iOS 17.3 is set to be released to the public next week. The update will bring various features that people may either love, dislike, or not even notice. These include Stolen Device Protection, the ability to create collaborative Apple Music playlists, and a new Unity Bloom wallpaper for your Lock Screen. This information comes from reports by MacRumors and TechCrunch.
Apple iOS 17.3 Release Date
iOS 17.3 is expected to be released on Tuesday, January 23, according to Forbes.
Features
There are new features that you will see in the upcoming iOS 17.3:
1. Stolen Device Protection
The most exciting update in iOS 17.3, in my opinion, and many others, is Stolen Device Protection. Last year, The Wall Street Journal warned that people could easily watch you enter your passcode in public places like bars or trains. If they then steal your phone, they can easily access and control your device, turning off Find My, and leaving you without your phone. Stolen Device Protection adds an extra layer of security to prevent this.
When you enable Stolen Device Protection, Face ID or Touch ID becomes necessary for authentication. This means that even if someone steals your phone and knows your passcode, they can’t unlock it without your face or fingerprint. The feature also introduces a one-hour security delay for sensitive actions, such as changing your Apple ID password, unless you are in a familiar location like your home. To enable or disable it, go to settings, select Face ID & Passcode, and then choose Stolen Device Protection.
2. Collaborative Apple Music Playlists
Apple is introducing collaborative Apple Music playlists, but it’s not as thrilling because it’s playing catch-up with Spotify, and it was supposed to arrive with iOS 17 but got delayed.
Now, Apple Music subscribers can invite others to add, rearrange, and delete songs on a playlist. They can even react with cute emojis beside the songs, a feature not available on Spotify. Yes, even Spotify users might feel a twinge of envy! To use it, click the person icon in a playlist, copy the link, and start adding people. If you’re picky about songs, you can approve each addition, and you’re in control – turn collaboration on or off whenever you want.
3. Unity Bloom Wallpaper
The last new feature we know about is the Unity Bloom wallpaper for iPhone, iPad, and the watch face on Apple Watch. It features red, green, and yellow flowers that can bloom, inspired by the strength and beauty of the black community.
Summary
The next iPhone software, iOS 17.3 is set to launch later this month, and Apple has inadvertently revealed the exact date. The confirmation came alongside the announcement of a new Black Unity Sport Band for the Apple Watch. The release mentioned a related Unity Bloom iPhone and iPad wallpaper, stating it would be available next week and requiring iOS 17.3 on iPhone Xs or later.
The software was initially delayed due to issues with a buggy developer version, but Apple has now clarified that the finished product will be released next week. The release candidate versions of iOS 17.3 were received on January 17, suggesting an imminent public release. While the week begins on January 22, the Black Unity Sport Band goes on sale on January 23, indicating a likely release date in sync with that. Apple often releases updates on Tuesdays, making Monday, January 22, a probable release day, ensuring the new wallpaper is promptly available for those purchasing the Sport Band.
