The release of @clerk/nextjs version 4.17.0 brings stable support for Next.js version 13.4.0, particularly enhancing the App Router, which is now the default for new applications. This update improves the middleware helper's ergonomics for better composability and addresses common pitfalls. The changes include moving the auth() and currentUser() helpers to a permanent location, eliminating the need for React imports from @clerk/nextjs/app-beta/client, and automating component detection for client or server usage. The new middleware helper simplifies integration by protecting applications and allowing for customizable public routes while offering beforeAuth and afterAuth arguments for enhanced composability with other libraries. Updated documentation is available to guide developers through these changes, supporting a seamless transition to the latest features.