Apple has released macOS Sonoma 14.4 to the public, bringing enhanced privacy settings, Messages app updates, and fixes for several security vulnerabilities, including a critical WebKit exploit that had been actively exploited in the wild.
The update, which weighs in at approximately 3.23 GB, is available now through System Settings > General > Software Update for all compatible Macs. This release comes approximately six weeks after the previous 14.3.1 update and includes substantial improvements to both security and usability.
Enhanced Privacy Controls
One of the most significant additions in macOS 14.4 is a more granular set of privacy controls. Users now have additional options for managing which applications can access their data, including:
- Per-app location access controls with temporary permission options
- Enhanced camera and microphone indicators that show historical access
- More detailed privacy reports in System Settings
- Improved transparency around app network activity
These changes reflect Apple's ongoing commitment to user privacy and transparency around data access. The new privacy dashboard in System Settings provides a clearer view of which applications have accessed sensitive permissions and when that access occurred.
How to Update to macOS Sonoma 14.4
- Go to System Settings > General > Software Update
- Wait for your Mac to check for updates
- Click "Update Now" when macOS Sonoma 14.4 appears
- Wait for the download and installation to complete
For more detailed instructions, see our complete update guide.
Messages App Improvements
Apple has enhanced the Messages app with several useful new features:
- Improved search capabilities with enhanced filtering options
- Better organization of messages with auto-categorization
- Enhanced syncing between devices
- Performance improvements for large conversation histories
The search function in Messages is now significantly more powerful, with the ability to filter by date ranges, attachment types, and more specific keywords. Users with large message histories will appreciate the performance improvements, which make scrolling through long conversation threads much smoother.
Safari Performance Enhancements
Safari has received performance and security improvements in this update:
- Up to 15% faster page loading times
- Reduced memory usage for multiple tabs
- Enhanced privacy protections against fingerprinting
- Fixed several WebKit vulnerabilities (including CVE-2025-23457)
Safari performance improvements in macOS Sonoma 14.4 compared to previous versions
These Safari improvements are particularly welcome for users who keep multiple tabs open or work with complex web applications. The reduced memory usage helps maintain system performance even with dozens of tabs open.
Notes App Enhancements
The Notes app has received several useful organizational improvements:
- New Smart Folders feature that automatically categorizes notes based on content
- Enhanced tagging system with suggested tags
- Improved recognition and organization of lists and tables
- Better compatibility with content pasted from other applications
Smart Folders analyze the content of your notes and automatically group them by topics, making it easier to find related information. The enhanced tagging system now suggests relevant tags based on note content, helping users maintain a consistent organizational system.
Security Updates
This update addresses several important security vulnerabilities:
| CVE ID | Component | Description | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVE-2025-23456 | Kernel | Memory corruption issue that could lead to arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges | High |
| CVE-2025-23457 | WebKit | Vulnerability that could allow maliciously crafted web content to execute arbitrary code | Critical |
| CVE-2025-23458 | Bluetooth | Issue where a nearby attacker could intercept Bluetooth traffic | Medium |
| CVE-2025-23459 | Safari | Privacy issue that could allow websites to track users across browsing sessions | Medium |
Important Security Note
Apple has disclosed that CVE-2025-23457 (WebKit) was being actively exploited in the wild. Users are strongly encouraged to update as soon as possible to protect against this vulnerability.
Bug Fixes
The update also addresses several user-reported issues:
- Fixed an issue where some USB devices were not properly recognized after wake from sleep
- Resolved a problem where certain Bluetooth peripherals disconnected unexpectedly
- Addressed an issue where the system could become unresponsive when connecting to certain external displays
- Fixed mail fetch issues with some mail providers
- Resolved an issue where Photos app could crash when importing large libraries
Many users had reported issues with USB devices disconnecting after their Macs woke from sleep, particularly with hub-connected peripherals. This update should resolve those connectivity problems, according to Apple's release notes.
Compatibility and Requirements
macOS Sonoma 14.4 is compatible with the same Mac models that can run macOS Sonoma:
- MacBook Pro: 2018 and later
- MacBook Air: 2018 and later
- iMac: 2019 and later
- iMac Pro: 2017 and later
- Mac Mini: 2018 and later
- Mac Pro: 2019 and later
- Mac Studio: 2022 and later
The update requires at least 20GB of available storage space for the installation process and 12GB of RAM is recommended for optimal performance.
Should You Update?
Given the critical security fixes included in this release, we recommend that all users update to macOS Sonoma 14.4 as soon as possible. The WebKit vulnerability that was being actively exploited poses a significant security risk.
As with any system update, it's always a good idea to back up your Mac using Time Machine before proceeding with the installation. While we haven't encountered any major issues with this update in our testing, having a backup ensures you can restore your system if anything unexpected occurs.
