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

After releasing iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 earlier this week with far-reaching consequences, Apple has just rolled out a whole series of further software updates, ranging from watchOS 10.4, macOS Sonoma 14.4, tvOS 17.4, visionOS 1.1 to HomePod Software 17.4.

As with iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4, Apple is also responding to the new EU regulations for digital markets in macOS Sonoma 14.4. According to the changelog, users residing in the EU can now use alternative payment options for apps in the App Store with the external badge for purchases. However, this option must be supported by the development team. In addition, macOS Sonoma 14.4 introduces new emojis via the emoji keyboard (mushroom, phoenix, lime, burst chain and shaking heads), as well as 18 person and body emojis in the opposite direction. The update is rounded off by a number of bug fixes and optimizations.

Apple Watches will also receive a range of new functions, improvements and bug fixes via watchOS 10.4. For example, the "Tap to show message" setting now allows messages to be expanded with a double tap. When using Apple Pay with the "Confirm with Assistive Touch" function, a code must now be entered for greater security. Double tapping the side button is not supported. The update also fixes problems with incorrect touches on the display as well as those that prevented contacts from synchronizing properly with the Apple Watch.

Apple also provides HomePods with an update. The new HomePod Software 17.4 enables Siri to learn the user's preferred media service, meaning that it is now no longer necessary to set a third-party app as the default or to provide the name of the app. tvOS 17.4 for Apple TV is also new, but it doesn't seem to have any major innovations. Just bug fixes and small improvements.

This flood of updates is rounded off by visionOS 1.1 for the Apple Vision Pro, which is not yet available in some countries, such as Germany. According to the changelog, the mixed reality headset will get MDM functions that enable deployment, device configuration and management for companies, persona improvements, the option of deleting system apps from the Home view, as well as other functions, bug fixes and security updates.