Apple released iOS/iPad 17.4.1 last week with some important bug fixes and security updates that you probably already have installed on your iPhones and iPads. But if you don’t, you’ll get a new version when you do, and it’s not clear why.
According to several sources on It doesn’t appear to have been released over the air, but you can download the IPSW files to a Mac and install them using Finder.
The fact that Apple hasn’t provided it to users means there are unlikely to be any notable fixes. The original update fixed a bug when scanning QR codes on some iPad models and included security updates for CoreMedia and Web RTC. The new version could include specific updates for the new iPad Air and iPad Pro, which are expected to arrive in early April. Aaron on X I searched the code and found no mention of new iPads in the update.
Apple has yet to release the beta version of iOS 17.5, which was supposed to arrive several weeks ago.
To install an IPSW file on your iPhone or iPad, connect the device to your Mac using a USB-C cable and select “Trust this computer” if prompted. Then select your device in the Finder sidebar, hold down the Option key and click the button Check for an update button. Open the IPSW file on your computer and follow the prompts.
