Apple to release iOS 17.3 next week, bringing Stolen Device Protection, collaborative playlists

Apple today confirmed that iOS 17.3 will be released to the public next week, giving iPhone users new features like stolen device protection and collaborative Apple Music playlists.

The company discreetly revealed the software update’s release date in a press release about the new Black Unity Sport Band and accompanying watch face for Apple Watch featuring red, green and yellow flowers that represent “the rich cultural diversity of black communities around the world” , Apple wrote.

There will also be a new Unity Bloom wallpaper for iPhone and iPad, available next week when iOS 17.3 is released.

Image Credits: apple

The most anticipated feature coming to iOS is Stolen Device Protection, a security setting that provides an extra layer of protection if someone steals your iPhone and also gets your passcode. The feature can be enabled via Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Stolen device protection.

Stolen device protection requires the mandatory use of Face ID or Touch ID before performing sensitive actions such as accessing passwords or passcodes stored in iCloud Keychain, using saved payment methods in Safari, and interacting with certain Apple Cash and Apple actions Card Savings in the Wallet app, such as sending money to your bank account.

Additionally, there will be a security delay if you change sensitive settings, including creating a new Apple ID password, turning off Find My, and updating selected Apple ID security settings, such as removing a trusted device or phone number. However, no delay is required when your iPhone is at home, work, or other known locations.

Apple’s new protection feature appears to be a solution to a serious problem mentionted by the Wall Street Journal last year. Thieves were found snooping on an iPhone user’s passcode in public places (bars were a common location) before stealing the device. Password access allows them to quickly change their Apple ID password and then access sensitive information stored in iCloud Keychain.

Image Credits: apple

We’ll also likely see Apple Music collaborative playlists as part of the update, a feature originally promised for iOS 17. Apple previously famous in the iOS 17 feature list that it was delayed to 2024 and later, reportedly appeared in iOS 17.3 beta.

Apple Music’s collaborative playlist feature goes without saying. It allows subscribers to create playlists with others, which is great for friends and family members who want to bond over shared music preferences. Additionally, you can use emojis to react to song selections in Now Playing.

The feature can be activated by clicking the person-shaped icon on a playlist, which will then provide a link. Multiple people can be added and everyone has the ability to add, rearrange and remove songs. However, the playlist administrator can also choose to approve requests to add songs. They also have the ability to remove people and disable the co-op feature entirely.

Spotify, one of Apple Music’s biggest competitors, launched a real-time collaborative playlist feature, “Jam,” in September.