This week has been particularly busy in terms of updates. Just a few days ago, iOS 17.4 arrived, and now macOS 14.4, watchOS 10.4, and also version 17.4 of the HomePod operating system are here as well. Let's go over all the new features coming with these versions.
Minor new features and a long list of security improvements
Starting with macOS Sonoma, where the list of new features is considerable, we see many of the improvements we've already seen in iOS 17.4 such as changes in Podcasts, Messages, or the new Emoji. The exact list is as follows:
- New emoji, among them, we find a mushroom, a phoenix, a lime, a broken chain, and emojis of heads saying yes and no.
- 18 people and body emoji now support orientation in both directions.
- Ability to read the full text of episodes, search for words or phrases, play from a specific point.
- Messages updates for Business, which allows us to receive updates such as the status of an order, flight notifications, fraud alerts, and other transactions from businesses we communicate with via iMessage.
On the side of watchOS 10.4, the update brings a few improvements, though interesting, and a couple of bug fixes that are important to mention. The changes are these:
- A new setting to Show Full Notification with double tap to expand the notification.
- The use of Apple Pay with AssistiveTouch Confirmation now requires a passcode for added security.
- Fixing an error that could cause false touches on the screen.
- Solution to a contact synchronization error for some devices.
As for the HomePod, with its version 17.4, it improves Siri's functioning with music streaming apps. Now the assistant learns our service preferences, so instead of having to say "Play such song on Pandora" or "This song on Apple Music", we can ask for the songs and the system will know where to look for them.
Regarding security, Apple's recent updates have placed significant emphasis on protecting against vulnerabilities. macOS Sonoma 14.4 leads the list with more than 50 security improvements, addressing two actively exploited errors related to kernel failures and RTKit. The updates for iOS 17.4, watchOS 10.4, tvOS 17.4, and visionOS 1.1 also include various security fixes, many of them common, and reason enough for us to update as soon as possible.
How to do it? Very easy, while on the HomePod the process is done from the iPhone's Home app, for the rest we just have to open the Settings app, go to General and tap on Software Update. After tapping Download and Install, in a few minutes we will enjoy all the new features and greater security.
On Hanaringo | How to block alternative app stores on the iPhone within Europe