The third beta version of macOS Sonoma 14.4, iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, and watchOS 10.4, has been released to users enrolled in the beta testing programs for Apple system software. Additionally, beta 2 of VisionOS 1.1 is available for users beta testing software on the Apple Vision Pro.
Downloading Beta 3 of iOS 17.3/iPadOS 17.3, macOS Sonoma 14.4
While betas are intended for advanced users, they can technically be installed by anyone willing to enroll their device and Apple ID.
iOS 17.4 beta 3 and iPadOS 17.3 beta 3 are available from Settings app > General > Software Update, on any iPhone or iPad enrolled to participate in the beta programs.
Mac beta testers can download macOS Sonoma 14.4 beta 3 from System Settings > General > Software Update, on a Mac enrolled in the beta program.
What’s coming in iOS/iPadOS 17.4 & macOS Sonoma 14.4?
Beta versions of system software are under active development and features may change before they are finalized, but here’s a quick look at some of the new features that may be coming.
The biggest change comes to European users, thanks to some new regulations enacted by the EU. This includes an alternate method for installing apps to iPhone and iPad, offering an option to install apps to those devices outside of the App Store. Without additional regulations in the USA, and elsewhere, it’s unlikely that those features will continue elsewhere.
New Emoji icons including a shaking head, lime, broken chain, and mushroom, are set to debut in the upcoming iOS, iPadOS, and macOS updates.
Some minor new features like transcriptions in Podcasts app, and support for SharePlay with HomePod, are also being worked on, aside from the typical array of bug fixes and security updates.
When will iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS Sonoma 14.4, be released?
Apple has states in a press release that iOS 17.4 will arrive in March, and it’s highly likely that iPadOS 17.4, macOS Sonoma 14.4, and watchOS 10.4 will also arrive at the same time.
What are the most recent stable builds of Apple system software?
Aside from the beta program, the most recent stable public builds of system software for various Apple devices are iOS 17.3.1, iPadOS 17.3.1, macOS Sonoma 14.3.1, watchOS 10.3, and visionOS 1.0.1.
