macOS 14.4 has just been released, promising over 50 security fixes. Alongside it, iOS 17.4 continues to patch exploits as fans await iOS 18. Apple shared the list of updates, security patches, and more in a public document on its site. The new macOS, Sonoma, also adds new emojis as well as bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements. iOS 17.4 has been seeing many patches from Apple, and the list of patches has now crossed 40.
macOS 14.4 updates and fixes
The list of updates and fixes macOS 14.4 brings is extremely long. Two of the most major fixes have to do with kernel memory protection bypasses. Kernel bypasses are dangerous, and there are reports that these two oversights have been actively exploited. Other than that, security fixes have been applied to a myriad of applications and processes. This includes a Bluetooth fix that prevents attackers from injecting keystrokes by spoofing a keyboard. It also includes measures against apps being able to access user data like personal texts and photos.
macOS 14.4 Sonoma also brings some updates and changes. There are a few new emojis being added to the emoji keyboard. These include a phoenix emoji, a shaking heads emoji, and a new mushroom emoji. Users can also receive notifications for Business Updates from Messages for Business. While the update generally seems to be faring fine, some users are having issues. One person can’t use their printers anymore, and another is having trouble with GPU acceleration.
iOS 17.4’s patch list continues to grow
Apple fans are highly anticipating the release of iOS 18. It is rumored to be the biggest change to iOS in years. Until then, iOS 17.4 has been doing a lot of heavy lifting. What initially started out as just four security patches, has now grown to over 40. The list includes patches and fixes for Siri, battery health, stolen device protection, Apple Cash, and more. iOS 17.4 also adds the new emojis and business notifications mentioned above.
Similar to macOS 14.4 Sonoma, some users have had problems with iOS 17.4. These issues seem to be very rare, however, and most users welcome the increased smoothness and responsiveness the update brings. Stolen device protection is also a very welcome feature.
As with most Apple updates, macOS 14 and iOS 17 attracted their fair share of criticism. Some users laughed at emojis being touted as a new feature worth mentioning. Others Asked when Apple would make the worthwhile changes they’ve been asking for for years. Nevertheless, these updates are a net positive for almost all Apple users, especially because of the kernel exploitation patches.