New Features with iOS 17.3

  Addition of New Features due to

 iOS 17.3

iOS 17.3 will likely be released in January like iOS 16.3 and iOS 15.3 were, but February is also a possibility. The update will be compatible with the iPhone XS and newer versions, but some iOS 17 features require newer iPhone models. First beta of 17.3 was released by the Apple earlier this week and this new coming software update includes two new features until now. Following are the additional details about the new features in iOS 17.3 so far.

Stolen Device Protection

Earlier, The Wall Street Journal's Joanna Stern and Nicole Nguyen reported about instances of thieves spying on a victim's iPhone passcode before stealing the device. This is mostly happening in public places like bus station, bars etc. The thief can then reset the victim's Apple ID password, turn off Find My mobile, view passwords stored in iCloud Keychain for banking and email accounts, and even more. All in all, the report said thieves can essentially "steal your entire digital life."

When Stolen Device Protection is turned ON, Face ID or Touch ID authentication is required for additional actions, including viewing passwords or passkeys stored in iCloud Keychain, applying for a new Apple Card, turning OFF Lost Mode, erasing all content and settings, using payment methods saved in Safari, and more. No passcode fall back is available in the event, if the user is unable to complete biometric authentication.

 17.3 adds a Stolen Device Protection feature which can better protect users if someone has stolen their iPhone and also obtained the device's passcode. For especially sensitive actions, including changing the password of the Apple ID account associated with the iPhone, the feature adds a security delay on top of biometric authentication. In these cases, the user must authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, wait one hour, and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID again. However, Apple said there will be no delay when the iPhone is in familiar locations, such as at home or work. On iPhones compatible with iOS 17.3, the opt-in feature can be turned ON in the Settings app under Face ID & Passcode, Stolen Device Protection feature.

Music Collaborative Playlists

This feature was initially expected to launch with iOS 17.2, but it was not included in that update towards the end of the beta testing period. The feature was added in iOS 17.3, and Apple's website confirms that it will return in 2024. A new Collaborative Playlists option for Apple Music subscribers allows multiple people to add, reorder and remove songs in a shared playlist for all.