Just a couple of weeks after the enormous iOS 17.4 iPhone software release (full details of that here) came the compact, focused iOS 17.4.1. Here’s how it’s going down and whether you should wait or install it now.
Please note I’ll be updating this post in a week, on Friday, March 29, with a final thought on whether you should upgrade.
Who Is It For And How Do You Get It?
This big update works in the same way as other iOS 17 releases, so you need an iPhone from 2018 or more recent. That means iPhone XS, iPhone XR, plus all models of the following series: iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14 and the latest iPhone 15. It also includes the iPhone SE second-and third-generation phones. If you have automatic updates set to on, it’ll arrive in due course, but you will likely get it sooner if you click on the Settings app, then opt for General, then Software Update.
What It’s About
We just don’t know that much about this release, which suggests it’s what Apple says, that is, bug fixes and security updates. After the behemoth that was iOS 17.4, that might be a relief.
Apple iOS 17.4.1 Security
Again, all we know is what Apple said, specifically, ““This update provides important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.” That means there are security changes which are important and which Apple deems as urgent.
Initial Reactions
The first reactions seem broadly positive, though there are certainly some reservations. However, they don’t—yet—seem to be widespread. I’ll be keeping an eye on things in the coming days, as usual. A user based in the European Union pointed out that for those customers there was “New options for app marketplaces, web browsers and payments for EU.”
On the whole, though, there have been some complaints but not many. So…
Apple iOS 17.4 Initial Verdict: Upgrade
We don’t know the full details of the security fixes here, but as there are scant complaints, it’s worth upgrading, for now. Please check back next Friday for the final verdict.
