Apple Set to Release iOS 17.3 with Advanced Stolen Device Protection

Apple is working on an iOS 17.3 upgrade and has sent three betas to developers and public beta testers thus far.

The update contains fewer new features than the last iOS 17.2 version so that the testing time will be shorter, and it is expected to be released by the end of January.

When Will iOS 17.3 Be Available To All iPhone Users?

In terms of scheduling, launching around the week of January 22 may make the most sense. We've received three betas, two of which haven't added anything significant, implying that there isn't much testing remaining. If Apple intends to deliver the update on the 22 or 23, we can expect to see the release candidate version of iOS 17.3 on the 15th, followed by the release, as per MacRumors.

Apple might possibly release iOS 17.3 during the week of the 29, but that is also the week visionOS and the Vision Pro headset will be released. As a whole new operating system, ‌visionOS‌ is unlikely to be followed by any other updates, despite Apple's tendency to tie software releases together.

Apple's last new operating system upgrade was watchOS, which was released in 2015. WatchOS was officially released on Friday, April 24, 2015, the same day as the first Apple Watch models were introduced.

iOS 17.3 Features Enhanced Stolen Device Protection, Collaborative Playlists

Last year, Apple published iOS 16.3 on January 23, and in 2022, Apple released iOS 15.3 on January 26, so a January 22 release date for iOS 17.3 would be consistent with Apple's previous release schedule.

The biggest new feature in iOS 17.3 is Stolen Device Protection, which stops a thief who gains access to your iPhone and passcode from accessing important information. It secures various services with a Face ID scan, preventing a criminal from reading iCloud Keychain passwords, disabling Lost Mode, using Safari payment methods, and more.

It also includes a time-based delay before turning off Face ID, Find My Device, or Stolen Device Protection, as well as changing an Apple ID or iPhone password. Along with Stolen Device Protection, iOS 17.3 includes Collaborative Apple Music Playlists, which was initially slated for iOS 17.2. Collaborative Playlists allow many users to contribute to a shared Apple Music playlist.

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