Update: An earlier version of this article incorrectly described iOS 17.4.1 as a beta. The article here has been changed to more accurately describe the software as a final release.
Apple has released iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 to developers -- part of the wider iOS 17 software that was introduced at WWDC 2023. According to Apple's release notes, iOS/iPadOS 17.4.1 comes with a bunch of security updates and bug fixes.
For customers who are still on iOS 16, Apple has also released an iOS 16.7.7 security update. This release comes before the expected iOS 17.5, which should introduce more feature-related changes.
As always, Apple offered little explanation for the patch, other than the standard description the company offers for this type of fix: "This update provides important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.”
A distraction from... the thing?
In all honesty though, Apple has bigger fish to fry today than a minor software rollout.
Earlier today, Apple was hit with a bombshell lawsuit from the Department of Justice in the US. It alleges Apple holds a smartphone monopoly that it deems is allowing Apple to "extract more money from consumers."
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said, "Apple has gone from revolutionizing the smartphone market to stalling its advancement.” The lawsuit will look into Apple's policies which are said to be anti-competitive. The iOS 17.4.1 beta has probably been scheduled for a while now. But having it release after this latest development is going to be a nice distraction from lawsuit news. At least, for the time being.
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