Apple updates macOS Sonoma to 14.4.1, macOS Ventura to 13.6.6, releases Safari 17.4.1 for older versions

Following iOS 17.4.1 release, Apple now releases update for macOS Sonoma fixing similar security issues. Also, Apple fixes issues related to Java and USB hubs.

macOS Ventura 13.6.6 contains similar security fixes. Safari 17.4.1 is also targeting security for previous macOS releases.

  • CoreMedia security patch that solves an issue that could “lead to arbitrary code execution”
  • WebRTC flaw patch that could also “lead to arbitrary code execution”
9To5Mac

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Apple releases macOS 14.4 Sonoma, watchOS 10.4, tvOS 17.4 and visionOS 1.1

Apple updates its platforms after release of iOS/iPadOS 17.4 earlier this week. HomePod software is also updated to 17.4.

Apple also updates previous macOS releases with bug fixes – macOS Ventura 13.6.5 and macOS Monterey 12.7.4.

HomePod Software 17.4

This update enables Siri to learn your preferred media service, so you no longer need to include the name of the media app in your request. This update also includes performance and stability improvements.

macOS Sonoma 14.4

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.

For detailed information about the security content of this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

watchOS 10.4

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

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

visionOS 1.1

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

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:

https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

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Apple releases iOS and iPadOS 17.4, adjusts EU new business rules

Apple releases iOS and iPadOS 17.4. Xcode 15.3 is also released. iOS/iPadOS 15.8.2 and 16.7.6 are also released with security bug fixes.

iOS 17.4 brings alternative marketplace support to EU users, default browser change, alternative browser engines in EU. iOS/iPadOS 17.4 resolve security issues, including those being exploited in the wild.

PWA are working as before despite being disabled in iOS 17.4 beta versions.

Apple adds updates on alternative terms for EU:

  • Decisioning by membership: To make it easier for more developers to sign up for the new terms, we’ve removed the corporate entity requirement that the Addendum must be signed by each membership that controls, is controlled by, or is under control with another membership. This means an entity can now choose to sign up for the new terms at the developer account level.
  • Switching back: To help reduce the risk of unexpected business changes under the new terms, such as reaching massive scale more quickly than anticipated, or if you simply change your mind, we’ve created a one-time option to terminate the Addendum under certain circumstances and switch back to Apple’s standard business terms for your EU apps. For details, view the Addendum.
  • Alternative app marketplace requirements: To make it easier for developers who want to create alternative app marketplaces, we’ve added a new eligibility criteria that lets developers qualify without a stand-by letter of credit. For details, view the marketplace support page.
Apple Developer

Another notable change is that alternative marketplaces are supposed to stop working when traveling outside EU. ScreenTime for kids could be configured to disable alternative marketplaces.

Apple Developer: Updates to app distribution in the European Union

Release notes: Xcode 15.3 Release Notes

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Apple refreshes iOS 17.4 developer beta with public beta release

Apple makes public beta for iOS 17.4 available and refreshes developer beta. It is believed that beta refresh fixes some issues found in preparation for public beta release. iPadOS developer beta remains unchanged, which might indicate that issues might be related to DMA EU mandated changes.

Beta download: Operating Systems

Release notes: iOS & iPadOS 17.4 Beta Release Notes

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Apple releases iOS 17.3 and other platforms updates

Apple releases iOS/iPadOS 17.3, macOS Sonoma 14.3, watchOS 10.3 and tvOS 17.3. HomePod software is also updated to 17.3 version. No new Xcode is available.

Bugfix updates are available for previous major iOS and iPadOS releases – 15.8.1 and 16.7.5. Previous macOS releases also got updates – macOS Monterey 12.7.3 and macOS Ventura 13.6.4.

iOS 17.3

Stolen Device Protection

  • Stolen Device Protection increases security of iPhone and Apple ID by requiring Face ID or Touch ID with no passcode fallback to perform certain actions
  • Security Delay requires Face ID or Touch ID, an hour wait, and then an additional successful biometric authentication before sensitive operations like changing device passcode or Apple ID password can be performed

Lock Screen

  • New Unity wallpaper honors Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month

Music

  • Collaborate on playlists allows you to invite friends to join your playlist and everyone can add, reorder, and remove songs
  • Emoji reactions can be added to any track in a collaborative playlist

This update also includes the following improvements:

  • AirPlay hotel support lets you stream content directly to the TV in your room in select hotels
  • AppleCare & Warranty in Settings shows your coverage for all devices signed in with your Apple ID
  • Crash detection optimizations (all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models)

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

iPadOS 17.3

Lock Screen

  • New Unity wallpaper honors Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month

Music

  • Collaborate on playlists allows you to invite friends to join your playlist and add, reorder, and remove songs
  • Emoji reactions can be added to any track in a collaborative playlist

This update also includes the following improvements:

  • AirPlay hotel support lets you stream content directly to the TV in your room in select hotels
  • AppleCare & Warranty in Settings shows your coverage for all devices signed in with your Apple ID

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

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

macOS Sonoma 14.3

macOS Sonoma 14.3 introduces enhancements to Apple Music, as well as other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac.

• Collaborate on playlists in Apple Music allows you to invite friends to join your playlist and everyone can add, reorder, and remove songs

• Emoji reactions can be added to any track in a collaborative playlist in Apple Music

• AppleCare & Warranty in Settings shows your coverage for all devices signed in with your Apple ID

Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices.

For detailed information about the security content of this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

watchOS 10.3

watchOS 10.3 includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes, including new Unity Bloom watch face to honor Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month.

WebKit Blog: WebKit Features in Safari 17.3

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Apple updates Magic Keyboard firmware to address security issue

Apple updates firmware for Magic Keyboard addressing Bluetooth security issue. Attacker with access to keyboard itself was able to extract encryption keys and intercept all wireless communications essentially reading all keystrokes sent from said keyboard.

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