Apple released iOS 17.3 to the general public on Jan. 22, more than a month after the company released iOS 17.2. The latest update brings some new features, like Stolen Device Protection, as well as some important bug fixes to your iPhone. To download the update, go to Settings > General > Software Update, tap Install Now and follow the onscreen prompts.
Stolen Device Protection
Apple’s iOS 17.3 introduces Stolen Device Protection for iPhones, aiming to safeguard users and their data. According to CNET’s David Lumb, this feature necessitates repeated biometric authentication, such as Face ID and Touch ID, for accessing sensitive settings and information, like the Apple ID password. The Security Delay mechanism is employed when attempting to modify these settings. When outside a familiar location, users will be prompted to provide biometric information twice; initially and then again after an hour. While Stolen Device Protection only covers a limited number of settings, users are advised to take additional measures to secure other personal information, such as social media accounts. Although optional, Apple recommends enabling this security feature for all users.
New Unity Bloom wallpaper
The new Unity Bloom wallpaper in iOS 17.3.
Screenshot by Zach McAuliffe/CNET
In honor of Black History Month, iOS 17.3 brings a new wallpaper, called Unity Bloom, to all iPhones. According to Apple, the wallpaper shows an outline of flowers that will fill with color once the display is active.
Apple Music collaborative playlists are here at last
Apple’s latest iOS 17.3 update brings an exciting new feature to Apple Music subscribers – collaborative playlists. This feature enables multiple users to control and modify shared playlists on the music streaming platform. Furthermore, you can react to a song in a playlist that someone else created by using an emoji. This allows you to instantly convey your opinion about the song to the other members of the group who share the playlist with you. The new collaborative playlist feature is an excellent way for music lovers to come together and create a shared musical experience.
Here are the full release notes for iOS 17.3:
About This Update
Stolen Device Protection
Stolen Device Protection increases security of iPhone and Apple ID by requiring Face ID or Touch ID with no passcode fallback to perform certain actions.
Security Delay requires Face ID or Touch ID, an hour wait, and then an additional successful biometric authentication before sensitive operations like changing device passcode or Apple ID password can be performed.
Lock Screen
New Unity wallpaper honors Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month.
Music
Collaborate on playlists allows you to invite friends to join your playlist and everyone can add, reorder, and remove songs.
Emoji reactions can be added to any track in a collaborative playlist.
This update also includes the following improvements:
AirPlay hotel support enables streaming content directly to the TV in your room at specific hotels. AppleCare & Warranty in Settings displays coverage for all devices logged in with your Apple ID. Crash detection optimizations apply to all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models. Certain features may not be accessible in all regions or on all Apple devices. For details on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website
