Apple has released the fourth beta versions of iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS Sonoma 14.4, watchOS 14.4, and tvOS 17.4. Additionally a new beta of visionOS 1.1 is available for the developers who are working with Apple Vision Pro.
All users who are enrolled in the beta testing programs for Apple system software can access these beta updates.
How to Download Beta 4 of iOS 17.3, iPadOS 17.3, macOS Sonoma 14.4
Anyone who enrolls their device and Apple ID in the beta testing program through Apple can access the latest beta versions of system software. Nonetheless, this is really only intended for advanced users.
Mac beta testers can find macOS Sonoma 14.4 beta 4 from the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
iPhone and iPad beta testers can find iOS 17.4 beta 4 in Settings > General > Software Update.
WatchOS betas can be found in the Watch app on a paired iPhone, and tvOS betas can be found in the Settings > General > Software Update section of Apple TV.
What’s new in iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, & macOS Sonoma 14.4?
Beta system software offers a look at what is coming in the future software update, but it’s important to remember that features can change, or even be removed, as they are being worked on.
New Emoji icons such as a broken chain, lime, shaking head, and mushroom are included in iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, and macOS Sonoma 14.4. In addition, the Podcasts app has a transcriptions feature and supports using SharePlay with HomePod.
Improvements to CarPlay and a small change to the Battery Health feature are also included in the iOS 17.4 beta.
By far the biggest change is coming to European users, with iOS 17.4. Thanks to new regulations enacted by the EU, iOS 17.4 will include an alternative method for installing apps onto iPhone, without using the App Store. This feature will be limited to the European Union and is unlikely to come to the USA anytime soon, unless there is some major new regulation that seems unlikely. The alternate app installation method will allow for popular apps like Fortnite to return to the iPhone.
These updates are likely to include both bug fixes and security enhancements.
When are iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS Sonoma 14.4, available for everyone?
Apple has previously stated that iOS 17.4 will debut in March, and presumably macOS Sonoma 14.4, iPadOS 17.4, tvOS 17.4, and watchOS 10.4 will launch to the public at the same time.
It is common for the beta cycle to go through multiple versions before releasing a final version to the public. We’ll be releasing the fourth beta in late February, which will be in line with a March release.
What are current latest versions of system software available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac?
The latest stable public versions of system software for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, are currently iOS 17.3.1, iPadOS 17.3.1, and macOS Sonoma 14.3.1, along with tvOS 17.3, watchOS 10.3, and visionOS 1.0.1, for Apple TV, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro.
