iPhone users can now install iOS 17.4.1, a “bug fix” update on the major upgrade released early this month. iPadOS 17.4.1 is also available for tablet users.
And Vision Pro got its own patch, but there are no updates out Thursday for Mac or Apple Watch.
iOS 17.4.1 takes out iPhone ibugs
iOS 17.4 is one of the most significant upgrades to the operating system ever. However, most of the changes are available only in Europe. In the EU, the new version brought in sideloading of applications, the option to truly change the default browser, and more. The rest of the world got a smaller update with new emoji and a more secure version of iMessage
iOS 17.4.1 offers only some tweaks to the major upgrade from March 5. The release notes indicate the new version is about fixing bugs, stating simply, “This update provides important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.”
The same is true for iPad users and iPadOS 17.4.1. And users of older devices can appreciate iOS 16.7.7 and iPadOS 16.7.7.
Plus, visionOS 1.1.1 is out for Apple’s new AR headset.
We’re still waiting on …
While Apple typically updates the operating systems on all its devices simultaneously, that’s not what happened on Thursday. macOS Sonoma 14.4, watchOS 10.4 and tvOS 17.4 remain the latest versions. But these debuted March 7, two day after the iPhone/iPad updates, so their versions of the patches are likely on the way.
Apple has also not yet seeded iOS 17.5 or iPadOS 17.5 to beta testers, nor are there fresh betas for Mac, Apple Watch, etc. It’s been weeks since the iOS 17.4 and macOS 14.4 launches, and it’s rare for the wait for new betas to stretch out a far.
How to install these patches
iPhone and iPad users can install the new iOS and iPadOS versions directly by opening the Settings app and going to General > Software Update. Alternatively, you can update your devices by connecting them to a Mac (or to a PC running iTunes).
They are available for iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation and later, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 6th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later.
And Vision Pro users might need the Cult of Mac guide on how to update visionOS.
