Apple has just released iOS 17.4.1 for iPhone users. This update comes a few weeks after Cupertino gave everyone iOS 17.4. At this point, Apple isn’t saying much about what’s changing with this version, other than that it brings bug fixes, general improvements, and security updates.
Over the past few days, users have reported their iPhone batteries draining excessively, crashing issues, and other minor glitches. Although it doesn’t seem widespread, Apple has decided to release iOS 17.4.1.
It’s possible that iOS 17.4.1 will also bring a critical security fix. BGR will update the story once Apple points out what it might be.
Interestingly, this update comes after a major iOS release. With iOS 17.4, Apple had to open up its system in Europe to alternative app stores, third-party payments, and even the default browser. Here are some changes for European users:
- Marketplaces – or alternative app stores: EU users can choose to download apps from alternative app stores as long as they meet Apple’s criteria for user experience, support and fraud prevention, among other changes.
- Default browser options: EU users can choose a new default browser from the list of most downloaded browsers on iOS devices immediately after updating to iOS 17.4.
- Third-party NFC access: Bank and third-party payment services may be offered for European iPhones.
- Web apps are back: It’s almost not a feature. When Apple began testing iOS 17.4, the company said it was removing web apps for European users. Until the end of the beta cycle, Cupertino said it will not remove this feature, so nothing changes.
And for global users, Apple has brought changes such as:
- Changes to the game app: Users can now take advantage of streaming gaming apps, such as GeForce NOW. These developers can offer games within their apps.
- Messaging with Siri: Siri can read incoming messages in multiple languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, and more.
- New emojis: More than 28 new emojis are available with iOS 17.4. You can discover them here.
- iPhone 15 battery lasts longer: Apple says the iPhone 15 can last at least 1,000 full cycles with up to 80% total battery life, compared to the 500 cycles of its predecessors. In addition, there is a new battery setting that shows the number of cycles of your iPhone, when the battery was manufactured and when it was first used.
- The new iMessage protocol: iMessage is also being upgraded with iOS 17.4 with a new post-quantum cryptographic protocol that improves secure end-to-end messaging. You can find out more about it here.
That said, it makes sense why something is broken with this version and why Apple has now released iOS 17.4.1 to iPhone users. Additionally, the company is rolling out iPadOS 17.4.1 and visionOS 1.1.1.
We’ll update the story if we discover anything else about iOS 17.4.1.