transcripts for new episodes as they are released, and will also retroactively add transcripts to past episodes over time. To access them, right-click the episode and select View Transcript ; or select Go to Episode , then scroll down and click Transcript . Unlike iOS 17.4, the Podcasts app for macOS doesn’t highlight spoken words in real time, and you can’t click a phrase to jump to that point in the episode (though Apple’s release notes say you can). which is a little inconvenient. disappointing; but you can still browse and search for specific words in the transcript.
Additionally, you can now choose to show only icons in Safari’s favorites bar, instead of the previous two options of displaying text and icons or text only. You’ll also see text updates in Business Messages if you opt in, so you can receive updates like order statuses, flight updates, and fraud alerts.
Finally, macOS 14.4 comes with an extensive list of security patches , including two zero-day vulnerabilities fixed in iOS 17.4 . Apple has also released similar security patches for older versions of macOS such as macOS Ventura and macOS Monterey , so even if you’re not running the latest software on your Mac, you should install these security patches as soon as possible.
VisionOS 1.1 is the first major update to Vision Pro
If you have a Vision Pro , there was a big update for your headset this week . First, this update adds support for iMessage Contact Key Verification , a security feature available on other Apple devices that ensures you’re actually sending messages to the contact you think you are. Additionally, Apple Immersive Video , Apple’s new video format that puts you in the middle of what you’re watching, now supports anchored subtitles.
Personas, the digital representation of you in Vision Pro used for video calls, also received an update. Apple says this improves the image of hair, makeup, neck and mouth and allows for hands-free Persona creation. The virtual keyboard, which was a bit buggy at launch, is improved in this update, but it’s probably still not a suitable typing option for long writing sessions.
Mac Virtual Display also received some bug fixes to make connection and discovery more reliable, and Universal Control should work better than before. You can now also set Vision Pro to use “connected Wi-Fi,” which is the type of Wi-Fi you’ll find in public places like hotels, airports, and stores.
The Vision Pro also received several new security patches , including those for those two zero days, so be sure to update your headset as soon as possible.
What’s new in watchOS 10.4
There’s an update on your Apple Watch too. However, this is a fairly minor issue. When you update to Apple Watch Series 4 or later, you’ll notice that the “Tap to show full notification” setting now allows you to double-tap to expand the notification. Additionally, if you’re using Apple Pay with Verify with AssistiveTouch , you’ll now have to enter your password and won’t be able to double-click the side button to pay. Apple claims this is a security measure.
It also comes with two bug fixes: the first fixes an issue that could cause false touches on the display. If you notice strange actions on your watch face that you didn’t do, that might be why. Secondly, watchOS 10.4 fixes an issue where contacts would not sync to the Apple Watch.
Finally, watchOS 10.4 also comes with a long list of security fixes , including those two zero-day vulnerabilities. Be sure to update them as soon as possible to protect your watch and data.
One new feature in HomePod 17.4
If you have a HomePod, you have an update for it. HomePod 17.4 lets Siri learn your media preferences when you ask to play music and other audio. This way, you don’t have to ask “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 open Spotify by default. .
This is the only update that does not contain security fixes.
tvOS 17.4 is a security update
There’s nothing new in the latest tvOS update, but it does include the security fixes we’ve discussed . I would stress the importance of updating, but chances are you have automatic updates turned on, so your Apple TV will install itself. However, if not, go to Settings > System > Software Updates and click Update Software .