Apple has started rolling out iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 to the public with new emojis, revamped battery health section, and more. These updates come almost a month after the release of iOS 17.3.1 and iPadOS 17.3.1 which came with a minor bug fix. Apple keeps refining the software experience with every 17.x update whilst also fixing security issues.
Here’s what’s new according to the Release Notes:
- Emoji
– New mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain, and shaking heads emoji are now available in the emoji keyboard
– 18 people and body emoji add the option to face them in either direction - Apple Podcasts
– Transcripts let you follow an episode with text that highlights in sync with the audio in English, Spanish, French and German
– Episode text can be read in full, searched for a word or phrase, tapped to play from a specific point and used with accessibility features such as Text Size, Increase Contrast, and VoiceOver - This update includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
– Music recognition lets you add songs you have identified to your Apple Music Playlists and Library, as well as Apple Music Classical
– Siri has a new option to announce messages you receive in any supported language
– Stolen Device Protection supports the option for increased security in all locations
– Battery Health in Settings shows battery cycle count, manufacture date, and first use on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models
– Call Identification displays Apple-verified business name, logo, and department name when available
– Business updates in Messages for Business provide trusted information for order status, flight notifications, fraud alerts or other transactions you opt into
– Apple Cash virtual card numbers enable you to pay with Apple Cash at merchants that don’t yet accept Apple Pay by typing in your number from Wallet or using Safari AutoFill
– Fixes an issue where contact pictures are blank in Find My
– Fixes an issue for Dual SIM users where the phone number changes from primary to secondary and is visible to a group they have messaged
Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222
Additionally, users living in the EU “will now have new options to:
– Install apps from alternative app marketplaces
– Install web browser with alternative browser engines
– Manage your default web browser the first time you open Safari
– Use alternative payment options for apps in the App Store with the external purchases badge
– Some options require developer support”
iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 also include fixes to 4 security flaws, with additional CVE entries “coming soon”, according to Apple.
These updates are available on all devices that support iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 including:
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro (2nd generation and later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (6th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
In addition to iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4, Apple has also released iOS 16.7.6, iPadOS 16.7.6, iOS 15.8.2, and iPadOS 15.8.2 for older devices with bug fixes and security improvements. Some of the oldest supported devices are the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, along with the iPhone SE (1st generation). Apple ended support for these devices with iOS 15. However, it is simply amazing to see them provide security updates till date for devices that are up to 8 years old, making Apple a clear winner in terms of Security & Software updates.
It is highly recommended to update your iPhone & iPad to the latest software for the best experience and the best security. What’s your favorite new feature? Let us know down in the comments or tweet to us on @appleosophy! Be sure to download the Appleosophy App from the App Store or visit our website to stay updated with the latest Apple news!
Author: Pururaj Dutta
Pururaj is the Vice President of Appleosophy and Silicon Report, in addition to being the Manager of popular Redfruit Media platforms such as TechPod Social and Apple Summit. His seasoned experience plays a pivotal role in the success of Redfruit Media, contributing significantly to shaping the ever-evolving tech landscape. As a tech aficionado, he enjoys exploring & reviewing new products, and sharing his insights with the community. With an unwavering passion for technology, Pururaj is committed to delivering accurate and insightful information to his readers.
