Apple has released macOS Sonoma 14.4, watchOS 10.4, tvOS 17.4, visionOS 1.1, and HomePod firmware 17.4.
macOS Sonoma 14.4
macOS Sonoma 14.4 can be downloaded for free on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of System Settings. Here’s what’s new, per Apple’s release notes:
macOS Sonoma 14.4 introduces new emoji as well as other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac.
Emoji
– New mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain, and shaking heads emoji are now available in emoji keyboard
– 18 people and body emoji support facing the opposite direction
This update also includes the following improvements and bug fixes:
– Podcasts Episode text can be read in full, searched for a word or phrase, clicked to play from a specific point and used with accessibility features such as Text Size, Increase Contrast, and VoiceOver
– Business Updates in Messages for Business let you get updates that you’ve opted into, like order status, flight notifications, fraud alerts or other transactions from trusted businesses
– Safari Favorites Bar adds an option to show only icons for websites
Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices.
By the way, Apple has also released macOS 13.6.5 for folks who have macOS Monterey installed.
watchOS 10.4
watchOS 10.4 can be downloaded for free through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50% battery, it needs to be placed on a charger, and it needs to be in range of the iPhone. Here’s what’s new, according to Apple’s release notes:
watchOS 10.4 includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes, including:
– Tap to Show Full Notification setting now allows you to double tap to expand the notification
– Using Apple Pay with Confirm with AssistiveTouch will require a passcode for additional security and will not support double clicking the side button
– Resolves an issue that causes some users to experience false touches on the display
– Fixes an issue that prevents contacts from syncing to Apple Watch for some users
tvOS 17.4
tvOS 17.4 can be downloaded using the Settings app on the Apple TV set-top box. Go to System > Software Update to get the new software. Apple TV owners who have automatic software updates activated will be upgraded to tvOS 17.2 automatically.
The upgrade includes an option for SharePlay on the Apple TV set-top box. A QR code can be displayed on the connected TV screen that can be scanned by anyone who can see it, with participants then able to add their own selections to the music queue.
VisionOS 1.1
visionOS updates can be installed by going to the Settings app on the Apple Vision Pro, selecting the General section, and choosing Software Update. You’ll have to remove the spatial computer to install new software, with a progress bar available on the front EyeSight display.
Here’s what’s new, according to Apple’s release notes:
Mobile Device Management
– Enables account-driven device and user enrollment using Managed Apple IDs
– Support for device configuration (Wi-Fi, VPN, email accounts, single sign-on, and more)
– Support for deploying apps in volume including iPhone and iPad compatible apps, visionOS apps included in a Universal purchase, and proprietary in-house visionOS apps
– Support for remote erase via MDM and device inventory data
Messages
– Adds support for iMessage Contact Key Verification
Accessibility
– Closed captions can be anchored to the playback control while viewing Apple Immersive Video
Persona (beta) and EyeSight
– Adds an option to enroll your Persona hands-free
– Improves hair and makeup appearance
– Improves neck and mouth representation
– Improves rendering of the eyes for EyeSight
Virtual keyboard
– Cursor positioning for text input is now more accurate
– Resolves some instances where the virtual keyboard placement obscures the text input field
– Fixes an issue where in some cases, the text preview on the virtual keyboard may appear out of sync with the text field in the app
– Fixes an issue where the edit menu may appear unexpectedly
Mac Virtual Display
– Improves the reliability of discovering and connecting to a Mac using Mac Virtual Display
– Resolves an issue where Universal Control may stop working
– Addresses a connectivity issue that occurs when a previously paired Bluetooth device cannot be found
Captive Network Support
– Ability to set up your device while using a captive WiFi network such as those found at hotels, cafes and airports
HomePod firmware 17.4
With HomePod firmware 17.4, your HomePod and HomePod mini should automatically update. If not:
- Make sure that your iOS device is updated to the latest version of iOS.
- On your iOS device, open the Home app and tap the house icon in the upper-left corner.
- Tap Software Update.
- Tap Install. This will install the update on all of your HomePod speakers you have set up in your home.
According to Apple’s release notes, HomePod firmware 17.4 enables Siri to learn your preferred media service, so you no longer need to include the name of the media app in your request.
