Apple has just released the update to bring macOS Sonoma to version 14.4, together with security updates to Ventura and Monterey, bringing them to versions 13.6.5 and 12.7.4 respectively.

For Intel Macs, the 14.4 update is around 2.6 GB, and for Apple silicon Macs around 3.6 GB.

Security release notes are already available, here for Sonoma, here for Ventura, and here for Monterey. The list of vulnerabilities fixed in 14.4 is huge, with around 64 entries, including three in the kernel, one of which has already been actively exploited, and another that has been exploited in RTKit. Ventura and Monterey also have long lists, which include that exploited vulnerability in the kernel too.

Apple’s general release notes report that Sonoma 14.4 contains more emoji, that it introduces searchable Podcasts Episode text, and Safari Favourites Bar has an added option to show only icons for websites.

Sonoma users will note that this updates the KEXT block version number from 19.0.0 to 19.4.0. Although it’s unusual for this to be updated mid-cycle, it’s not unprecedented.

There are also firmware updates for most if not all models. T2 firmware is updated to 2022.100.22.0.0 (iBridge: 21.16.4222.0.0,0), and iBoot is also updated for Apple silicon Macs to 10151.101.3.

Safari is updated to version 17.4 (19618.1.15.11.12), and there are separate updates available for Ventura and Monterey.

Those who have changed their iCloud settings and have FileVault enabled may well be invited to renew their iCloud recovery, or obtain a new Recovery Key if they prefer that instead. That screen may be displayed when the system automatically logs them in again after completing the update.

Last updated at 2230 GMT 7 March 2024.