Apple has started rolling out iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 to the public with Stolen Device Protection, New Unity Wallpaper, and more. These updates come a little over a month after the release of iOS 17.2.1 which came with important security updates and bug fixes. Apple keeps refining the software experience with every 17.x update whilst also fixing security issues.
Here’s what’s new according to the Release Notes:
“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 lets you stream content directly to the TV in your room in select hotels
– AppleCare & Warranty in Settings shows your coverage for all devices signed in with your Apple ID
– Crash detection optimizations (all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models)”
These updates are available on all devices that support iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 including:
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro (2nd generation and later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (6th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
In addition to iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, Apple has also released iOS 16.7.5, iPadOS 16.7.5, iOS 15.8.1, and iPadOS 15.8.1 for older devices with bug fixes and security improvements. Some of the oldest supported devices are the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, along with the iPhone SE (1st generation). Apple ended support for these devices with iOS 15. However, it is simply amazing to see them provide security updates till date for devices that are up to 8 years old, making Apple a clear winner in terms of Security & Software updates.
It is highly recommended to update your iPhone & iPad to the latest software for the best experience and the best security. What’s your favorite new feature? Let us know down in the comments or tweet to us on @appleosophy! Be sure to download the Appleosophy App from the App Store or visit our website to stay updated with the latest Apple news!
