Apple Releases iOS 17.3 Introducing Stolen Device Protection and Collaborative Music Features

Unveiling Enhanced Security and Collaborative Features

NEWS  Apple  January 23, 2024  Reading time: 3 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

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Apple has released the much-anticipated iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 updates, bringing a wave of new features and enhancements to eligible iPhones and iPads. These updates not only fortify device security but also foster collaboration in the realm of music, delivering a comprehensive user experience.

 

Stolen Device Protection: Safeguarding Your Digital World

iOS 17.3 introduces a groundbreaking feature—Stolen Device Protection—aimed at thwarting potential threats arising from iPhone thefts. With this added layer of security, access to private information becomes significantly restricted in the event of both the iPhone and passcode falling into the wrong hands. Activating Stolen Device Protection mandates biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) for actions such as accessing passwords, turning off Lost Mode, making purchases in Safari, and more.

The Security Delay feature further enhances protection, introducing a one-hour wait and an additional successful biometric authentication for sensitive operations like changing the device passcode or Apple ID password. This meticulous approach ensures that unauthorized access is thwarted, particularly in scenarios where a potential thief gains possession of the device and passcode.

Actions requiring biometric authentication with Stolen Device Protection include viewing and using passwords saved in iCloud Keychain, applying for a new Apple Card, turning off Lost Mode, erasing content, making purchases in Safari, and more. Notably, actions like changing an Apple ID password incur a one-hour security delay, providing an added level of reassurance.

This security feature is available on all iPhones capable of running iOS 17, starting from the iPhone XS and newer models. Users can opt-in and activate Stolen Device Protection through the Settings app under ‌Face ID‌ & Passcode.

Collaborative Apple Music Playlists: A Symphony of Shared Tunes

With iOS 17.3, Apple introduces collaborative Apple Music Playlists, fostering a shared musical experience.

Users can now invite friends and family to join their playlists, allowing everyone to contribute by adding, reordering, and removing songs. This feature not only deepens connections but also creates dynamic playlists shaped by a collective musical taste.

The collaboration feature is user-friendly, enabling users to generate links that others can access. A playlist creator retains control, with the ability to approve contributors, remove people, remove songs, and turn off collaboration at any time. Additionally, a captivating emoji reaction feature has been integrated, allowing users to express their feelings about a song with a variety of emojis.

AirPlay 2 in Hotels and Other Noteworthy Enhancements

iOS 17.3 extends support for AirPlay 2 to select hotels, enabling users to stream content directly to their room TVs. This feature streamlines the viewing experience, eliminating the need for cumbersome logins on hotel TVs.

The AppleCare & Warranty section in the Settings app now displays comprehensive coverage information for all devices linked to the user's ‌Apple ID‌, providing a convenient overview of their AppleCare status.

Optimizations to crash detection, specifically for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models, enhance user safety by preventing erroneous activations during activities that mimic car crashes.

In a thoughtful nod to user sentiment, Apple reinstates iTunes Store wishlists in iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, offering users the ability to access and preserve their carefully curated lists of movies and TV shows.

 

Users are encouraged to update their devices promptly to enjoy the full spectrum of features and enhancements introduced in these latest releases.

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