4th Beta of iOS 17.4, macOS Sonoma 14.4, iPadOS 17.4, Available for Testing

Apple has issued 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.

These beta updates are available to all users who are enrolled in the beta testing programs for Apple system software.

How to Download Beta 4 of iOS 17.3, iPadOS 17.3, macOS Sonoma 14.4

The latest beta versions of system software are available to anyone who enrolls their device and Apple ID in the beta testing program through Apple. Nonetheless, this is really only intended for advanced users.

Mac beta testers are able to find macOS Sonoma 14.4 beta 4 from  Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.

iPhone and iPad beta testers can find iOS 17.4 beta 4 from Settings > General > Software Update.

watchOS betas are available through the Watch app on a paired iPhone, while tvOS betas are available through 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.

iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, and macOS Sonoma 14.4 all include new Emoji icons, which include things like a broken chain, lime, shaking head, and mushroom. Additionally, there’s a transcriptions feature in the Podcasts app, and support for using SharePlay with HomePod.

iOS 17.4 beta also includes improvements to CarPlay, and a small change to the Battery Health feature.

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 alternate 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, minus some major new regulation, which also seems unlikely. The alternate app installation method will allow for popular apps like Fortnite to return to the iPhone.

The usual bug fixes and security enhancements are also likely to be included in these updates.

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.

The beta cycle typically goes through several versions before issuing a final release to the general public. We’re now on the fourth beta in late February, so this would be inline 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.